Job Specs_Green River_Exotic Species Control~1.docx

Site Specific Job Specification Form W-76-D Habitat Project W-76-D Project Name: Green River Woody and Exotic Species Control Project Site Name and County: Green River State Wildlife Area, Lee County DNR Site Name and County: Green River State Wildlife Area, Lee County The following specifications shall be applied to the above-named job.

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

1.1. GOAL: Control of invasive shrubs, trees, and woody resprouts using basal bark and foliar herbicide applications in designated Illinois Natural Areas Inventory areas at Green River State Wildlife Area.

1.2. SUPPLIES AND/OR SERVICES REQUIRED

1.2.1. Vendor shall provide the labor and materials necessary to control invasive woody species as directed below including, but not limited to: bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, white mulberry, black locust, silver maple, and black cherry.

1.2.2. Some of the work will occur during the dormant season (November – February) and consist of basal bark application. Additional basal bark treatments are allowed outside of the dormant season during appropriate conditions (dry stems and temps below 75 degrees F). Care must be taken to avoid damaging non-target plant species. Backpack sprayers will be used to treat individual stems with 20% Garlon 4 (or equivalent) with basal bark oil and dye. Black locusts will be treated with 25% Garlon 4 (or equivalent) and 3% Milestone (or 5% Transline) with basal bark oil and dye. Stems will be sprayed with a 1-6" wide band of herbicide encircling the stem at its base (wider band for larger stems). Care must be taken to treat every single stem of each invasive shrub. Diesel fuel and kerosene may not be used as a carrier for chemical treatments.

1.2.3. In high-quality natural areas (remnant prairies or wetlands) invasive woody species will be controlled by basal bark herbicide treatment. Care must be taken to avoid damaging non-target plant species. If temperatures exceed 75 degrees F, careful foliar spraying will be allowed to control woody resprouts using backpack herbicide sprayers. Vendor shall use 5% solution of Garlon 3A or Vastlan in water (with adequate surfactant and dye) for foliar treatment of all woody resprouts except bush honeysuckle. Bush honeysuckle shall be treated using foliar application of 5% solution of glyphosate in water (with adequate surfactant and dye). Foliar herbicide treatment should be conducted with winds at approximately 5 mph, not to exceed 10 mph. Extreme caution needs to be exercised to avoid over-spray and drift. Herbicide should not be applied to the point of runoff. Herbicide applicator shall use spray nozzle apertures to minimize drift and with precision shut-off valves to avoid over-spray and to minimize contact with native species.

1.2.4. In areas outside of high-quality natural areas, foliar herbicide will be applied during the growing season using a 30-50 gal herbicide sprayer mounted on an ATV. Vendor shall use 5% solution of Garlon 3A (or Vastlan) and 2% solution of 2,4-D in water (with adequate surfactant and dye) for all woody resprouts except bush honeysuckle. Bush honeysuckle shall be treated using foliar application of 5% solution of glyphosate in water (with adequate surfactant and dye). Foliar herbicide treatment should be conducted with winds at approximately 5 mph, not to exceed 10 mph. Extreme caution needs to be exercised to avoid over-spray and drift. Herbicide should not be applied to the point of runoff. Herbicide applicator shall use spray nozzle apertures to minimize drift and with precision shut-off valves to avoid over-spray and to minimize contact with native species.

1.2.5. Vendor shall not spray any native woody species including, but not limited to: fragrant sumac, hazelnut, and leadplant. Vendor shall use caution to avoid spraying any native plant species in the work units including, but not limited to: liatris (blazing star), puccoon, fragrant sumac, pale purple coneflower, wild quinine, and leadplant.

1.2.6. Foliar treatment will be necessary if basal treatments are less than 90% effective. Foliar herbicide will be applied using a herbicide backpack sprayer or ATV-mounted herbicide sprayer as directed by the Primary Job Coordinator. Backpack sprayers shall be used in higher quality portions of the natural area and an ATV-mounted sprayer shall be used, when appropriate, in lower quality portions of the natural area. If foliar treatment is necessary, vendor shall use 5% solution of Garlon 3A (or Vastlan) and 2% solution of 2,4-D in water for all exotic species except bush honeysuckle and black locust. Bush honeysuckle shall be treated using foliar application of 5% solution of Roundup. Black locust resprouts shall be foliar sprayed with 0.75% Milestone (or Transline) mixed with water, surfactant, and dye. Foliar herbicide treatment should be conducted with winds at approximately 5 mph, not to exceed 10 mph. Extreme caution needs to be exercised to avoid over-spray and drift. Herbicide should not be applied to the point of runoff. Herbicide applicator shall use spray nozzle apertures to minimize drift and with precision shut-off valves to avoid over-spray and to minimize contact with native species.

1.2.7. For all work described above, the applicator will follow all label restrictions for mixing and applying herbicides. No work will be permitted during rain fall or if rain is forecasted within twelve hours of herbicide application. All mixing of herbicide and filling of herbicide sprayers will be done off the natural area and must be done over a plastic tub to collect any spills. If a spill occurs it must be reported immediately to the Primary Job Coordinator and cleaned up by the Vendor. Empty herbicide containers will be properly disposed of as required by Federal law. All staging and equipment storage and chemical mixing sites shall be approved by the Primary Job Coordinator. Materials safety data sheets (MSDS) for all pesticides shall be kept on the work site. Vendor shall post required signage for re-entry restrictions per label.

1.2.8. General Work Details

1.2.8.1 Vendor shall provide all herbicide, adjuvants, and dye identified in the job specifications and follow all label restrictions for mixing and applying herbicides and shall use all herbicides according to the manufacturer’s label directions. Materials safety data sheets (MSDS) for all pesticides shall be kept on the work site. Vendor shall post required signage for re-entry restrictions per label.

1.2.8.2 Foliar spraying shall be conducted with winds not to exceed ten (10) mph. Extreme caution shall be exercised to avoid over-spray and drift. Vendor’s herbicide applicator shall use spray nozzle apertures to minimize drift and with precision shut-off valves to avoid over-spray and to minimize contact with native species.

1.2.8.3 Extreme care shall be taken to avoid non-target contamination with herbicides or herbicide spills within high quality natural areas. The Primary Job Coordinator shall provide a map and list of species of special concern to familiarize the Vendor’s staff with the species present and to assist Vendor’s staff in preventing unintentional treatment of endangered or threatened species. Notable damage to non-target species shall result in the termination of the contract and contract obligations.

1.2.8.4 Vendor shall not apply herbicides to target plants if leaves maintain any surface moisture (e.g., dew) or if rain is predicted within time constraints of labeled rain fast duration.

1.2.8.5 The Primary Job Coordinator reserves the right to restrict access of Vendor to the job site with 24 hours’ notice. Vendor shall abide by all site rules and all site and job-based restrictions imposed by the Primary Job Coordinator.

1.2.8.6 Vendor shall limit vehicular access to paved roads or limestone trails or to routes approved by the Primary Job Coordinator. The Primary Job Coordinator may suspend all vehicle access or work if excessive damage to the area is noted.

1.2.8.7 The Vendor shall meet with the Primary Job Coordinator on-site prior to initiating work to identify access routes and locations for staging equipment and materials and for mixing of chemicals and filling of herbicide sprayers, site conditions for work and chemical selection.

1.2.8.8 All mixing of herbicide and filling of herbicide sprayers shall be done outside of the natural area over a plastic tub to collect any spills. If a spill occurs it shall be reported immediately to the Site Superintendent or Primary Job Coordinator and shall be cleaned up by the Vendor. Empty herbicide containers shall be properly disposed of as required by Federal law.

1.2.8.9 All equipment and work clothing including boots shall be clean and free of any weed seeds prior to entering or leaving the work area to prevent the spread of invasive species within and among job sites and other areas where the Vendor may have worked.

1.2.8.10 Keyed access may be required to reach project areas. Keys shall be provided to the Vendor for the duration of the project. They must be returned prior to any payment being made.

1.2.8.11 All questions or communications related to this Project from the public or news media shall be forwarded immediately to the Primary Job Coordinator.

1.2.8.12 INSURANCE: Vendor shall, at all times during the term of this contract and any renewals or extensions, maintain and provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the State as an additionally insured for all required bonds and insurance. Certificates may not be modified or canceled until at least thirty (30) days’ notice has been provided to the State. Vendor shall provide: (a) General Commercial Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence (Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage) and $2,000,000 Annual Aggregate; (b) Auto Liability, including Hired Auto and Non-owned Auto (Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage), in amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence; and (c) Worker’s Compensation Insurance in the amount required by law. Insurance shall not limit Vendor’s obligation to indemnify, defend, or settle any claims.

1.2.8.13 Modifications to Scope of Work: Change orders must be determined by the Primary Job Coordinator to be germane to the original contract and that the price is fair and reasonable. When changes in or modifications to the work become necessary, the Vendor shall submit an itemized cost for the work and shall include appropriate documentation to support the cost for the labor, material and equipment. A fully executed contract change order, signed by both parties, must be in place for any contract changes to be effective.

1.3. MILESTONES AND DELIVERABLES:

1.3.1. Vendor shall complete a work log for each day crews are working on site to document work completed, amount and type of herbicide used, and hours worked. The completed log shall be provided to the Primary Job Coordinator with each invoice.

1.3.2. Vendor shall notify the Primary Job Coordinator 24 hours before beginning work on a job.

1.3.3. Vendor shall notify the Primary Job Coordinator weekly via email with updates on work planned the upcoming week and work completed the previous week.

1.3.4. Invoices shall be submitted no more frequently than monthly.

1.3.5. Vendor shall achieve 90% control of all treated invasive plants. Follow-up is expected to spray any resprouts or missed plants.

1.3.6. Vendor shall schedule an on-site meeting with the Primary Job Coordinator at least 3 days in advance of the last planned day of work to evaluate the project and ensure compliance with the contract.

1.3.7. All work must be completed by June 30, 2026.

1.4. VENDOR / STAFF SPECIFICATIONS:

1.4.1. Vendor shall provide the required equipment and manpower to successfully complete the project in the time frame specified under conditions that minimize harmful impacts to the site.

1.4.2. Vendor shall have a valid Illinois Department of Agriculture Commercial Herbicide Applicators License. All workers under Vendor’s supervision shall have Commercial Herbicide Applicators or Commercial Herbicide Operators licenses registered to the Vendor’s Commercial Herbicide Applicators License.

1.4.3. Vendor shall demonstrate familiarity with local native and exotic plants to be able to identify species to be removed and native species to be left undisturbed. Vendor shall be able to identify such species in growing season and have experience with selective species removal techniques. Vendor and all those applying herbicide under their supervision must be knowledgeable of native flora in Illinois and be able to recognize and avoid spray application to rare plants (especially state threatened or endangered species).

1.4.4. All herbicide applicators shall wear appropriate protective clothing, including eye protection, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts and gloves. It shall be the responsibility of the Vendor to be aware of and adhere to these and all other state and OSHA regulations.

1.4.5. Vendor shall have a minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in the use of herbicides and management of high-quality natural areas in Illinois (dedicated INPC sites or sites on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory).

1.4.6. The Crew Leader will be the person who supervises and coordinates all field operations of this project. This person will maintain quality control, schedule work, and oversee herbicide mixing and herbicide application. The Crew Leader must be present on site any time the crew is working on this project. The Crew Leader shall have a minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in the use of herbicides and management of exotic species in high quality natural areas in Illinois and around endangered species.

1.4.7. At least 50% of the staff on site applying herbicide shall have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in the use of herbicides and management of exotic species in high quality natural areas in Illinois and around endangered species.

1.4.8. Vendor must provide 3 references from past projects that are similar in nature to this project.

1.5. TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY: Not applicable.

1.6. SUBCONTRACTING:

1.6.1. No subcontracting will be permitted for this project.

2. PRICING

2.1 TYPE OF PRICING: The Illinois Office of the Comptroller requires the State to indicate whether the contract value is firm or estimated at the time it is submitted for obligation. The total value of this contract is firm.

2.2 EXPENSES:

2.2.1 The Vendor shall be responsible for any expenses which may incur as a result of conducting the activities described in the Job Specifications, including repair, maintenance, or extraction of equipment.

2.2.2 The Vendor shall be responsible for any expenses which may incur as a result of inadequate treatment where follow-up is required to meet stated treatment standards.

2.2.3 Payment for this contract shall only include the Vendor’s time working at the job site and shall not include time spent traveling to or from the job site.

2.2.4 Vendor shall provide an hourly rate bid for the contractual work described. Pricing shall be in the following format (Vendor provides the Unit Cost):

All work described in the job specifications for this contract.

Hour

1,062 hours

To be determined

2.3 N/A

2.4 VENDOR’S PRICING:

2.4.1 Pricing shall be in the following format: per hour

3. TERM OF CONTRACT:

3.1 TERM OF THIS CONTRACT: This contract shall commence upon the last dated signature of the Parties and shall terminate June 30,2026.

3.1.1 In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms and any extensions, exceed 10 years.

3.1.2 Vendor shall not commence billable work in furtherance of the contract prior to final execution of the contract except when permitted pursuant to 30 ILCS 500/20-80.

JOB ADMINISTRATION

Primary Job Coordinator:

Name: Russell Blogg Position: District Natural Heritage Biologist Address: P.O. Box 509 Utica, IL 61373 Phone number: 815-313-9306 Email: russell.blogg@illinois.gov

Landowner/Site Manager:

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