PWS-Parmlee.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Description of Requirement

1.1 SCOPE OF WORK.

The contractor will provide all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to perform portions of an estimated Forest effort. This statement of work consists of completing the tasks in Section 5 to the performance requirements of Section VII. Specifications are provided in this contract, specific to the Timber Sale Areas described. The work required falls into the task category of Tree Marking:

1.2 LOCATION DESCRIPTION.

This project area is located on the Hell Canyon Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest in T.1N., R.1E., Sections 6-9, 16-19, 21, 29-30, 32-33; and T.1S., R.1E., Sections 4 and 5, BHM, Surveyed. It includes units from the Parmlee Timber Sale. All purchase order unit boundaries have been designated with pink tracer paint. See detailed project maps (Attachments).

1.3 ACCESSIBILITY.

Forest maps of the Black Hills National Forest are available from the Supervisor's Office in Custer, SD or the Ranger District Offices located in: Rapid City, Spearfish, and Custer, SD; or Sundance and Newcastle WY. It is the responsibility of the contractor to determine the most suitable route to the project areas.

(a) The Government is not obligated to do unscheduled road maintenance. Most work units are accessible by standard or 4-wheel-drive vehicle. If wet/muddy road conditions result in road damage (defined as vehicles creating > 3-inch ruts for a distance of > 300 feet), contractor will not be allowed to operate vehicles on roads. In these cases, options to walk in, access via 4- wheeler or lower impact vehicle that would not create this amount of disturbance or counting missed workdays as “weather days” may be considered.

(b) Use of motorized equipment by the general public on designated roads and closed off road areas is prohibited as referenced on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of the Black Hills National Forest Travel Management Plan. The MVUM will be modified and published annually and made available, free of charge, at the offices listed above. If the Contractor is performing marking tasks under the terms of this contract, use involving autos, pickups, and ATVs of these closed roads and off-road areas will be permitted in most cases as long as the use is directly involved in accomplishment of the tasks. In these situations, the need to have access to these areas will be addressed during the pre-work meeting for the contract and the Contractor will be issued a “special permit” detailing the roads, areas, and timeframe of use in which MVUM restrictions are waived for administrative purposes in accomplishing the contract. Copies of this permit must be displayed in the windshield of the contractor’s vehicle and be carried with the operator of an ATV to assist law enforcement personnel in confirming the Contractor’s authorized use of these resources. Contractor will be required to provide information including year, make, model, color, and license number of any vehicles that will be used in the accomplishment of marking activities in these areas. In some instances, walk-ins of up to 1 mile may be required due to unexpected reasons of inaccessibility.

(c) Some roads accessing the work area may be under seasonal or permanent closure via a locked gate placed across the traveled way. In these instances, Contractor will be allowed vehicular access via “special permit” as identified in part (b) above. In addition, the Contractor will be required to provide their own padlock for purposes of gaining access. The Contractor’s padlock will be locked in tandem with that of the Forest Service lock to allow access to either party. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that their personnel keep these gates locked at all times after passing through.

(d) Unexpected reasons for inaccessibility due to fallen trees, slides, washouts on roads, etc., may or may not be corrected at the option of the Government. If access is blocked causing walk-ins in excess of 1 mile, the Government may provide an alternate access route or delete the inaccessible unit(s).

(e) Unit maps may show spur roads into work units. The spur roads shown may not be passable or may not have been constructed yet. Contractors should not rely on spur roads for access to units.

1.4 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL.

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person, and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent, shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative, or alternate, shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

1.4.1 Key Personnel Qualifications– First Line Supervisor (Crew Leader of forestry workers)

First-Line Supervisor shall directly supervise and coordinate the activities of forestry and related workers. First-Line Supervisor shall have two to three years or more of National Forest or private lands tree marking experience. Demonstrates to have used a prism or other measuring device to determine the required residual basal area stocking level in a treatment unit.

Demonstrates to have used a diameter tape or other measuring device to determine tree diameters at 4 and ½ feet. Demonstrate knowledge and capability to follow marking guides.

Demonstrate capability to select good phenotypical trees that exhibit good leave tree characteristics that include, straight boles, healthy vigorous crowns with live crown ratio over

40% and pyramidal shaped crowns with healthy foliage. Demonstrates capability to read topographical maps, use a GPS or compass.

The First-Line Supervisor will have access to and reference an organized written QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP) document used for monitoring contract performance. The document contains specific methods the Contractor will use to self-inspect performance to meet the ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL) for the required tasks in the contract.

1.4.2 – Work Plan/Schedule

The Work Plan shall include a list of all employees/personnel working on this contract identifying each by their Occupational Code/ Job Title for work as it applies to this contract under the applicable Service Contract Act wage rate. The initial Work Plan shall be provided at the pre-work meeting and be updated whenever any personnel changes occur. All Subcontractors must also provide a list of all employees/personnel working on this contract identifying each by their Occupational Code/ Job Title as it applies to this contract under the applicable Service Contract Act wage rate.

SECTION II – DEFINITIONS

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL). The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction.

An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR). A Government person appointed by the Contracting Officer to help the Contracting Officer with contract administration, inspection of services, and surveillance/monitoring of the contract performance.

DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS). Identifies the key service outputs under the contract that will be evaluated by the Government on a regular basis, the surveillance methods to be used for these outputs, and the performance requirements of the listed outputs. These evaluation methods will ensure that contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

PERFORMANCE WORK SUMMARY (PWS). Main body of contract, encompassing Sections I-VI and describing the nature of the tasks to be accomplished.

PLANNED SAMPLING. A predetermined plan for inspecting part of the work is established, using subjective judgment and analysis of agency resources, to decide what work to inspect and how frequently it is to be inspected.

QUALITY ASSURANCE. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

QUALITY CONTROL. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP). An organized written document used for monitoring contract performance. The document contains specific methods the Contractor will use to self-monitor performance to meet the AQL for the required tasks in the contract.

RANDOM SAMPLING. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

SUSTAINABLE ACQUISTIONS (FAR Part 23.4 – Use of Recovered Materials and Biobased Products)

a. Biobased Products: Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the Bio Preferred program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products. The Bio Preferred program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded as part of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill). The program's purpose is to spur economic development, create new jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. The increased development, purchase, and use of biobased products reduce our nation's reliance on petroleum, increase the use of renewable agricultural resources, and contribute to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts. Information on biobased/bio preferred products can be found at the Bio Preferred Site. The Contractor shall comply with the clause at FAR 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts and the provision at FAR 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification.

b. EPA-designated items: Products that are or can be made with recovered material. The Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) program is part of EPA's continuing effort to promote the use of materials recovered from solid waste. Buying recycled-content products ensures that the materials collected in recycling programs will be used again in the manufacture of new products.

UNUSUALLY SEVERE WEATHER. For the purposes of this contract, unusually severe weather in excess of contract days allowed for weather will be considered as follows: Air temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, snow depths making roads impassable with standard 4-wheel drive vehicles, and wind speeds in excess of 15 mph in areas with concentrations of snags. Heavy rain events saturating the boles of trees and snow in direct contract with the bases of trees requiring marking will not apply because rain resistant paint is available to mark under these field conditions. Significant snow depths in direct contact with the bases of trees requiring marking may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but will not automatically qualify.

2.2 TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

ADEQUATELY STOCKED UNDERSTORY. Regeneration established at a minimum of 600 seedlings/saplings per acre. Usually associated with an Overstory Removal prescription or Overstory Removal in combination with another prescription. Numbers required to meet minimums may vary and will be specified in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

ASPEN CLONE. 10 or more aspen stems at least 1” in DBH within a 10’ radius (20’ diameter) of each other.

ASPEN INCLUSION. Any occurrence of aspen trees within a unit.

BASAL AREA (BA). The area in square feet of the cross section of a single tree’s stem at DBH, or of all trees in a site, expressed in square feet per acre. Generally measured via a basal area gauge device such as a Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism, BAF gauge or rela-skop.

BASAL AREA CREDIT. A credit given by the inspector under certain inspection conditions so as not to penalize the contractor for falling below the required residual basal area requirement. Basal area credits may be given when no tree exists to mark or when it is desired to maintain a uniform stocking level adjacent to opening in the stand. See definition for “Ghost Tree Concept”.

BLACKBARK. An “immature ponderosa pine” tree whose bark is very dark, appearing black.

CODOMINANT TREES. Trees with crowns that form the general level of the crown canopy, receiving full light from above, but comparatively little from the sides; usually with medium sized crowns slightly crowded on the sides.

COMMERCIAL THIN (CT). A harvest prescribed so that residual (post-harvest) trees are retained at a prescribed spacing or square feet of basal area per acre (BA).

CUT TREE MARKING (CTM). Trees to be harvested will be marked by contractor.

DEFECT. Any kind of deformity or damage in the tree, i.e. forked top, porcupine damage, crook, sweep, rot, etc.

DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH). Diameter of a tree’s bole measured outside the bark at a point 4.5 feet above ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

DOMINANT TREES. Trees with well-developed crowns, extending above the general level of the crown canopy, and receiving full light from above and partial light from the sides.

EVEN-AGED STAND. A stand of trees where all the trees are about the same age or within 20 percent of the rotation age of each other. The canopy of the stand is generally even, and the majority of stems are the same diameter.

GHOST TREE CONCEPT. A marking and inspection concept in which a basal area credit is utilized to reduce the prescribed residual BA to account for an opening in the stand. It is designed to maintain the average stocking level as opposed to crowding extra leave trees adjacent to an opening to meet a basal area requirement.

GROUP SELECTION (GS). A prescribed harvest identifying scattered clumps or groups of trees for removal from a site. Clumps or groups of trees may number anywhere from several isolated trees to all the merchantable trees in an area, up to a maximum of 2 acres in size.

Groups selected for removal are usually expressed as an overall percentage of the total basal area of the trees on a site.

GROUP SHELTERWOOD (GRSH). This is a shelterwood system treatment that is applied within pine sites which are not homogenous, but rather have patches or groups of trees of various age classes throughout the stand. A GRSH prescription may include all phases of a shelterwood system such as a commercial thin, shelterwood seed cut or overstory removal.

Contractor shall vary their marking to meet the stand conditions corresponding to each phase of the system at a scale of not less than 1 acre.

HARDWOOD INCLUSIONS. Any occurrence of hardwood trees within a unit.

IMMATURE PINE. Pine trees younger than rotation age. These trees generally have deeply furrowed and dark or black colored bark and usually have the greatest potential to maintain long-term growth in a residual (post-harvest) site. Usually associated with a Commercial Thin prescription.

INCLUSIONS. Areas within a unit or site, having uniform characteristics differing from those of the site in general and creating a distinct division between the adjacent vegetation types.

Inclusions can be of differing species, density, age, diameter, height, etc. and may require a different tree marking prescription than that of the rest of the site, if identified in the Marking Guidelines for an individual site.

INDIVIDUAL TREE SELECTION (ITS). Individual trees of all size classes are removed, more or less, uniformly throughout the stand to promote growth of remaining trees and to provide space for regeneration.

INOPERABLE AREAS. Undesignated areas, within a unit, where logging equipment cannot operate due to adverse topography or ground conditions and therefore should not have timber designated for harvest. Inoperable areas may include but are not limited to: rock promontories, steep rocky slopes, sandy or boggy areas. If unclear, Contractor and COR should agree as to what constitutes an inoperable area prior to beginning of marking activities.

INTERMEDIATE THIN (IT). A cut generally prescribed in immature, “black bark” sites for the purpose of thinning the canopy to provide growing room for residual trees. A specified basal area/acre or spacing is utilized as a guide for determining the proper number of residual trees to leave.

LEAVE TREE MARKING (LTM). Trees that will not be harvested will be marked by contractor.

MARKING GUIDELINES. The specific direction for marking each site/inclusion within a unit. Provided in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

MATURE PINE. Pine trees nearing, at, or just over rotation age.

MEADOW RESTORATION. A cut prescribed to remove commercial sawtimber from historic meadows.

MERCHANTABILITY STANDARD. Minimum sized DBH, top diameter, and stem length present in a tree for it to be considered a merchantable product and eligible for marking under the conditions of this contract. The merchantability standard may vary and has been identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

NO TREATMENT AREA (NTA). Areas within a unit/site where commercial silvicultural treatments are not currently planned. No Treatment Areas will be designated on the ground and, also, on maps provided with Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

OPENING. An opening in a site or stand occurs when the diameter or dimension of a non-forested area is two or more times greater than the height of the surrounding conifer stand.

OVERMATURE PINE. Pine trees, over rotation age, with characteristics that indicate that the tree is declining in vigor and growth. Indications of this condition are "Yellow Bark" appearance, flat-topped crowns with poor foliage condition, and large branches. Generally, >120 years of age.

OVERSTORY REMOVAL CUT (OR). The overstory dominant and co-dominant seed trees are removed from a two or more storied site. When an Overstory Removal is prescribed, the residual adequately stocked understory may require marking if the trees meet the merchantability standard.

PATCH CLEARCUT. Harvesting of all trees from an area exceeding 2 acres in size, during one entry, to create specific vegetative conditions.

PHENOTYPIC TRAITS. Visual, physical appearance of an adult tree that causes one to believe that offspring from that tree will also have similar characteristics. Preferred phenotypic traits are full symmetrical crowns, strait bole, small branch size, dense dark foliage, and evidence of being prolific cone producers.

PINE ENCROACHMENT REMOVAL (PE). A cut prescribed to remove commercial sawtimber from meadows, grasslands, prairies, or natural openings.

RELEASE. An intermediate cutting aimed at improving growth of individual trees within a site or regulating the site composition by favoring one tree species over another as leave trees.

Also, release refers to a response of increased growth by residual trees after harvest.

ROTATION AGE. The age established, for a site of trees, at which time the site is prescribed for regeneration. Usually at CMAI (culmination of mean annual increment), a point in time at which the width of annual growth rings of trees that are free to grow, peaks. Annual increments after that point in time show a trend of reduction in width.

SAMPLE TREE CRUISING. A method of timber cruising for which it is essential to know the number of trees that have been designated for harvest and for timber cruisers to be able to identify cruise trees that occurred at a specified count interval, at a later date.

SEED TREE. A tree, capable of producing cones, preferably vigorous, with a full, well-developed crown. Both black bark and yellow bark trees may eligible when selecting a seed tree, depending upon the prescription, and marking requirements.

SHELTERWOOD PREPARATORY CUT (PC). A partial harvest prescribed to correct some unfavorable condition in the site such as poor crown development or improving wind firmness in preparation for a future regeneration cut.

SHELTERWOOD SEED CUT (SC). A regeneration harvest prescribed to open the overall canopy of the site, leaving only seed trees, to allow for the regeneration of a desired species.

SINGLE TREE SELECTION CUT (ST). A cut prescribed to correct some unfavorable condition in the site, such as wind damaged or insect infested trees. Differs from a shelterwood preparatory cut in that different site objectives are being sought. Usually, a lighter harvest than prescribed for a PC prescription.

SNAG. A standing dead tree, in any phase of decomposition.

SNAG RECRUITMENT. A live tree retained in a site for the purpose of becoming a snag at some time in the future. Recruits preferably exhibit features such as flat, broken, or dead tops, large horizontal branching, or internal rot, which make them desirable for wildlife trees and future snags. If no others are available, healthy trees may also qualify.

SITE. A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in condition, species composition, and arrangement of age classes to be a homogenous and distinguishable unit. Individual sites may require a different tree marking prescription from that of an adjacent site in the same unit.

Often used synonymously with the term “stand”.

STOCKING LEVEL. For the purposes of this contract, the total basal area, of conifers only, meeting the merchantability standards identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” found on a particular site. The stocking level will be measured in square feet of basal area per acre.

THINNING FROM ABOVE. Removal of trees from the upper crown classes of a site, designed to favor codominant trees in the lower crown classes. Usually associated with the Commercial Thin prescription, with specifics being identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” for an individual site/inclusion.

THINNING FROM BELOW. Removal of trees from the lower crown classes of a site, designed to favor codominant trees in the upper crown classes. Usually associated with the Commercial Thin prescription, with specifics being identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” for an individual site/inclusion.

TURKEY ROOST SITES. A group of mature trees with an average DBH of 10-14 inches, displaying widely spaced branches. To qualify as leave trees, groups must be located in sites with a minimum of 90 square feet of basal area per acre, be at least ¼ acre in size, and not be isolated from adjacent forest cover. An exception to the above criteria is an existing roost site, identified by evidence of actual roosting, and not meeting some or all of the above criteria.

UNEVEN-AGED STAND. A stand of trees consisting of at least three distinct age classes with distinct gaps between the age class distributions. The canopy of the stand is generally broken and uneven. The smallest trees are represented by young seedlings and saplings that have filled gaps recently vacated by older trees. Most stems are in the smallest diameter class with the stem numbers decreasing as diameter increases, reducing even further until there is only a scattering of the largest size trees.

WHIP. A tree, which has had its growth suppressed causing poor form, small crown formation, limited diameter growth (usually less than 8" DBH), and spindly appearance. A whip tree will not respond to release.

YELLOW BARK. Mature and over-mature ponderosa pine whose reduced vigor and growth rate is partially evident by the tendency of its bark to turn from a black appearance to a more yellow appearance.

SECTION III - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

The Government will furnish the necessary tree marking paint and any flagging or tags required to complete the project. Notice will be given if the location at which the contractor will check out paint is different from the district on which the contract is located. Paint accountability is considered a very serious aspect of successful completion of contract requirements and will be handled according to the methods outlined in Attachment 2, Black Hills National Forest Tracer Paint Accountability Plan

(annotated for use in Forest Tree Marking Contract). Both the COR and the Contractor must immediately follow the steps in the Plan any time paint or cans are missing. Paint accountability and tracking system for checkout, check-in, and location used will be established during the contract pre-work conference. All Government tree marking paint cans, full or empty, not in immediate use by the contractor are required to be in locked storage. Tree marking paint remains the property of the United States. Any unused quantities will be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. All empty paint cans must be rinsed clean before returning to the Government. Final payment invoices will not be processed until all paint is accounted for as described above and completed “BHNF Standardized Tree Marking Contractor Daily Paint Log” forms for the entire purchase order are provided to the COR.

An investigation by Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel will be carried out involving any number of missing cans or cases of paint whether full or empty. If it is determined that the contractor willfully sold or transferred possession of any paint or cans to unauthorized parties, the contractor may be held criminally liable. If findings are that negligence on the part of the contractor is involved in the loss of any paint or cans, the contractor will be held financially liable to the limits described in Section G.3.3.

SECTION IV - CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor will provide any and all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to perform portions of an estimated Forest effort of this purchase order issued.

SECTION V - PERFORMANCE WORK SUMMARY TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

5.1 Tasks

All tree marking, tallying, cruise tree designations and re-marking tasks must be performed according to the following technical specifications and the quality performance requirements shown on the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) table in Section VII.

TASK: TREE MARKING

The Forest Service will pre-designate exterior unit boundary trees with pink paint.

All purchase order unit boundaries have been designated with pink tracer paint.

GENERAL MARKING GUIDES: Over the entire area, the following marking guides will apply:

1. This is a sawtimber and non-saw timber sale. Any sawtimber size live tree, > 9 inch DBH to

6.0 inch diameter top, or any non-saw timber size live tree, 5.0 inch DBH to 8.9 inch DBH to a

4.0 inch diameter top, and containing a straight 8.0 foot piece will be eligible for harvest as sawtimber or as a pole.

2. An adequately stocked understory shall be defined as a minimum of 600 seedling/sapling trees per acre (TPA), between 5 and 6 feet tall. They should not be poorly formed or suppressed.

3. For this contract a mature tree is approximately 100 years old.

4. In all units, any mature or overmature tree displaying evidence of wildlife nesting, cavity nesting, or with dead spike tops will be left, and will be considered part of the residual basal area. If a raptor nest is found, immediately cease work in the area, and report the location to the COR as soon as possible. Retain all trees within 10 feet of squirrel caches.

5. In all units, any tree that exhibits signs of fresh Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) attacks shall not be marked to leave. Signs of MPB attack include pitch tubes on the trunk and associated boring frass in the bark crevices and around the base of the tree.

6. Do not mark spruce to leave within 100 feet of a mature pine or within 30 feet of a hardwood stand, unless stated otherwise within the “Unit Descriptions” portion below.

7. All units will be marked LTM with PINK or ORANGE paint or CTM GREEN.

8. Visual Marking is NOT to be done in any units.

9. Remove insect infested trees (mountain pine beetle, ips beetle, and red turpentine beetle) in ALL units.

PRESCRIPTIONS

This contract applies various phases of the shelterwood system (commercial thin, shelterwood seed cut and overstory removal). In addition, some stands are designated for group shelterwood harvest. Group shelterwood includes two or more phases of the shelterwood system. Stands designated for treatment typically contain some combination of mature and immature ponderosa pine sawtimber and non-saw timber at 60-200 BA. Remnant overmature pines may be present, individually or in small groups, and some stands have seedling/sapling understories. Meadow release (pine encroachment removal) shall be accomplished in meadows and grasslands where conifers have encroached. Stands may be infested with mountain pine beetle, ips, red turpentine beetle, and western gall rust in small groups. Some stands may contain significant amounts of beetle killed timber. Pine looper, a defoliator, may be present on a much less significant level.

Commercial Thin shall be marked as follows:

In areas dominated by immature sawtimber (9.0” DBH and larger), thin from below to 60 BA (as specified in the Unit Description) leaving “acceptable leave trees”. This includes both “most desirable leave trees” and “less desirable leave trees” (see 5.2.2 1 and 2). The Contractor shall first select the most desirable leave trees, and in areas where there are not enough trees with the most desirable characteristics available to meet 60 BA, the Contractor shall select less desirable leave trees. Favor larger diameter black bark trees over smaller diameter black bark trees.

In areas dominated by small diameter trees (5.0” – 8.9” DBH) and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin trees from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

Overmature and suppressed trees are not desirable leave trees. Do not mark to leave any remnant overmature (yellow barks) unless for wildlife purposes or is stated otherwise within the “Unit Descriptions” portion below.

Seed/Establishment Cut shall be marked as follows:

In areas dominated by mature sawtimber and lacking an adequately stocked understory, thin from below to a 40 BA, leaving “acceptable leave trees” (see 5.2.2 1 and 2). This includes both “most desirable leave trees” and “less desirable leave trees”. The Contractor shall first select the most desirable leave trees, and in areas where there are not enough trees with the most desirable characteristics available to meet 40 BA, the Contractor shall select less desirable leave trees. Desirable leave trees in seed cuts should exhibit good form and good seed production potential. Large, full crowns and evidence of recent cone production are indicators of good seed production potential.

Smaller trees may be preferentially retained if they exhibit these characteristics. Overmature and suppressed trees are not desirable leave trees.

Overstory Removal shall be marked as follows:

In areas dominated by mature or overmature sawtimber and having an adequately stocked understory, remove all conifers 11.0” DBH and greater. Adequately stocked is defined as; having at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre that are between 5 and 6 feet in height, and are good quality and form. Mature or overmature trees exhibiting evidence of wildlife nesting, caching, or with dead spike tops shall be marked to leave.

Group Shelterwood shall be marked as follows:

This is a shelterwood system treatment that is applied within pine sites which are not homogenous, but rather have patches or groups of trees of various age classes throughout the stand. A GRSH prescription may include all phases of a shelterwood system such as a commercial thin, shelterwood seed cut and/or overstory removal. Contractor shall vary their marking to meet the stand conditions corresponding to each phase of the system at a scale of not less than 1 acre.

Meadow Release (Pine Encroachment Removal) shall be marked as follows:

All conifers shall be removed from meadows and grasslands. Generally, determined on the ground by a break in slope and/or change in vegetation type.

PARMLEE UNITS

Sale Unit Acres

Parmlee

1 26

2 141

3 122*

4 142

5 71*

6 36

7 242

8 239

Total 1,019

*Units 3 and 5 are incompletely marked. The total acreage for unit 3 is 132 acres and unit 5 is 92 acres.

The estimation of marked acres are approximate and have been removed from the total.

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS

UNIT 1 LTM Group Shelterwood

In the areas of immature conifers, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration present (at least 600 tpa and at least 5-6 feet tall), remove all over mature trees anywhere an adequately stocked understory exists and in areas where over mature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seedcut the area to 40 BA. Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees.

In areas dominated by small diameter trees (5.0” – 8.9” DBH) and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin trees from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

Unit 2 LTM Group Shelterwood

In the areas of immature conifers, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration present (at least 600 tpa and at least 5-6 feet tall), remove all overmatures anywhere an adequately stocked understory exists and in areas where over mature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seedcut the area to 40 BA. Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees.

In areas dominated by small diameter trees (5.0” – 8.9” DBH) and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin trees from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

Along FSR 109.4I, concentrate on enhancing aspen stands by removing all conifers within 30’ of the road. Consider aspen stands for enhancing if there are 10 or more stems at least 1” in DBH within a 10’ radius (20’ diameter) of each other.

On the southern boundary, following temporary road U770040 east and north, retain any pine that that is 20 inches in diameter or greater, within 75 feet of the road.

Unit 3 LTM Group Shelterwood

This unit is partially marked in the southeast corner. The COR will flag areas excluded from the contract.

In the areas of immature conifers, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration present (at least 600 tpa and at least 5-6 feet tall), remove all overmatures anywhere an adequately stocked exists and in areas where over mature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seedcut the area to 40 BA.

Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees. Remove all conifers from meadow sites.

In areas dominated by small diameter trees (5.0” – 8.9” DBH) and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin trees from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

Consider aspen stands for enhancing if there are 10 or more stems at least 1 inch in DBH within a 10’ radius (20’ diameter) of each other.

There are fresh mountain pine beetle hits throughout this unit. Do not mark as leave trees.

Unit 4 CTM Shelterwood Seed Cut

Retain 40 BA of the best seed trees. These should be mature trees with the fullest crowns, most likely to be good seed producers and displaying good phenotypic traits. Where possible, leave trees should be well distributed and not clumped to provide better seed distribution. Where immature (black bark) trees are encountered, thin to 60 BA leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees.

Along FSR 113.1C, concentrate on enhancing aspen stands by removing all conifers within 30’ of the road. Consider aspen stands for enhancing if there are 10 or more stems at least 1” in DBH within a 10’ radius (20’ diameter) of each other.

Unit 5 LTM Group Shelterwood

This unit is partially marked in the southeast corner. The COR will flag areas excluded from the contract.

In the areas of immature conifers, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration present (at least 600 tpa and at least 5-6 feet tall), remove all overmatures anywhere an adequately stocked understory exists and in areas where over mature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seedcut the area to 40 BA. Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees.

In areas dominated by small diameter trees (5.0” – 8.9” DBH) and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin trees from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

Unit 6 LTM Shelterwood Seed Cut

Retain 40 BA of the best seed trees. These should be mature trees with the fullest crowns, most likely to be good seed producers and displaying good phenotypic traits. Where possible, leave trees should be well distributed and not clumped to provide better seed distribution. Where immature sawtimber trees are encountered, thin to 60 BA leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees.

Unit 7 LTM Group Shelterwood

In the areas of immature conifers, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration present (at least 600 tpa and at least 5-6 feet tall), remove all overmatures anywhere an adequately stocked understory exists and in areas where over mature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seedcut the area to 40 BA. Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees.

In areas dominated by small diameter trees (5.0” – 8.9” DBH) and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin trees from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

Along FSR 111.1A, concentrate on enhancing aspen stands by removing all conifers within 30 feet of the road. Consider aspen stands for enhancing if there are 10 or more stems with a DBH of 1 inch or greater.

Unit 8 LTM Group Shelterwood

In the areas of immature conifers, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration present (at least 600 tpa and at least 5-6 feet tall), remove all overmatures anywhere an adequately stocked understory exists and in areas where over mature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seedcut the area to 40 BA. Remove all white spruce from mixed pine/spruce areas. If the stand becomes pure spruce thin sawtimber to a 40 BA, favoring immature spruce as leave trees.

In areas dominated by small diameter trees (5.0” – 8.9” DBH) and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin trees from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

In site 131, there is an even mix of sawtimber and non-saw. Thin stand to 70 BA and utilize non-saw to complete 70 BA. Remove pines from aspen clones, consider aspen stands for enhancing if there are 10 or more stems at least 1” in DBH within a 10’ radius (20’ diameter) of each other.

Along FSR 114.1K, concentrate on enhancing aspen stands by removing all conifers within 30’ of the road. Consider aspen stands for enhancing if there are 10 or more stems at least 1” in DBH within a 10’ radius (20’ diameter) of each other.

There are fresh mountain pine beetle hits throughout this unit. Do not mark as leave trees.

5.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.

5.2.1 TREE SELECTION - The Contractor shall select acceptable leave or cut trees that meet prescribed management objectives such as: residual basal area per acre stocking, spacing of residual trees, adequately stocked sub-merchantable understory, seed trees, sanitation, meadow restoration, aspen/hardwood enhancement, group selection, fuels reduction, fuel breaks, insect control or other leave/cut tree requirements specified Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

Only pine and spruce meeting the merchantability standards specified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” for this purchase order should be considered when a residual basal area per acre stocking requirement is prescribed.

5.2.2 ACCEPTABLE LEAVE TREES - Trees that are selected to be left to meet the stocking level or other prescribed requirements specified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” shall be acceptable leave trees. The Contractor shall first select the most desirable leave trees according to the prescription identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” and defined in paragraphs # 1, below, unless otherwise specified. In areas where there are not enough trees with the most desirable characteristics available to meet the specified stocking level or other prescribed requirements, the Contractor shall select less desirable leave trees as defined in paragraph # 2 below.

1. MOST DESIRABLE LEAVE TREES - Trees that possess the following “good phenotypic” characteristics shall be the first choice for acceptable leave trees.

a. Dominant & Codominant Trees exhibiting good quality indicated by a straight bole, full symmetrical crowns, small branch size, horizontal branching, good vigor, and good growth rate.

b. Healthy Foliage - Foliage shall be dense, dark green in color, and with a full crown covering one-third or more of the tree.

c. Straight Bole - The bole or stem of the trees shall be relatively straight.

d. Prolific Cone Producers - Trees producing seed, as evidenced by the presence of many cones on the tree and/or shed at their base.

e. Insects and Disease - Trees will be free from insect infestations and disease.

2. LESS DESIRABLE LEAVE TREES - When the prescribed stocking level of acceptable leave trees cannot be achieved with trees that possess the most desirable characteristics, the Contractor shall select trees with less desirable characteristics in the priority listed below.

a. Physical Damage - Trees with physical damage from fire, animals or weather on less than one-half of the circumference and/or less than three feet of the length of the bole.

b. Forked Trees - Trees with forks occurring above 34 feet off the ground.

c. Forked Trees - Trees with forks occurring below 34 feet off the ground.

5.2.3 OTHER LEAVE TREES - Other leave trees are those trees which shall be left for other than timber management purposes as specified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

1. INOPERABLE AREAS – It is extremely important that the Contractor and COR agree as to what constitutes an inoperable area prior to the beginning of marking activities. This will require an on-ground visit prior to marking activities. The onsite definition may vary from contract to contract depending upon utilization and logging equipment requirements planned for the timber sale. When such cases exist, they will be specifically identified by unit, according to the percent of the unit acreage that the Forest service estimates is present in the unit. It is a rough estimate only and is in no way to be considered a substitute for the contractor making this determination on his own. The requirement for the contractor to mark inoperable areas will be identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” for this purchase order and that section provides a written definition of what constitutes an inoperable area for this purchase order.

2. BASAL AREA REQUIREMENT TREES – Trees that do not meet “most or less desirable leave tree” criteria can be included in the stocking level only if needed to meet the basal area per acre specified for a site, unless otherwise specified in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”. In addition, wildlife trees will be included in determining residual BA, only if specified in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

3. WILDLIFE TREES – Only mature trees meeting criteria “a” described below shall unconditionally be designated as a leave tree. Any tree or group of trees meeting criteria b - e described below shall be kept as a leave tree only if needed to meet the requirements specified in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” for an individual site/inclusion provided with this purchase order. Wildlife trees will be counted for meeting BA requirements only if so stated in the “General Marking Guides” section of this purchase order.

a. Active Raptor Nests – Trees with evidence of active raptor nests shall be mapped and reported to the COR. All marking in that unit should temporarily cease, pending decision by the COR to continue or modify operations. Definitions and descriptions of such sites and species and reporting requirements will be discussed at the pre-work meeting.

b. Live trees with evidence of wildlife nesting, caching or cavity creating activities, or with dead spike tops will be left, and considered part of the residual basal area.

c. Retain all trees within a 10 foot radius of squirrel caches.

4. BEARING & WITNESS TREES - Trees that can be identified as bearing or witness trees shall be marked by painting a band (paint color is identified in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”, 3 inches in width, around the entire tree at or above eye level. The letters "BT" shall be painted, at DBH, on the side opposite the one presenting the bearing tree sign. No paint shall be allowed on the bearing tree sign. Stump marks will also be placed on bearing and witness trees. Bearing & witness trees shall be marked regardless of unit being designated LTM or CTM, mapped by the contractor, and the map provided to the COR.

5.2.4 TREES NOT TO BE LEFT - Trees that are insect or disease damaged, trees with bad sweep or crook, or whips shall be designated to be cut unless otherwise specified. Also, basal area requirement trees adjacent to openings.

5.2.5 TREES TO BE CUT – The above criteria found in 5.2.1 - 5.2.3 identify trees to be left on a given site. Trees to be cut are those that are not to be left. Units carrying a cut tree (CTM) requirement still require the contractor to consider which trees to mark from the standpoint of which trees are to be left yet may focus the contractor’s tree selections more efficiently upon which trees are to be cut. E.g., when marking cut trees with the objective of removing wind-damaged trees from a site, only those damaged will be marked, and all others will be left.

Because there are far fewer cut trees and the rest qualify as leave trees, it is more efficient to search for the damaged trees.

5.2.6 TREE, BOUNDARY TREE AND CRUISE TREE MARKING - Paint will be used for the majority of all marking. Units are identified for either CTM or LTM in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”, provided with this purchase order. Cut Tree Mark (CTM) or Leave Tree Mark (LTM) trees shall be selected for marking in each unit in accordance with Technical Specifications 5.2.1 – 5.2.5 and information provided in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”. The paint marks shall be placed on trees requiring marking as follows and in sections 5.2.7 – 5.2.13.

Paint color schemes are identified in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”, provided with this purchase order.

5.2.7 STUMP MARK - A horizontal band of paint at least two inches wide and one-third the circumference of the tree shall be placed on the stump, of both cut (CTM) and leave trees (LTM), at ground level, on the low side of the stump. In flat terrain, stump marks shall be consistently placed on the same side of each tree.

5.2.8 BOLE MARKS – For CTM and LTM paint a two inch wide horizontal band, wrapping completely around the bole, at or above eye level. Bands shall be visible from all sides of the tree.

5.2.9 BOUNDARY TREE MARK/REMARK

Timber sale unit boundaries will be identified on maps, provided with the resultant contract, and will generally be marked in the field with blue flagging and orange paint. Tree marking paint color schemes may vary and are identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”. Site boundaries and occasional “no treatment area” boundaries within individual units may not be marked in the field but will be designated on maps. Minor inclusions and inoperable areas may be referenced in the Marking Guidelines for individual units within Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”, but their boundaries will not be identified on either the ground or maps.

5.2.10 WILDLIFE TREES - Wildlife trees need only be marked if the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” indicates that a particular unit is to be LTM.