PWS v2_Invasive_Species_2026_Final.pdf

Performance Working Statement Removal of Invasive Bush Honeysuckle from Old Growth Oak-Hickory Uplands

Fort Leavenworth, KS DPW – Environmental Division

1. Introduction and Overview

This Performance Work Statement outlines the requirements for the control and removal of invasive Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) from a designated area within the Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation. The objective is to restore native habitat, improve recreational quality, and reduce public health risks associated with tick-borne diseases.

1.1 Background

Fort Leavenworth encompasses over 1,000 acres of oak-hickory deciduous forest, roughly bounded by Sheridan Avenue. This forest surrounds high-use recreational and physical training areas, including Camps Conestoga and Miles. The largest intact old-growth units within this ecosystem are divided into two parcels: Area A and Area B. Area B (Figure 1), the smaller and southernmost unit, covers approximately 185 acres. Currently, a heavy infestation of invasive bush honeysuckle affects 40 to 50 percent of this parcel.

This severe infestation is characterized by mature bushes with crowns exceeding 8 feet and basal diameters greater than 2 inches. As prolific seed producers, bushes of this size significantly exacerbate the spread of the invasive species into adjacent areas. In 2024, the trail network in Area B underwent initial renovation. This effort involved physically removing stems and applying herbicide to the stumps of bush honeysuckle within a 10-foot buffer on either side of 95% of the trail network (approximately 20,000 linear feet).

Given the global significance of these old-growth habitats (Freeman et al., 2003), implementing more aggressive management actions is essential. These restorative efforts will reduce the negative impact of bush honeysuckle on native ecological processes, preserve the quality of recreational opportunities in these unique areas, and minimize human exposure to tick-borne infections.

1.2 Scope of Work

The contractor shall provide all necessary personnel, equipment, materials, and supervision to conduct the mechanical removal and chemical treatment of Bush Honeysuckle within the 185-acre Area B. The primary focus is the eradication of all mature Bush Honeysuckle from Area B. This work also includes expanding and maintaining the buffer zone along the existing trail network. The primary objective is to aggressively reduce the Bush Honeysuckle infestation to protect the Oak-Hickory old-growth forest ecosystem.

Key goals include:

• Eliminate mature, seed-producing Bush Honeysuckle to halt its spread.

• Restore the native understory to support neotropical migratory species.

• Enhance the quality and safety of recreational opportunities.

• Minimize human exposure to tick-borne infections by reducing tick habitat.

1.3 Objectives

Eliminate all mature invasive Bush Honeysuckle from Area B.

Specific details of objective: Eliminate Bush Honeysuckle by severing stems greater than 0.5 inches in diameter near ground level and applying a 1:1 glyphosate:water mixture to the cut stumps. Period of Performance: See schedule

2. Requirements

2.1 Tasks

The contractor shall conduct the following tasks:

1. Work Plan & Pre-Work Survey - Contractor shall develop a detailed work plan, a safety plan (including tick-mitigation protocols), and conduct a pre-work baseline GIS survey of Area B to map target high-density honeysuckle zones and establish staging areas.

2. Mechanical & Manual Eradication - Contractor shall physically extract or cut all mature Bush Honeysuckle stems greater than 0.5 inches in diameter, utilizing hand tools, chainsaws, or low-impact forestry equipment. Extraction or cutting of 100% of designated mature stems within target treatment blocks without damaging native canopy trees.

3. Chemical Treatment (Cut-Stump) - Contractor shall apply an approved systemic herbicide (e.g., 1:1 mixture of glyphosate) directly to cut stumps within 15 minutes of cutting to prevent re-sprouting. Minimum 95% mortality rate of treated stumps;

zero off-target damage to native understory species.

4. Slash & Debris Management - Contractor shall process cut vegetation by chipping, distributing mulch to a depth of no more than 2 inches, or piling debris in designated locations to rot naturally. All trails, fire breaks, and waterways kept completely clear of debris; slash piles constructed to forestry specifications.

5. Quality Control & Post-Treatment Monitoring - Contractor shall perform post-treatment inspections to identify missed stems or re-sprouting and submit a final treatment efficacy report. Delivery of GIS shapefiles of treated areas, before/after photopoints, and an efficacy report showing <5% honeysuckle survival.

2.2 End Results/Deliverables

The contractor is responsible for the successful eradication of the targeted species and the submission of all required reports and data.

The expected result is the treatment of 100% of the designated 185 acres with a minimum 95% mortality rate of treated honeysuckle stumps.

2.2.1 List of Deliverables

Deliverable Due Date

Work Plan, Safety Plan, and GIS Baseline Map Within 21 calendar days of contract award

Mid-Project Progress Report (Covering first 50% of area) Nov 19, 2026

Final Treatment Report Dec 31, 2026

GIS Shapefiles of Treated Areas Dec 31, 2026

Before/After Photopoint Documentation Dec 31, 2026

2.3 Schedules/Milestones

Scheduling will be coordinated with the DPW Environmental Division Mr. Neil Bass @ 520-692-6152 / michael.n.bass.civ@army.mil and/or Mr. Andrew Talmage @ 520-692-6206 / andrew.t.talmage.civ@army.mil

3. Other Considerations:

1. Erosion & Soil Protection - Heavy or tracked machinery is prohibited on slopes greater than 15% or during wet soil conditions to prevent rutting and soil compaction.

2. Native Species Protection - An absolute "no-cut" restriction applies to all native species, particularly mature Oak (Quercus spp.) and Hickory (Carya spp.) trees. Care must be taken to avoid off-target herbicide damage.

3. Applicator Licensing - All herbicide applications must be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a Kansas-certified commercial pesticide applicator.

4. Operational Window - To maximize effectiveness, cut-stump herbicide treatments should be prioritized during the late summer, autumn, or early winter to align with the plant's natural systemic translocation to its roots.

4. Notes: Tech Exhibit/Maps mailto:michael.n.bass.civ@army.mil mailto:andrew.t.talmage.civ@army.mil

Figure 1. Area B in the Oak-Hickory Forest. Red line indicates the perimeter of the 185-acre unit.

3. Other Considerations: