Revis SWG Hill Prairie Restoration Job Specs 9-22-24.docx

Site Specific Job Specification Form SWG Stewardship Project Project Name: Revis Category I SWG Hill Prairie Restoration Project Site Name and County: Revis Hill Prairie Nature Preserve, Mason County The following specifications shall be applied to the above named job.

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

1.1. GOAL: Enhance high quality hill prairie through woody vegetation control.

1.2. SUPPLIES AND/OR SERVICES REQUIRED

1.2.1. Vendor shall conduct woody invasive species control in the areas identified on the attached maps, following the methods and timing described below. Figure 1 identifies work which shall be completed in the dormant season 2024-2025. Figures 2-4 identify work which shall be completed from August through September 2025 and November to December 2025.

1.2.2. Priorities and locations of work shall be as follows:

3 - Woody control in center unit Priority 1 = Black locust & tree of heaven Priority 3 = Resprouts in the south end of the prairie Priority 4 = Other woody species control starting at the north end and working south

4 - Follow up woody control in east half of the Nature Preserve Priority 1 = Black locust & tree of heaven Priority 2 = Sassafras & sumac control

If there are hours remaining, the Primary Job Coordinator shall identify priority work and locations, including follow up to the above work or woody control shown on Figure 4.

1.2.3. Rubus stems shall be basal rolled in the dormant seasons of 2024 and 2025. This shall be accomplished by sweeping a standard sized paint roller through the Rubus canes to apply a 20% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with a bark penetrating oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume).

1.2.4. Mature tree of heaven shall be controlled using the hack and squirt method. Vendor shall use a hatchet or similar device to cut downward-angled incisions, at three-inch intervals around the stem. Cuts must penetrate through the bark and cambium into the sapwood. Using a hand sprayer, all cuts shall be immediately filled with 100% Vastlan, Garlon 3A, or equivalent herbicide.

1.2.5. Figure 2 identifies an area where small tree of heaven may be treated by painting or rolling a 25% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with a carrier oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume) on the stems. Only tree of heaven stems less than one inch diameter shall be treated with this method. Seedling tree of heaven plants less than 6 inches tall may be carefully foliar sprayed with 3.75% Vastlan, 5% Garlon 3A, or equivalent in degraded areas where designated by the Primary Job Coordinator. If used, this herbicide shall include a non-ionic surfactant and a water conditioner for hard water (Choice Weathermaster, Choice Trio, or equivalent).

1.2.6. Sassafras and smooth sumac shall be controlled by cutting stems with chainsaws or brushcutters. Stems shall be cut level and within a few inches of the ground. Stumps shall be immediately treated with a 50% solution of Roundup or generic equivalent. Herbicide shall be applied with a sponge, paint roller, or other device that limits non target damage.

1.2.7. Mature black locust shall be controlled using the hack and squirt method described above. Vendor shall use a 25% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with a carrier oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume) plus 3% aminopyralid (Milestone or equivalent).

1.2.8. Small black locust (stems less than two-inch diameter) shall be treated by basal application of a 25% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with a carrier oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume) plus 3% aminopyralid (Milestone or equivalent). Herbicide shall be applied to stems using a small paint roller and be applied in a continuous band around the stem.

1.2.9. Other species to be controlled include, but are not limited to, bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, hackberry, honey locust, black walnut, northern hackberry, redbud, slippery elm, sugar maple, black cherry, paw paw, American plum, and gray dogwood. This shall include cutting small to large diameter woody stems to open up breezeways, maintain prairie openings, reconnect isolated prairie openings, clear steep slopes in front of or between hill prairies, and clear brush within or encroaching into prairie. Vendor shall cut, girdle, or basally treat woody stems as described below, in areas indicated on Figures 1-4.

1.2.10. For the species described in 1.2.9, trees and shrubs shall be cut with chainsaws or brushcutters. Cut stumps shall be no more than six inches tall. Woody materials shall be left on the ground where they are cut, and no brush piles shall be constructed unless permitted by the Primary Job Coordinator. When trees are felled, Vendor shall buck up trees and cut the main trunk into segments. All stumps shall be treated immediately (within 30 minutes) with 50% Roundup (or equivalent). Herbicide shall include a marker dye and must be painted or rolled on cut stumps and stems.

1.2.11. For those trees to be girdled, Vendor shall girdle trees with a chainsaw no higher than twelve inches above the ground. The cut must meet at the starting point so there is a complete girdle encircling the stem. Multiple stemmed plants shall have each stem girdled. The girdle cut must be completely through bark and cambium but minimize cut into sapwood. Girdle cuts shall be immediately treated with 50% Roundup or equivalent.

1.2.12. For basal herbicide treatment, Vendor shall apply a 20% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume). Basal bark herbicide application shall be conducted by applying a continuous band of herbicide around the stem from twelve (12) inches off the ground to just above ground level but shall not be applied so heavily that herbicide soaks into the soil. For multi-stemmed individuals, all stems must be treated. In prairie areas, herbicide shall be applied to woody vegetation by painting or rolling on herbicide. The Primary Job Coordinator will identify areas where sprayers may be used to basally apply herbicide, such as in degraded areas or forested edges with no prairie vegetation.

1.2.13. Resprout control shall be completed by basal herbicide treatment (rolled on stems), as described above, for all species except smooth sumac and sassafras which shall be controlled by cut stem treatment. Foliar treatment of woody resprouts shall only be conducted in areas approved by the Primary Job Coordinator. In those areas, foliar resprouts shall be treated with a 3.75% Vastlan solution, 5% Garlon 3A solution, or equivalent and a non-ionic surfactant must be included. A water conditioner for hard water shall be used for any water-based foliar applications (Choice Weathermaster, Choice Trio, or equivalent).

1.2.14. Sprayers shall not be used to apply herbicide unless allowed in a specific area by the IDNR Primary Job Coordinator.

1.2.15. Trees over 3” DBH with exfoliating bark or crevices shall only be cut between November 1 and March 30. Trees under 3” DBH and/or without exfoliating bark or crevices may be cut at any time during this project.

1.2.16. Vendor shall be responsible for sawing, lopping, girdling or basal bark treating woody vegetation on steep terrain.

1.2.17. For multi-stemmed individuals, all stems must be treated.

1.2.18. Dye must be included in all herbicide solutions to mark treated stems.

1.2.19. Diesel, kerosene, or fuel oil shall not be used as bark penetrating carrier oil.

1.2.20. General Work Details

1.2.20.1 Vendor shall provide all herbicide, adjuvants, and dye identified in the job specifications, except Aminopyralid (Milestone or equivalent) which shall be provided by the Primary Job Coordinator. Vendor shall 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.

1.2.20.2 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.

1.2.20.3 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.

1.2.20.4 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.

1.2.20.5 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.

1.2.20.6 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.

1.2.20.7 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.

1.2.20.8 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.

1.2.20.9 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.

1.2.20.10 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.

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

1.2.20.12 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.

1.2.20.13 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. Work shall be completed according to the timing indicated in these job specifications. All work must be completed by December 31, 2025. There is no option for an extension of work for this project because the contract is funded with a federal grant that expires on the contract end date.

1.3.6. Work shall approach control rates of 75% for sassafras, smooth sumac, tree of heaven, and black locust. A 90% control rate is expected for all other species.

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’s owner and/or Vendor’s primary field contact shall have a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in the use of herbicides and management within natural areas in Illinois that includes at least one of the following: a natural community with endangered and threatened species, natural areas included on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory for high floristic quality, dedicated Nature Preserves, and registered Land and Water Reserves. Documentation of Vendor’s owner or Vendor’s primary field contact person’s experience should be provided with the bid, using the attached form or similar format.

1.4.6. At least 50% of the staff on site applying herbicide shall have a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in the use of herbicides and management within natural areas in Illinois that include at least one of the following: a natural community with endangered and threatened species, natural areas included on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory for high floristic quality, dedicated Nature Preserves, and registered Land and Water Reserves. Documentation of Vendor’s staff experience should be provided with the bid, using the attached form or similar format.

1.5. TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY: Not applicable.

1.6. SUBCONTRACTING:

1.6.1. A minimum of fifty-one percent (51%) of the work shall be completed by the Prime Contractor on this project. Pursuant to (30 ILCS 500/1-15.17) the Contractor is the person having a contract with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. For the remaining 49% of the work, subcontractors are allowed provided the subcontractor meets all the qualifications of the vendor in section 1.4. For purposes of this section, subcontractors are those specifically hired to perform part of the work covered by the contract. If subcontractors shall be utilized, Vendor must identify the names and addresses of all subcontractors it shall be entering into a contractual agreement in the performance of this Contract, together with a description of the work to be performed by the subcontractor and the anticipated amount of money to the extent the information is known that each subcontractor is expected to receive pursuant to the Contract. Attach additional sheets as necessary. Documentation of experience required in section 1.4 must be provided for all subcontractors. All information regarding subcontractors is to be provided at the time of bidding.

1.6.2. If unanticipated subcontracting is needed during completion of the contract, Vendor must submit to the Primary Job Coordinator the names and addresses of all subcontractors, a description of work to be performed and anticipated amount of money, and documentation of experience required in section 1.4. Vendor must receive written approval for this subcontracting from the Primary Job Coordinator.

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 these 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 bid for the contractual work described in these job specifications. Pricing shall be in the following format (Vendor provides the Unit Cost):

All work described in the job specifications for this contract.

Hour

1,319 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 December 31, 2025.

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:

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VENDOR’S OWNER OR VENDOR’S PRIMARY FIELD CONTACT PERSON’S DOCUMENTATION OF EXPERIENCE

· Must meet requirements given in the job specifications for this project.

· At least one reference project must be from a time period that demonstrates the two years’ experience required.

· Reference projects must be from sites with a natural community with endangered and threatened species, natural areas included on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory for high floristic quality, dedicated Nature Preserves, or registered Land and Water Reserves.

· Primary Field Contact substitution is acceptable at the time of work as long Vendor’s owner or Vendor’s Primary Field Contact meet experience requirements for this project.

Name of Person Whose Experience is Listed Below: ___________________________________________

Project Name and Location

Reference Name and Phone Number or Email Address

Native Plant Community Type (e.g., prairie, wetland, forest, etc.)

Land Use Type (e.g., Nature Preserve, State Park, CRP, municipal park, NWR, etc.)

Approximate Acreage

Type of Work Completed

Date Completed

DOCUMENTATION OF VENDOR’S ONSITE STAFF EXPERIENCE

- Must meet requirements given in the job specifications for this project.

- Staff substitutions are acceptable at the time of work as long as staff working onsite meet experience requirements for this project.

VENDOR NAME:

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