Sol_12443924Q0036.pdf

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ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

USDA-FS CSA EAST 1

3384 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

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05/20/2024 1159 CT

05/06/2024

612-474-4309MINKYU KIM

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12443924Q0036

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1 48 1127709OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

EDINBURG VA 22824

95 RAILROAD AVE

LEE RANGER DISTRICT

USDA FOREST SERVICE

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ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

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ITEM NO.

Shenandoah River Dupont Settlement-Restoration of Bottomland Hardwood and Pollinator Habitat Enhancement on Former Grazing Allotments Treatment of fescue and other non-native invasive species and the planting of bottomland hardwood and pollinator shrubs for habitat enhancement in Page and Warren Counties 2024-2025.

Delivery: 09/30/2025 Period of Performance: 07/01/2024 to 09/30/2025

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ITEM NO.

0001 Shenandoah River Dupont Settlement-Restoration of

Bottomland Hardwood and Pollinator Habitat

Enhancement on Former Grazing Allotments

Treatment of fescue and other non-native invasive species and the planting of bottomland hardwood and pollinator shrubs for habitat enhancement in

Page and Warren Counties 2024-2025

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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48 2 of

FAC 2024-03 February 23, 2024

SECTION B – CONTINUATION OF SF-1449

Schedule of Items/Price Schedule

Project Description: Bottomland Hardwood and Pollinator Restoration

Vendor Name: __________________________________Vendor UEI:___________________

Item Supplies/Services Qty Unit of Issue

Unit Price Total Price

0001 Wetland Pollinators 0001AA Objective 1 7.5 AC $ $ 0001AB Objective 3 7.5 AC $ $ 0002 Bottomland HW&Shrubs 0002AA Objective 1 36.75 AC $ $ 0002AB Objective 2 36.75 AC $ $ 0002AC Objective 3 36.75 AC 0003 Veg and NNIS Treatments 0003AA Objective 1 61.5 AC $ $ Total $

Schedule Notes:

a) One award will be made from this solicitation, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Period of Performance

1 July 2024 – 30 September 2025

Description of Requirement

Shenandoah River Dupont Settlement – Restoration of Bottomland Hardwood and Pollinator Habitat Enhancement on Former Grazing Allotments Treatment of fescue and other non-native invasive species and the planting of bottomland hardwood and pollinator shrubs for habitat enhancement in Page and Warren Counties.

Location

USDA Forest Service, George Washington – Jefferson NF The contract area is within the boundaries of the George Washington and Jefferson National

Forests, North Zone in Page Co., VA, and Warren Co., VA. Refer to Vicinity Map and Contract Area Maps.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

USDA Forest Service, George Washington - Jefferson NF

Lee Ranger District

South Fork of the Shenandoah River Watershed Conservation Project Dupont Settlement– Restoration of Bottomland Hardwood and Pollinator Habitat Enhancement on Former Grazing Allotments

Performance Work Statement for the

Treatment of fescue and Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS)

And

Planting of Bottomland Hardwood or Pollinator Shrubs for Habitat Enhancement

Page and Warren Counties, 2024-2025

Project Title South Fork of the Shenandoah River Watershed Conservation Project – Restoration of Bottomland Hardwood and Pollinator Habitat Enhancement on Former Grazing Allotments, Lee Ranger District, George Washington National Forest

General Information

Background and Purpose

The mission of the Lee Ranger District is to restore riparian habitat within former grazing allotments along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River with bottomland hardwoods and pollinator plants. This contract acquisition is for labor and materials to treat competing vegetation and successfully establish plants within designated grazing allotments.

The Lee Ranger District, on the George Washington National Forest, has property adjacent to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, in Page and Warren Counties, Virginia. This area contains a mixture of open grassland habitat that was historically grazed, and upland and bottomland hardwood forest. Bottomland hardwood and other types of forested habitats have been identified as high priority ecosystems to restore and maintain within the Shenandoah River watershed, especially adjacent to the river itself (Potomac Watershed Partnership and Chesapeake Bay Foundation Initiatives). In addition, grassland habitat in an old field condition that contains native grasses, a diverse herbaceous mixture of pollinator species, and intermixed with existing widely scattered overstory trees, can benefit a number of high priority bird species. One of these tracts (Moody Tract) has hosted nesting bald eagles, and they have been seen around the Cullers tract outside of Bentonville. A Virginia Tech research project monitored eaglets for mercury contamination and found them to have some of the highest levels in the State of Virginia (Kramar et al. 2019).

Historically grazed, priority restoration activities in these areas include bottomland hardwood restoration and enhancement and maintenance of high-quality grasslands and pollinator habitats within the bottomland hardwood restoration treatment areas.

All proposed project components are NEPA and archeologically cleared and ready to be implemented. This project is part of a larger long-term ecosystem restoration strategy outlined in the 2014 Revised George Washington National Forest Plan.

SITE VISIT

There is no scheduled site visit at this time. Special arrangements may be made to provide access for inspection by contacting Sarah Davis direct at 870-251-7854 or at the Lee Ranger District Office at 540/984-4101.

Offerors are urged to inspect the contract areas to view current conditions.

Description and Location The contract area is within the boundaries of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, North Zone in Page Co., VA, and Warren Co., VA. Refer to Vicinity Map and Contract Area Maps.

Contract Areas – Directions.

These areas are generally west of Edinburg and north of Luray parallel with US 340 on the opposite side of the river.

Whitting Tract – From Luray, take Bixler’s Ferry Rd/VA-675 north. In a couple of miles, you will cross the South Fork of the Shenandoah River bridge and bear right on S Page Valley Rd/VA-684. When you pass Shenandoah River Outfitters, travel a little over ½ mile and turn right on FS 1686 and bear right at the fork.

From Edinburg, turn east on Edinburg Gap Rd/ VA 675 from Rt. 11. At Kings Crossing, turn right on Fort Valley RD/VA-

678. Bear right on Camp Roosevelt Rd/VA-675. Turn left to stay on VA-675 Fort Valley Rd. Turn left on VA-675 N Egypt Bend Rd. Continue straight onto S Page Valley Rd/ VA-684 until ½ mile past Shenandoah River Outfitters. Turn right on FS1686 and bear right at the fork.

Moody Tract- Follow the same directions above to Shenandoah River Outfitters on S Page Valley Rd/VA-684. From the Outfitters, travel another 2 miles and bear right on Riverwater Dr (still VA-684). Follow the road another mile down to the boat launch circle. You will need a key to go through the gate and out the narrow trail to the opening.

Seakford Tract- Follow the same directions above, but bear left up the hill on Page Valley Rd/ VA-717 instead of turning right on Riverwater Dr. From that point, travel another 2.2 miles on Page Valley Rd. The fields and the road to the boat landing are on your right. The back field can be accessed through a forest gate another 0.2 miles up the road in the curve.

Cullers Tract- You cannot get to this tract from the above direction (west side of the river). This tract can be accessed from US-340 either from Luray to the south or Front Royal to the North. At Bentonville, turn northwest on Indian Hollow Rd and cross the bridge over the river. The field is immediately on your left. Turn left on Hazard Mill Rd and follow the road almost a mile to the old red barn and silo to park and access the lower end of the field.

Objectives This restoration project has three objectives:

1) pre- and post- planting vegetation treatments, and enhancement and maintenance of high-quality grassland with treatments of non-native invasive species (NNIS) in the planting areas and surrounding fields on approximately 106 acres

2) Planting of bottomland hardwood and riparian shrub species on former grazing areas adjacent to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, on up to 40 acres, and

3) enhancement of diverse pollinator species within and around the bottomland hardwood restoration areas (former range fields); up to 50 acres.

The tasks (found below in the technical requirements section) may have acres that count in multiple categories as shown in the following table:

Tasks Objective 3 Objective 2 Objective 1

Wetland Pollinators 7.5 ac 7.5 ac

Bottomland HW & Shrubs 36.75 ac 36.75 ac 36.75 ac

Veg and NNIS Treatments 61.5

Totals 44.25 ac 36.75 ac 105.75 ac

Definitions BGR - Big Game Repellant CFR- Code of Federal Regulations COR – Contracting Officer Representative EA- Environmental Analysis GWJEFF – George Washington (GW) Jefferson National Forest (JEFF) NNIS – Non-native Invasive Species PWS – Performance Work Statement RD- Ranger District TPA- Trees per Acre USDA- United States Department of Agriculture

Contractor Requirements

RESOURCE PROTECTION STANDARDS – APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES

The Contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent damage to any improvement in or near the contract areas, i.e., roads, trails, ditches, fences, etc. The Contractor shall be liable for any damages caused by his operations and shall make repairs promptly. Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes will be protected by the Contractor. The Contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the Contractor’s operations. Timing of operations will be constrained as needed to avoid conflicts with recreation, Threatened and Endangered species, wet soil conditions or other time-sensitive factors.

The contractor shall take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of lakes and streams by fuels, oils, and other harmful materials. Herbicide use near water sources must be labeled for aquatic environments. All waterbodies will be kept free of all contractor generated debris. Before final acceptance, all trash, rubbish, and debris generated by the contractor's operation will be removed from National Forest land.

The Contractor or his Project Supervisor shall report all accidents or incidents associated with this contract to the Contracting Officer within 24 hours.

Technical Requirements / Tasks

Task 1 – pre and post planting treatment of vegetation in the planting area and enhancement of field quality by treating NNIS in the other areas of the fields (see maps)

Numerous non-native invasive woody and herbaceous species are known to exist on the project areas. Both mechanical/cultural methods (e.g. hand tools, mowing, hand pulling, plastic sheeting, etc.) and chemical (herbicide) treatments are proposed to treat occurrences of fescue, bush honeysuckle, Ailanthus, autumn olive, multiflora rose, spotted knapweed, garlic mustard, thistle, and Johnson grass in the former range tracts and around the areas to be planted, approximately 106 acres. The main goal of task 1 is to eliminate NNIS and competition within the planting area, and to improve the conditions of the former range fields by reducing the footprint of NNIS within the fields and field edges.

A) Use of herbicides on Forest Service lands is restricted to the following herbicides in this project area:

GWJEFF Nonnative Invasive Plant EA – approved herbicides

Chemical (Herbicide) Methods: All herbicides will be used according to manufacturer’s label direction for rates, concentrations, exposure times, and application methods. Applications will be done under the supervision of a certified applicator. Herbicides will be directly applied to the target plants, using cut surface, hack and squirt, basal stem (streamline), directed foliar, and injection application techniques. No herbicides would be applied aerially. Specific herbicides that could be used in the project area are listed below. Aquatic versions must be used in wetland areas and also near water as described on product labels.

Clopyralid is a selective herbicide that controls broadleaf herbs, primarily composites, legumes, and smartweeds. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Transline™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is

0.35 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.1 to 0.5 lb a.e./acre.

Dicamba is a somewhat selective herbicide that controls most annual and perennial broadleaf herbs and some woody species. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to, Vanquish™ and Overdrive™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 0.3 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.25 to 2.0 lb a.e./acre.

Fosamine ammonium is a brush control agent that is diluted with water and applied as a foliar spray. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Krenite™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 7.8 lb a.e./acre with a range of 6.0 to 12.0 lb a.e./acre.

Glyphosate is a non-selective, broad-spectrum herbicide that can be used to control many grasses, forbs, vines, shrubs, and tree species. Specific formulations of Glyphosate have been labeled for aquatic application. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Accord™, Roundup™, and Rodeo™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 2.0 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.5 to

7.0 lb a.e./acre.

Hexazinone is a photosynthetic inhibitor selective to most hardwood tree species, shrubs and some grasses. Most southern yellow pines are resistant. It has been proven effective on lespedeza and privet. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Velpar™ and Pronone™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 2 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.5 to 4.0 lb a.e./acre.

Imazapic is a selective herbicide that is used primarily in and around populations of native, warm season grasses. Warm season grasses, many wildflower species, and legumes are resistant, while many cool season grasses (including non-native species of Fescue) and broadleaf weeds are susceptible. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Plateau™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 0.1 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.03125 to 0.1875 lb a.e./acre.

Imazapyr is a selective herbicide that is used primarily in the control of hardwood trees and some species of grasses. It has been proven effective in the control of tree of heaven, princess tree, mimosa, autumn olive, privet, and multiflora rose. Used in combination with Triclopyr or Glyphosate can increase target specificity.

Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to, Arsenal™ and Chopper™.

Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 0.45 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.125 to 1.25 lb a.e./acre.

Metsulfuron methyl is a systemic herbicide that is selective to woody species, broadleaf weed species, and many annual grasses. It has been proven to be effective in the control of lespedeza, Japanese honeysuckle, kudzu, and multiflora rose.

Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to, Escort™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 0.03 lb a.e./acre with a range of

0.0125 to 0.15 lb a.e./acre.

Triclopyr is a selective herbicide that controls many species of herbaceous and woody broadleaf weeds but has little to no effect on grasses. Specific formulations of Triclopyr have been labeled for aquatic application. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Garlon 3A™, Garlon 4™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 1.0 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.05 to 10.0 lb a.e./acre.

B) Technical Requirements – herbicide

HERBICIDE STANDARDS COMMON TO ALL METHODS OF APPLICATION

▪ The specific herbicide that will be used must adhere to the approved herbicide list determined by the Forest Service through the Environmental Analysis process.

▪ The contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with the label directions. Aquatic formulas must be used in wetland and adjacent areas, near streams, or drainage features.

▪ Any Basal bark herbicide formulations applied within the contract area will include a compatible dye.

▪ No herbicide is broadcast within 50 feet of private land or within 300 feet of a private residence except as directed by the COR.

▪ Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers.

▪ Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are not located in sensitive areas, or within 200 feet of private land, open water or wells and are located at least 50 feet from ephemeral streams.

▪ No herbicide is applied within 100 horizontal feet of any public or domestic water source. No herbicide ground-applied within 30 horizontal feet of lakes, wetlands, perennial or intermittent springs and streams. Selective treatments (which require use of aquatic-labeled pesticides) may occur within these buffers only to prevent significant environmental damage such as non-native invasive plant infestations or bank erosion projects.

▪ Read the safety information on the label.

▪ Wear the proper protective clothing.

▪ Keep first aid equipment and a supply of clean water readily available, including soap and eye wash equipment meeting OSHA regulations.

▪ Do not work alone.

▪ Haul only the needed amount of herbicide

▪ Stand upwind from the spray projects to avoid contaminating yourself.

Transportation of Herbicides. – Contractor is legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicides. Transportation of chemicals used on this contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and generally approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides. The following precautions as a minimum shall be taken by the Contractor to prevent spills, accidents, injury, or theft.

1. Transport herbicides in the cargo compartment of a truck or other vehicle away from the passenger compartment.

2. No personnel shall be permitted to ride in the back of a vehicle with the herbicide.

3. Herbicide shall not be transported in the same compartment with food or clothing.

4. If any herbicide is spilled in or from the vehicle, it shall be cleaned up at once.

5. Maintain herbicides in secure conditions.

The contractor shall provide transportation for all equipment, herbicide, personnel, fuel, water, and supplies to the site and shall be responsible for providing the appropriate security of equipment and property left on site.

Herbicide Spills. Contractor shall be responsible for all costs for damages, clean up and decontamination should an herbicide spill occur. If a spill occurs, every effort shall be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas. The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Herbicide spills shall be handled in accordance with the standard procedures for spill clean-up (40 CFR 117: DETERMINATION OF

REPORTABLE QUANTITIES FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES).

Herbicide wasted through spills greater than 5 gallons of diluted product, or 1 quart of undiluted product must be reported to the COR and the appropriate state and federal agencies immediately. This report shall contain description, cause, and future actions contemplated to avoid future occurrences.

Disposal of Herbicide Containers. All empty containers will be rinsed 3 times, and rinse solution can be applied to the treatment site. Empty containers will be punctured and disposed of properly (according to label directions) by the Contractor. No empty containers will be left at the worksite.

Certification – The contractor shall have a representative who holds a current pesticide use applicator license in the State of Virginia to supervise the project.

Records - The Contractor shall maintain a herbicide log which includes brand name, volume and concentration of herbicides used, name of licensed applicator on site, location where herbicide was used, adjuvant name and concentration, and dates of application for each unit (see attached form). The Contractor will also record basic weather information each day by unit, including temperature range, and any precipitation that occurred during or just prior to applications. The contractor will submit the records with this information to the COR on a regular basis.

Multiple treatments using herbicide must adhere to the frequency and load restrictions on the label. Be sure to allow enough time between herbicide application and planting so losses of plant stock doesn’t occur.

C) Technical Requirements - Manual/Cultural

Contractor will provide equipment necessary to achieve goals. Soil disturbance should be limited to a six-inch (6”) depth, excluding wetland areas where there should be minimal to zero soil disturbance. May be used in combination with herbicide treatment. If sheeting cloth is used, it must be removed at the end of the contract and disposed of by the contractor at an appropriate trash facility. Mowing activities are prohibited April 1-July 4th to protect wildlife resources; however, site specific patches for planting may be mowed/weed-eat after inspecting to make sure young wildlife are not bedded down in the patch (e.g., deer, rabbits, birds, etc.).

Task 2 - Planting of bottomland hardwood and riparian shrub species on former grazing areas adjacent to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, on up to 40 acres (see maps)

General Recommendations and requirements for riparian tree/shrub planting

1) Site Prep.- Scalp or kill sod mechanically or with herbicide (aquatic labels will be necessary in most cases) in a 3-foot radius for each planting site. Spot treat any NNIS as necessary.

2) Stock - Trees/shrubs in the reforestation guidelines (attached) are pre-approved. Stock size may range from bare-root and native live stakes (live stakes in wetland areas only) up to containerized 2-gallon size. Pre-approval must be obtained for any species not listed in the guidelines.

3) A variety of species is required.

• For the Moody Tract- minimum of 4 species, and at least one of the species should be a Pollinator host species (marked with # in the approved species list-see also task 3: bottomland hardwood areas)).

Spacing is largely species dependent; however, trees should be spaced at a minimum of 25’ and no more than 50’ and an average of 30 trees/acre.

• For Seakford Tract – In the back field around the wetland pollinators, plant a minimum of 4 species of which at least one is a pollinator host species (marked with # in the approved species list).

In the roadside field, a minimum of 2- small trees and shrubs beneficial to pollinators-should be planted approximately 15’-20’ apart (see task 3) and an average of 100 tree/shrubs per acre.

• Cullers Tract- minimum of 4 species, and at least one of the species should be a pollinator host plant (marked with a # in the approved species list-see also task 3: bottomland hardwood areas). The Cullers Tract lies directly on the Shenandoah River with very little embankment. Trees planted on the “first row” directly next to the river without naturally occurring trees already there as a buffer should either have non-plastic, biodegradable shelters (approximately 90) or plant stock (may use live “erosion” stakes of listed species in spots that are appropriate (IN THIS “FIRST ROW” ONLY!) that’s at least 2ft tall with no shelters, thoroughly treated with BGR in TWO (2) separate treatments if planted in the spring, THREE (3) if planted in the Fall (once after planting, twice in growing season).

4) Planting seasons: Fall (mid-September until early November), Spring (mid/late February – mid April)

5) Tree shelters properly installed and staked (e.g. Tube shelters should be sunk into the ground and have bird netting unless tree is above the top of the shelter). Shelters should be at least 4’ tall.

6) Utilize big game repellent (BGR) if without a shelter or if trees top above tree shelters.

Task 3- enhancement and maintenance of diverse pollinator species within and around the bottomland hardwood restoration areas; up to 50 acres.

1) Site Prep.- Scalp or kill sod mechanically or with herbicide (aquatic labels will be necessary in most cases) in a 3-foot radius for each planting site. Spot treat any NNIS as necessary.

2) A variety of species is required.

• Wetland Areas - For the Whitting, Culler, and Seakford Tracts seasonally wet areas or wetlands (approx.

2 acres at Whitting, approximately 2.5 ac at Seakford, and about 3 ac at Cullers) - minimum of 2 species, and one of the species at the Whitting Tract should be button bush if available. Other wet-footed species that support pollinators are requested such as species of dogwoods, chokeberries, elderberry, winterberry, hazel alder, and fringe-tree. Shrubs should be spaced a minimum of 10’-20’ apart and an average of 100 per acre. May use live stakes if appropriate.

• Bottomland Hardwood Areas - For the Culler, Seakford, and Moody bottomland hardwood plantings, at least one pollinator species/host (as marked with a # in the reference list) will be included (see task 2).

• Pollinator Medium/Small trees and shrubs – Seakford Tract along the roadside and drain area that divides the field. Shrubs should be spaced a minimum of 15’-20’ apart and should average 100 trees per acre.

• Tree shelters properly installed and staked (e.g. Tube shelters should be sunk into the ground and have bird netting unless tree is above the top of the shelter). Shelters should be at least 4’ tall.

• Utilize big game repellent (BGR) if stock tops above tree shelters.

Deliverable / Schedule

• Work on this contract must begin prior to September 30, 2024 and be completed by September 30 2025.

• Inspection Procedures. Inspections of the work performed under this contract will be made as the work progresses by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or the designated Inspector. Inspection will be at intervals necessary to ensure compliance with the contract.

• The contractor will first turn in a plan of expected herbicides and adjuvants to be used (this may be amended later, if necessary, by contacting the COR). Contractor must provide a herbicide log including all required information within a week of 1st application. Multiple logs may be necessary over the course of the contract.

• The contractor must submit a detailed receipt which shows location/facility where tree stock was purchased or obtained, the species list of acquired stock, and the overall price/value of the stock. Contractor will arrange an inspection of the stock to verify viability prior to planting.

• After planting, the contractor is required to provide a written self-inspection report { % sampled, species of samples, result of inspection, was the problem resolved, identify unresolved problems and an explanation} prior to submitting the unit for inspection by the COR.

• Contact the COR prior to submitting an invoice in the payment processing system to make sure all requirements for payment are met.

• Monthly report on efforts to procure supplies, any challenges to the timeline

Bid Key Deliverables

Item No. Deliverable Objective Due

1 Proposed Project Plan State your plan for accomplishing each task, plan for receiving supplies while in stock, timeline, risks and milestones of contract objectives.

With Bid

2 Quote Provide itemized costs and an overall cost per acre for each task

With Bid

Contract Award Key Deliverables

Item No.

Deliverable / Item Title

Description Frequency Delivery Format

Due By

1 Herbicide Log report documenting the brand name, volume and concentration of herbicides used, name of licensed applicator on site, location where herbicide was used, adjuvant name & concentration, weather, and dates of application during the week

Each week during application

Via email to

COR

7th day after 1st application. All logs must be turned in prior to payment of invoices.

2 Detailed receipt cost of trees purchased, or value of trees supplied, along with the list of species and size (stakes, bare root, gallon size)

Once Via email to

COR

After acquiring stock

3 Self-inspection report

% of plantings sampled, species of samples, result of inspection, was the problem resolved, identify unresolved problems and an explanation

Per Tract Via email to

COR

Prior to inspection by COR and submission of invoice

4 Tracklogs Any tracklogs or data points to show coverage or locations of work

Per Tract Via email to

COR

Prior to final inspection by COR

Government Furnished The government will issue keys to gates. CORs and district personnel will not be available for support on federal holidays, and support on the weekends may be restricted. Georeferenced maps (see appendix) and shapefiles for all Units will be provided to be uploaded onto a GPS unit to accurately identify units.

Contractor’s Key Personnel Project Supervisor – The Contractor shall designate in writing one person on the job to act as the Project Supervisor, representing the company in all contractual matters that require prompt attention. This person should be familiar with all equipment being used and shall attend any pre-work meetings.

Certification – The contractor shall have a representative who holds a current pesticide use applicator license in the State of Virginia to supervise the project.

Records - The Contractor shall maintain an accurate record of the herbicide used on each unit (including the amounts of the herbicide and carrier by treatment unit). The Contractor will also record basic weather information each day by unit, including temperature range, and any precipitation that occurred during or just prior to applications.

Data Rights Pesticide Use Data Log will be collected and entered into a tracking database. GIS data (i.e., shapefiles, tracklogs and waypoints, kml/kmz files) will be collected and may be entered into a project accomplishment database.

Performance Requirement Measures

Performance Objective

Required Task or Deliverable

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Positive/Negative Incentive % for NOT meeting the Task

Control of competing vegetation in the planting areas.

Part of Task 1 Visible browning or pre-emergent suppression of vegetation (herbicides) Enough control to ensure establishment and growth of trees for at least first season (mechanical or herbicide)

COR visual inspection or on-site witness to application of pre-emergent herbicides or mechanical control methods

Touch-up with further mechanical or chemical treatment

Improve field composition by decreasing

NNIS

Task 1 Fields treated for NNIS with uniform coverage

COR Visual observation of treatment or post-treatment inspection. Contractor may use GPS tracks to show coverage of a field

No large patches should be untreated. Treatments should show uniform effort across the field to identify and treat NNIS. If inspection reveals gaps in coverage, the contractor will be asked to return to those gaps and touch-up.

Trees and shelters installed properly

Tasks 2 & 3 Hole large enough, root collar at ground level, no air pockets, vertical stems. Shelters twisted in ground, attached to stakes, and covered with bird nets (unless tree is over-top shelter). Only live plants should be utilized.

COR will inspect a random sample

90% of the sample set should meet required performance standards. If standards are not met, the contractor will revisit and correct issues.

Big Game Repellant

Tasks 2&3 Any trees above shelters or without shelters (larger stock) will be sprayed with BGR.

COR inspection 90% of trees sampled without shelters or above shelters should be sprayed;

otherwise, contractor will return to resolve issues.

Clearance of 3’ radius around each tree planted.

Part of task 2 and task 3

Avg. 3 ft. cleared area (sod removal or herbicide treatment) around trees. Nothing under 2’.

COR visual spot check Re-visit and touch up anything under 2’ or if average of spot inspections is under 2.5 ft.

Supply order timeline is started early to ensure planting and treatments remain on schedule.

All tasks Project initiation is prior to September 30, 2024. Effort to procure supplies is documented and any concerns relayed to the COR. Planting begins within the timeline presented in the plan.

Monthly report to COR detailing actions taken (order confirmations, receipts, quotes, phone call log,etc.)

Documented in Past Performance Review

Attachments Herbicide Log Form (1 page) Riparian Reforestation Guidelines/Tree List (7 pages) Nurseries (1 page) Wetland/Pollinator Maps (3 pages) Bottomland Hardwood/Pollinator Maps (2 pages) NNIS maps (4 pages)

Herbicide Log

Project_____________________________

Application Date(s) Date Started Date Completed Time Start Time Stop

Method (foliar, hack & squirt, etc) Equipment Used Application Area Product Name(s) Certified Applicator's Name

Volume Applied (mixed with water) units of measure (gal., oz., acre, etc.) % Solution Species Treated Adjuvant Name % Solution

Date/Time of any precip before, during or after applications

Temp Lows

Temp Highs

Riparian Reforestation Guidelines

A) General Recommendations for bottomland hardwood tree/shrub planting

7) Site Prep.- Scalp or kill sod mechanically or with herbicide in a 3-foot radius for each planting site. Aquatic labels will be necessary in most cases. The lower Whitting Tract field project area has a small wetland which will restrict the use of any large machinery or equipment. The Seakford tract has a seasonally wet area in the lower section of the far field that may restrict vehicles and heavy equipment.

8) Trees/shrubs in the reforestation guidelines are pre-approved. Stock size may range from bare-root and native live stakes (wetland areas only) up to containerized 2-gallon size. Pre-approval must be obtained for any species not listed.

9) A variety of species is required.

• For the Whitting Tract- minimum of 2 species, and one of the species should be button bush if available.

Other wet-footed species that support pollinators are requested such as species of dogwoods, chokeberries, elderberry, winterberry, hazel alder, and fringe-tree. May use live stakes if appropriate.

• For Moody, Seakford, and Cullers- minimum of 4 species at each site, and one of the species should be a

Pollinator host species (marked with # in approved plant list) to qualify acres toward pollinator habitat enhancement.

10) Planting seasons: Fall (mid-September until early November), Spring (mid/late February – mid April)

11) Tree shelters properly installed (e.g. Tube shelters should be sunk into the ground and have bird netting unless tree is above the top of the shelter) https://dof.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/Hardwood-Planting-

Guide_pub.pdf

12) If larger tree stock is used, staking may still benefit until root growth anchors the tree.

13) Utilize big game repellent (BGR) if tree/shrub is un-sheltered or above tree tube-shelters

All species below are native to Page and Warren Counties unless further specified

(Map info from Digital Atlas of Virginia https://vaplantatlas.org)

Trees soil conditions (1 wettest >> 4 driest).

1) # Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) 2,3,4

Habitat

Mesic to rather dry upland forests, woodlands, and barrens; also in high-elevation deciduous forests, well-drained bottomland forests, and wet flatwoods; at lower elevations of the mountains and Piedmont, it is most characteristic of soils weathered from calcareous and mafic rocks but tolerates more acidic, infertile soils at high elevations and in the Coastal Plain; ascends to at least 1400 m (4600 ft) elevation in the mountains. Common in the mountains; infrequent in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Page

Shenandoah Warren https://dof.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/Hardwood-Planting-Guide_pub.pdf https://dof.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/Hardwood-Planting-Guide_pub.pdf https://vaplantatlas.org/

2) # Black Willow, Salix nigra 2,3

Stream and riverbanks, rocky shores and bars, sand and gravel bars, alluvial swamps, floodplain ponds and pools, tidal swamps, maritime swamps, bottomland fields and clearings, ditches, impoundments, and other wet habitats. Frequent to common throughout, except at high elevations. This is the most common and widely distributed willow in Virginia.

3) # Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) 2, 3, 4

Weedy tree in old fields, fencerows, and roadsides; also scattered in a range of natural habitats, including swamp forests, depression ponds, dune woodlands and scrub, rocky woodlands, and the understory of mesic to dry upland forests.

Common in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont; infrequent and confined to low elevations in the mountains.

4) # Tulip/Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera) 3, 4

Mesic to dry-mesic upland forests, well-drained floodplain forests, seepage swamps, and old fields; occurs in a wide range of community types from sea level to > 900 m (3000 ft) elevation (occasionally higher). A fast-growing, opportunistic tree that is often dominant in early-successional forests. Common throughout.

5) # Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) 2, 3, 4

Rich soils of mesic upland forests, floodplain forests, old fields, and fencerows; occasionally in dry, rocky woodlands on mafic or calcareous rocks. Common throughout, but in the mountains limited to lower elevations.

6) Sycamore (Platinus occidentalis) 2, 3, 4

Floodplain forests and swamps, montane alluvial forests, stream banks, flood-scoured rocky bars and shores, and disturbed alluvial habitats; an occasional invader of old fields and disturbed forests on mesic lower slopes and uplands. Common in the mountains and Piedmont; frequent in the Coastal Plain.

7) # Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) 2, 3, 4

In a wide range of mesic to dry upland forests, rocky woodlands, seepage swamps, floodplain forests and swamps, wet flatwoods, and depression ponds. Common throughout.

8) # Bitternut hickory Carya cordiformis 2,3,4

Mesic to rather dry upland forests and woodlands, well-drained floodplain forests, and high-elevation deciduous forests; most characteristic of moderately to strongly base-rich soils, at least at lower elevations and on drier sites; ascends to at least to 1400 m (4600 ft) elevation in the mountains. Frequent throughout.

9) # Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 1, 2, 3, 4

Ubiquitous in an extraordinary range of wet to xeric forest and woodland habitats, ranging from sea-level to the highest elevations; often dominant in swamps, floodplains, depression wetlands, and successional forests. This species has also become dominant in the understory of various upland oak and oak-hickory forests due to the widespread cessation of fires and other disturbances that regenerate oaks. Common throughout. The recognition of infraspecific taxa in Acer rubrum in controversial; we follow the Flora of Virginia in recognizing only a broad species concept that accepts considerable variation in leaf and samara architecture and pubescence.

10) # Sugarberry/Southern Hackberry (Celtis laevigata) 2, 3

Floodplain forests, especially on natural levees; upland calcareous forests and woodlands, and shell middens. Apparently frequent to common in at least parts of the Coastal Plain and Piedmont (especially southward), and infrequent to rare in the mountains. However, considerable uncertainty exists about the range of this species in Virginia.

11) # Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) 2,3,4

Floodplain forests, mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, and barrens; also weedy in fencerows and old fields. Most abundant on nutrient-rich alluvial soils and calcareous upland soils, although hardly confined to those substrates. Common throughout except at higher elevations and possibly the SE. Coastal Plain.

12) # Boxelder (Acer negundo) 2, 3 Moody and Seakford only (Cullers has this species in abundance at last visit)

Well-drained floodplain forests, riverbanks, rich mesic forests, sand and gravel-bar woodlands, old alluvial fields, and successional forests on disturbed uplands (especially near rivers and streams). Frequent to common at low elevations throughout but most numerous along floodplains of the Piedmont and mountains.

13) # Oak Complex: Shingle Oak, White Oak, Pin Oak (Quercus imbricaria, Q. alba, Q. rubra, Q. palustris)

Q. imbricaria, Floodplain forests, alluvial swamp forests, and upland depression swamps; also in drier upland forests on calcareous, mafic, and claypan soils. Infrequent and scattered in the mountains and Piedmont; rare in the Coastal Plain. Q.

alba, Mesic to dry upland forests and woodlands; less commonly in well-drained bottomlands, wet flatwoods, natural ponds and depression swamps. Common throughout; probably our most common and widespread oak. Q. rubra, Mesic to dry upland forests and woodlands; occasionally in well-drained floodplain forests; especially abundant in middle- to high-elevation montane ridge forests. Common in the mountains and Piedmont; frequent in the inner Coastal Plain, infrequent in the outer Coastal Plain. Q. palustris, Floodplain forests, alluvial swamps, upland depression swamps and ponds, wet flatwoods, and old fields on imperfectly drained clay soils. Common in the n. Piedmont and n. Coastal Plain; infrequent in s.

Piedmont and mountains; rare in s. Coastal Plain.

14) # Basswood (Tilia americana) 2,3

Occur in rich cove forests, rocky dry-mesic forests on mafic or calcareous rocks, and basic or calcareous boulderfield forests.

Medium Trees

1) # Downey serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) 3, 4

Habitat

In a wide range of mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, and barrens; occasionally in alluvial forests, seepage wetlands, and depression swamps; tolerant of a wide range of soil chemistries. The ecological amplitude of this species is likely due to the incorporation of several ploidy levels and microspecies. Common throughout.

2) # Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) 3, 4

Well-drained floodplain forests, mesic to occasionally dry upland forests, wet flatwoods, and swamp hummocks; most abundant in base-rich soils but also grows well in some acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Common in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont; widespread but more local and limited to low elevations in the mountains.

3) # Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) 3, 4 Well-drained floodplain forests, mesic and dry-mesic upland forests, old fields, and fencerows; typically, but not exclusively, in base-rich soils. Infrequent throughout.

4) # Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) 3, 4

Old fields, clearings, fencerows, and roadsides; occasionally in natural woodlands. Frequent to common throughout.

5) # Allegheny Chinkapin/Chinquapin (Castanea pumila) 3,4 *Page County* old fields

Habitat, Native

Dry forests, woodlands, and old fields; usually in acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Frequent throughout.

6) # American Wild Plum (Prunus americana) *Page County* old fields

Disturbed forests, old fields, shrubby clearings, and fencerows; usually in more or less mesic habitats.

Infrequent but widespread throughout.

Shrubs

1) # Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) 1, 2, 3 Alluvial and tidal swamps, bogs, fens, stream margins, and various disturbed and successional wetlands. Frequent to locally common throughout.

2) # American Hazelnut, American Filbert (Corylus americana) 2,3,4

Mesic to dry upland forests, well-drained floodplain forests, rocky woodlands, and old fields. Frequent to common in the mountains, Piedmont, and inner Coastal Plain; rare in the outer Coastal Plain.

3) # Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) 1, 2 *Whitting Tract wetland*

Habitat, Native Marshes, tidal shrublands, open swamps, floodplain pools, depression ponds, and a variety of artificial and disturbed wetlands, usually in seasonally or semi-permanently flooded habitats. Frequent to locally common throughout.

4) # Winterberry (Ilex verticillate) *Page County

Alluvial swamps, seepage swamps, bogs, ponds, and depression swamps; occasionally in well-drained floodplain forests and mesic upland forests.

5) # Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) 2, 3

Floodplain forests, alluvial and tidal swamps, rocky and sandy river shores, stream banks, wet meadows, and old fields.

Frequent throughout.

6) # Stiff/Swamp Dogwood (Cornus foemina {formerly stricta}), and Gray Dogwood (Swida/Cornus racemosa)

C. Stricta-Floodplain forests, alluvial swamps, seepage swamps, stream banks, and tidal swamps; occasionally in mesic upland forests. C. racemosa- Rich montane oak-hickory forests, clearings, seepage swamps, boggy depressions, and mafic fens; usually at middle to higher elevations. Infrequent in the mountains; very rare in the Coastal Plain and n. Piedmont.

7) # Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) 3, 4

Mesic and dry-mesic upland forests, well-drained floodplain forests, seepage swamps, alluvial swamps, and tidal swamps; on uplands, it is most abundant in base-rich soils. Common throughout.

8) # Arrow-wood Viburnum complex (Viburnum dentatum/recognitum/rafinesqueanum) 2, 3

As a whole, the species occurs in mesic to dry upland forests, floodplain forests, wet flatwoods, seepage swamps, fens, alluvial and tidal swamps, upland depression swamps, and rocky riverside bars. It is frequent to common throughout, except in far sw. Virginia, but the relative distribution, abundance, and habitats of the two varieties are poorly known.

9) # Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) *Page County

10) Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) 2, 3, 4

A.arbutifolia Bogs, fens, seeps, seepage swamps, tidal swamps, acidic alluvial swamps, wet flatwoods, pocosins, and borders of depression ponds; occasionally in mesic or even dry upland forests. Frequent throughout.

A.melanocarpa: It is both strange and noteworthy that most populations of this species in Virginia occur either in xeric, rocky habitats or in wetlands, spanning the full range of substrate chemistry in both.

11) # Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) 3, 4

Ubiquitous in a notably wide range of forested to open, wet to dry habitats and vegetation types. Common throughout.

12) # Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

In a wide range of mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, and barrens; often numerous on mafic outcrops, although generally not at all particular about rock or soil chemistry; less characteristic of but also widespread in small-stream alluvial forests and swamps, seepage swamps, tidal swamps, depression swamps, wet flatwoods, and other wetlands. Frequent to common throughout.

13) Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta)

Mesic to dry forests and woodlands. Common in the mountains but absent from far sw. Virginia; infrequent in the inner Piedmont; rare in the outer Piedmont.

14) # Eastern Hawthorn (Crataegus macrosperma)

In a wide diversity of habitats, including dry stony creek bottoms, slope forests, ridgetops, clearings, and even wetland edges; especially numerous in montane oak and oak-hickory forests at middle to higher elevations;

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