Sol_140P5425Q0009_Attach__0001-SOW.pdf

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW):

Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

PMIS: 321573A

DATED:

May 12, 2025

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Interior Region 2: South Atlantic/Gulf Major Acquisition Buying Office

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FORMAT

1 Background 2 Objectives 3 Place of Performance 4 Period of Performance 5 General Scope 6 Tasks 7 Construction Specifications / Maintenance Description 8 Special Material Requirements 9 Deliverables 10 Government Furnished Equipment 11 Safety 12 Travel 13 Quality Assurance Requirement 14 Project Personnel

Appendix 1: Work Locations, Proposed Quantities, and Trail Descriptions Appendix 2: Maps

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

1.0 BACKGROUND

Vegetation on trails in Everglades National Park, including poisonous plants and trees, grows thick and vigorously, quickly encroaching onto and obscuring trails and landscapes. The South Florida climate and the year-long growing season cause plants and trees to grow rapidly. High winds from frequent tropical storms weaken trees and limbs, presenting a hazard. Vegetation invading trail landscapes alters the appearance which compromises the visitors’ experience and understanding.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The NPS seeks to hire a contractor to provide supervision, labor, materials, and equipment for selective trail clearing, landscape maintenance, and tree trimming, as described herein. There are a total of four trails located in the Flamingo district which would be part of the base award. The rest of the trails provided in Statement of Work would be considered additives.

3.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Everglades National Park is located west of urban and developed Miami-Dade County, with Park Headquarters located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida 33034. The work will take place over many sites within the National Park boundary. A pre-award site visit is strongly recommended.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All tasks and deliverables are 90 days from the date of award and must begin no later than 30 days from contract award. Days listed herein refer to calendar days.

The primary and approved work schedule is Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST). Any days or hours outside the primary work schedule must be scheduled in advance and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance. If there are any schedule delays due to the lead time of materials, the COR should be notified immediately.

5.0 GENERAL SCOPE

The contractor shall deliver the following service and provide a cost breakdown to include materials/equipment, labor, administrative, mobilization, and other fees. The contractor shall ensure that an on-site superintendent or foreman is always present while the work is being performed. Additionally, a person in a position of authority who can communicate effectively in English will always be available on the job site. Following the terms and conditions herein, the prime contractor or his sub-contractors shall perform the work of this contract for the NPS.

The contractor shall:

5.1 Furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supplies needed to perform vegetation clearing, tree trimming, and hazardous tree removal as specified in this contract.

5.2 Verify the quantity of materials needed to complete the task identified.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

5.3 Employ and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist for project planning, design, and implementation. The contractor, including onsite personnel, shall have proven experience and expertise working with vegetation management, professional landscaping, and horticulture. The contractor will utilize standard arboriculture, horticulture, and landscaping practices.

5.4 Ensure all equipment and vehicles/vessels are free from visible debris (dirt, mud, plant materials, etc.) before being brought to the worksite to reduce the potential for the spread of non-native species.

5.5 Identify poisonous plants and trees, donning personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to Poisonwood.

5.6 Provide a worksite and environment that is safe for employees, park visitors, and NPS staff. If necessary, the work area will be cordoned off and secured.

5.7 Perform all work Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). No work will be performed on the weekends or federal holidays without prior approval from the COR.

5.8 Do not install or display company signs on government property. Eating and smoking will be performed in areas designated by the COR. Contractor employees shall always wear appropriate clothing.

5.9 Notify the COR of scheduled site visits to ensure access to secured areas.

5.10 Coordinate all site work with the park’s point of contact.

5.11 Notify the Contracting Officer (CO) and COR of any schedule changes or delays.

5.12 Be knowledgeable of the site and required tasks and hazards before submitting a quote for the project.

6.0 TASKS

Under this contract, the contractor shall complete the following tasks and requirements:

6.1 Confine the staging of materials, equipment, and vehicles, and all other operations in connection with this contract to areas designated by the COR. The contractor shall return all equipment, staging, ladders, and supplies to this agreed-upon area daily throughout the workday and at the close of business.

6.2 To the extent practical, branches, limbs, and shrubs should be trimmed as close to the trunk or plant base as possible, using remaining vegetation to conceal major cuts to leave a more natural edge facing the trail.

6.3 Downed limbs and debris should be moved completely out of sight in a manner that does not lead to the development of debris piles, away from the trail to decay naturally, or be removed for legal disposal offsite at the contractor’s expense.

6.4 Trim vegetation as directed in Section 7: Construction Specifications, and Section 8:

Special Materials Requirements herein.

6.5 Properly dispose of offsite all equipment, material, and waste generated by the work of this contract unless otherwise directed by the COR.

6.6 Clean up the worksite daily and rectify any damage caused by the application or the workmanship.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

6.7 Staff carrying out vegetation management projects will be informed of the potential presence of protected plant and invertebrate species and instructed to avoid impacting individuals to the extent possible. Maps and identification materials will be provided to trail-clearing crew leaders before work.

6.8 If cultural resources are discovered during project implementation all work in that area must stop and the CO and COR must be notified immediately.

6.9 Trails in wilderness areas are to be accessed on foot from either the trailhead or other appropriate access points.

7.0 CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS / MAINTENANCE DESCRIPTIONS

7.1 Coastal Prairie Trail (Base Award) requires periodic maintenance to reduce encroachment of vegetation. Trail maintenance is generally carried out by NPS Facilities staff once per year in February when conditions are as dry and cool as possible. However, trail maintenance may occur at any time of the year, depending on vegetation growth and its impact on the trail. The trail is maintained to a maximum width of 3 feet and a vertical height of approximately 7-8 feet. Maintenance consists of trimming overhanging branches with loppers or pruners and other hand tools.

Herbaceous vegetation in and adjacent to the trail may be trimmed with machetes, sling blades, or other similar tools. Complete removal of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation may occur if impacting the trail. Standing dead trees may be removed if they create hazardous conditions for trail users. Trimmed vegetation is cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Larger material is cut into manageable sizes and then cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Tropical storms and other significant weather events can lead to large amounts of downed vegetation, including large limbs and fallen trees, within the trail. Clearing activities following these events may require the use of chainsaws, pole saws, and other power equipment. Maintenance requirements of portions of the trail within salt marsh vegetation and mud flats are minimal because visitor use typically keeps these portions of the trail open. Vegetation maintenance crews may be dropped off by boat at Clubhouse Beach or Slagle Ditch and work their way east on foot toward the trailhead to reduce the time required to clear the western half of the trail.

7.2 Bear Lake Hiking Trail (Base Award) is maintained to a maximum width of 8-10 feet and a vertical height of approximately 7-8 feet; however, the PMRA identified a maximum width of 2-3 feet for all hiking trails in the wilderness. This is consistent with the current width of the trail. Maintenance consists of trimming overhanging branches with loppers, pruners, handsaws, and similar equipment. Herbaceous vegetation in and adjacent to the trail may be trimmed with machetes, sling blades, or other hand tools. Complete removal of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation may occur if impacting the trail. Standing dead trees may be removed if they create hazardous conditions for trail users. Trimmed vegetation is cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Larger material is cut into manageable sizes and then cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Tropical storms and other significant weather events can lead to large amounts of downed vegetation, including large limbs and fallen trees, within the trail. Clearing activities following these events utilize the same methods employed

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts for routine maintenance but may incorporate the use of power equipment including chainsaws, pole saws, and tractor-mounted mowers or bush hogs as needs dictate.

7.3 Snakebite Trail (Base Award) requires periodic maintenance to reduce encroachment of vegetation. The trail is maintained to a maximum width of 8-10 feet and a vertical height of approximately 7-8 feet. Maintenance consists of trimming overhanging branches with loppers or pruners as well as chainsaws and pole saws. Herbaceous vegetation in and adjacent to the trail may be trimmed with machetes, sling blades, or motorized weed whips. In addition, a skid steer-mounted bush hog or similar may be used along the trail for vegetation clearing and a side-by-side (UTV) may be used for clearing crew access. Tracked or wheeled equipment would only be used when areas to be trimmed and access routes to those areas are free from standing water. Complete removal of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation may occur if impacting the trail. Standing dead trees may be removed if they create hazardous conditions for trail users. Trimmed vegetation is cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Larger material is cut into manageable sizes and then cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Tropical storms and other significant weather events can lead to large amounts of downed vegetation, including large limbs and fallen trees, within the trail. Clearing activities following these events utilize the same methods and equipment but require longer periods than routine maintenance.

7.4 Christian Point Trail (Additive) requires periodic maintenance to reduce encroachment of vegetation, especially within the sections where the trail passes through disturbed areas as well as buttonwood and hardwood hammock vegetation.

The trail is maintained by NPS facilities staff once per year, typically in November but maintenance may occur as late as February if trail conditions are too wet earlier in the dry season. Access for vegetation maintenance is on foot. Maintenance consists of trimming of overhanging branches with hand tools including loppers, pruners and pruning saws or power equipment including chainsaws and pole saws. Herbaceous vegetation in and adjacent to the trail may be trimmed with machetes, sling blades or motorized weed whips. Maintenance requirements of portions of the trail within salt marsh vegetation and mud flats are minimal because visitor use typically keeps these portions of the trail open. Complete removal of trees, shrubs and other vegetation may occur if impacting the trail. Standing dead trees may be removed if they create hazardous conditions for trail users. Trimmed vegetation is cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Larger material is cut into manageable size, the cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Tropical storms and other significant weather events can lead to large amounts of downed vegetation, including large limbs and fallen trees, within the trail. Clearing activities following these events utilize the same methods and equipment but require longer time periods than routine maintenance.

7.5 Rowdy Bend Trail (Base Award) is maintained to a maximum width of 5-10 feet and a vertical height of approximately 7-8 feet. Maintenance consists of trimming of overhanging branches with loppers or pruners as well as chainsaws and pole saws.

Herbaceous vegetation in and adjacent to the trail may be trimmed with machetes, sling blades, or motorized weed whips. In addition, a skid steer mounted bush hog or similar may be used along the trail for vegetation clearing and a side-by-side may be used for clearing crew access. Tracked or wheeled equipment would only be used when areas to be trimmed and access routes to those areas are free from standing water. Complete

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts removal of trees, shrubs and other vegetation may occur if impacting the trail. Standing dead trees may be removed if they create hazardous conditions for trail users. Trimmed vegetation is cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Larger material is cut into manageable size, the cast into surrounding vegetation to decompose. Tropical storms and other significant weather events can lead to large amounts of downed vegetation, including large limbs and fallen trees, within the trail. Clearing activities following these events utilize the same methods and equipment but require longer time periods than routine maintenance.

7.6 Anhinga Trail (Additive) grass areas are maintained with power equipment including riding mowers, weed whips, and leaf blowers. A tractor mounted arm mower is used to cut grass and brush between the ditch and the railing along the paved portion of the trail. Trimming or removal of small trees or heavy vine cover may also occur if impacting infrastructure or blocking trail or boardwalk. Trimming or brushing of heavy vegetation along portions of the trail may also occur periodically when vegetation obscures views from trails or creates other issues with visitor use. This type of trimming is carried out with hand tools or with power equipment including chainsaws, pole saws and tractor mounted equipment, depending on the size of the material to be cut.

Resulting vegetation cuttings would remain on site. Larger material would be scattered or cast into surrounding vegetation to decay. Removal of large branches and cutting of entire trees may be necessary following impacts from tropical storms and other severe weather events.

7.7 Gumbo Limbo Trail (Additive) includes cutting and trimming of hammock vegetation growing in the trail. Vertical clearance of 7-8 feet is maintained in areas where the trail passes through plant communities with closed canopy. Periodic removal of standing dead trees, hanging limbs, and downed trees may also be required.

Following tropical storms, removal of significant numbers of large limbs and downed trees may be required. Tipped up trees that damage the trail be may also need to be removed to repair damage to the trail surface. Routine trimming is carried out with hand tools (loppers, pruning saws, etc.) and/or power tools including chainsaws and pole saws. Weed whips are used along the edges of the trail bed and portions of the trail along Old Ingraham Highway. Mowers, tractor mounted equipment, and weed whips are used along the portions of the trail along Old Ingraham Highway. Cut vegetation is generally left in place to decay. Large cutting would be cut into manageable sizes and cast into surrounding vegetation to decay. Damage to the trail base resulting from tipped up or downed trees may require repair of asphalt surface and limestone trail base. This type of work requires access to the trail with a skid steer or similar equipment to remove and replace limestone and asphalt. A skid steer or other similar equipment, if required, would only be operated on existing paved surfaces.

Disposal of waste material from trail bed damage would be done off-site in an appropriate facility. Personnel may access the site with ATV or similar transportation, but these vehicles would not be operated outside of the existing paved trail bed.

Removal of broken and hanging limbs that pose a potential hazard to visitors using the trail may require climbing and cutting with hand or power tools.

7.8 Trimming the Pinelands Trail (Additive) consists of removal of all or part of shrubs or trees growing within the trail or growing into the trail. Trimming is typically by hand, using loppers, hand saws, pruners, and other common hand tools. Complete

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts removal of trees, shrubs or other vegetation may also occur if vegetation is rooted within the trail itself or within 2 feet outside the improved trail bed. Vertical clearance of 7-8 feet is maintained in areas of the trail that pass through closed canopy vegetation.

Trimmed vegetation is dragged off the trail into adjacent habitat and left to decompose.

Standing dead trees and hanging dead limbs may also be removed if determined to create hazardous conditions to visitors or staff. Large material, such as logs, may also be removed from the trail and disposed of off-site in an appropriate location. Tropical storms and other significant weather events can lead to significant amounts of downed vegetation, including large limbs and fallen trees, within the trail. Removal of this material may require use of power equipment such as chainsaws or pole saws. Damage to the trail base resulting from tipped up or downed trees may occur. Repair of asphalt surface may require access to the trail with a skid steer or similar equipment to remove and replace limestone and asphalt. Skid steer or other similar equipment, if required, would only be operated on existing paved surfaces. Disposal of waste material from trail bed damage would be done off-site in an appropriate facility. Personnel may access the site with ATV or similar transportation, but these vehicles would not be operated outside of the existing paved trail bed. Removal of broken and hanging limbs that pose a potential hazard to visitors using the trail may require climbing and cutting with hand or power tools.

8.0 SPECIAL MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Non-Wilderness Trails

8.1.1 Tools standard for trail maintenance and vegetation trimming, construction tools, and equipment will be used on non-wilderness trails, including portable power and hand tools, back-hoe, tractor mowers, lawn mowers, dump trucks, and other portable and gas-powered equipment.

8.2 Wilderness Trails (Coastal Prairie Trail, and Bear Lake Hiking Trail)

8.2.1 Hand tools (e.g. machetes, loppers, pruning saws) should be used as appropriate, but field crews may also incorporate the use of approved motorized tools (i.e. chainsaw, pole saw, reciprocating saw, weed eater, and small generator) for maintaining trails in wilderness areas.

8.2.2 Approved motorized tools and associated situations for use in wilderness areas:

8.2.2.1 Battery-powered chainsaw, pole saw, and/or reciprocating saw to cut complex (i.e. branch clusters where use of a hand saw is not practicable) or large diameter branches (i.e. greater than 6 inches for terrestrial trails and 2 inches for aquatic trails).

8.2.2.2 Gas-powered chainsaw and/or pole saw to cut larger diameter branches (i.e. greater than 10-12 inches). Combustion motors are only to be run during active use.

8.2.2.3 Battery-powered weed-eaters in areas where the volume and density of ground vegetation exceeds the capabilities of available hand tools (e.g. non-motorized grass whip) and other means (pulled, trampled, etc.). This is generally described as grasses taller than 1-2 feet.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

8.2.2.4 Small Generator to charge batteries. If needed, a generator is to be staged outside of the wilderness, either near the trailhead or on a motorized vessel.

8.2.3 If motorized equipment is incorporated, battery-powered tools are to be used to the greatest extent possible to minimize noise and the potential impacts associated with petroleum leaks and spills.

8.2.4 For use of battery-powered equipment, field crews are to obtain and carry as many fully charged batteries into the field as practicable to reduce or eliminate the need to run a generator which is to only be operated as necessary.

8.0 DELIVERABLES

After Award and Before Performance On-site

8.1 Provide a written narrative summary of how the contractor will execute the project within a timeline. The document will be referred to as the Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance Schedule.

8.2 After the award of the contract, the contractor will participate in a planning meeting with NPS staff and the COR at Everglades National Park Headquarters (HQ), or via conference call at the COR’s discretion. The planning meeting will include site visits to view project locations. Project objectives, logistics, methods, equipment, staffing, scheduling, and regulations/guidance for working within the park will be discussed.

The planning meeting should be attended by essential personnel from the contracting team.

8.3 Provide a safety plan as identified in Section 11.

8.4 Provide proof of insurance and ISA Arborist Certification.

Adjustments for Inadequate Performance

8.5 Routine inspection shall be performed to minimize work improperly performed. Such inspections are designed only to assure that the NPS pays only for those services, that have been specified, and adequately completed by the contractor.

8.6 The COR will not approve payment for any defective work. Work must be corrected following the SOW before an invoice can be approved for payment.

8.7 The contractor shall be responsible for any damage to the structures or contents because of the work.

9.0 SAFETY

9.1 Before onsite work begins the contractor must submit a site/project-specific written safety and accident prevention program containing the following:

9.1.1 Name of responsible supervisor to carry out the program.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

9.1.2 Site-specific information including emergency response contact information and emergency response protocols.

9.1.3 Provide and submit a safety plan outlining your safety program specific to this site.

9.1.4 Outline each phase of work, the hazards associated with each major phase, and the methods proposed to ensure property protection and safety of the public, NPS personnel, and contractor’s employees.

9.1.5 Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) to be used (if applicable):

9.1.5.1 Copies of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be provided to the COR.

9.1.5.2 Proper storage of hazmat.

9.1.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

9.2 The contractor shall provide a safe workspace for all employees while on the NPS site.

9.3 The contractor shall follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Federal, State, and local safety and health requirements.

9.4 The contractor shall report all accidents to the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist assigned to the contract immediately and assist the Contracting personnel and other officials as requested in the investigation of the accident. Accidents that occur outside of the allowed maintenance area, and cause damage to natural resources or museum collections shall be reported.

9.5 The contractor shall provide a level of public safety commensurate with exposure at an NPS worksite.

9.6 The contractor shall comply in rectifying all unsafe or unhealthful conditions called to their attention by the Contracting Officer.

9.7 The contractor shall allow for informal and formal, announced, and unannounced safety inspections by the COR, NPS Construction Inspector, and/or appropriate Safety Officer at the worksite.

10.0 TRAVEL

The contractor shall be responsible for all travel-related expenses for this project, including mobilization of equipment, tools, materials, manpower, lodging, meals, and per diem.

11.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENT

11.1 The government will periodically evaluate the contractor’s performance following this statement of work.

11.2 The contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure services are performed following commonly accepted commercial practices. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. At a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures addressing the critical areas identified in this statement of work.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

11.3 Any damages, including natural and cultural resources impacts, by the contractor will be corrected and repaired where reasonable at no additional cost to the government.

11.4 The contractor shall be responsible for any damage to the structures or contents as a result of the work.

12.0 PROJECT PERSONNEL

12.1 Contract Officer or Contract Specialist:

12.1.1 To be determined at the time of award.

12.2 Park Point of Contact and COR:

12.2.1 To be released at the time of award.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

Appendix 1: Work Locations, Quantities, and Trail Descriptions

Flamingo District - 1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy Homestead, Florida 33034

FLCG Coastal Prairie Trail1 25.136858°, -80.948619°

39,600 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Coastal Prairie Trail follows the remains of a former two-track road that originally connected Flamingo to East Cape Sable. The trailhead is located at the western end of the Flamingo Campground and extends west for approximately 6 miles. The trail ends at Clubhouse Beach, a primitive camping area at the edge of Florida Bay. From the trailhead for approximately ¼ mile, the trail passes through previously disturbed uplands that are predominately vegetated with plant species associated with hardwood hammocks. The remainder of the trail passes through coastal habitats with less obvious signs of disturbance except for the trail itself. The majority of the trail is located in salt marsh communities, but significant portions also pass through mud flats, and in two sections the trail passes through a mixture of buttonwood hammock and coastal hardwood hammock. Portions of the trail within buttonwood hammock and coastal hardwood hammock are slightly elevated and a small borrow ditch borders those elevated areas. The remainder of the trail is at the same elevation as the plant community that the trail is passing through. The original width of filled sections of the roadbed was approximately 10 feet. In these areas, the trail currently consists of a footpath within the abandoned road that is approximately 2 feet wide. The trail substrate along its entire length is marl. A small amount of limestone gravel was added to approximately the first 1,500 feet in the past. During the dry season, the dried and hardened marl soil can support heavy use with little evidence that the use occurred. Sections of the trail, especially those in salt marsh, are flooded during the summer months. During flooded conditions social trails that parallel the original east-west trail route form as a result of the difficulty of walking in the deep water and mud associated with the historic route. During dry conditions, the original trail route represents the easiest route, and the use of the parallel social trails is greatly reduced. Coastal Prairie Trail is located within the designated wilderness.

Coastal Prairie Trail is open and used year-round, with the heaviest use occurring during the winter months. The majority of users are day hikers, but backcountry camping is also popular. The trail is accessible to visitors on foot. Access on horseback is also permitted. Bicycles and other forms of mechanized transport are not permitted on this trail because it is located within designated wilderness.

FLBL Bear Lake Trail2 25.173798°, -80.937164°

9,400 LF

1 Combined Wilderness and Non-Wilderness Trail 2 Combined Wilderness and Non-Wilderness Trail

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

The Bear Lake Hiking Trail follows an abandoned raised roadbed immediately south of Bear Lake Canal. The eastern trailhead is located at the northern end of Buttonwood Canal Road and the trail ends at Bear Lake, approximately 1.6 miles to the west. The trailhead also serves as the eastern trailhead to the Bear Lake Canoe Trail. The trail passes through or is adjacent to mixed mangrove forests, coastal prairie, buttonwood hammocks, coastal hardwood hammocks, and areas of open water. Due to the elevated nature of the trail, vegetation on the trail itself is primarily composed of species common to coastal hardwood hammocks as well as ruderal native and non-native species. Lower elevation portions of the trail are occupied by buttonwood as well as red, white, and black mangroves. Non-native species including guinea grass and Brazilian peppertree are also encountered frequently along portions of the trail. Bear Lake Trail is primarily used by hikers and anglers. Bear Lake Hiking Trail is located within designated wilderness.

FLMR Snakebite Trail 25.174605°, -80.873913°

9,082 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Snakebite Trail is a two-track trail that extends from Main Park Road to the shoreline of Snakebite where the trail ends at a small boardwalk and deck overlooking the water. The trail is located on a former roadbed that is approximately 10-15 feet in width and elevated from one to several feet above the surrounding plant communities. A borrow canal used to obtain fill for the roadbed borders the trail along the entire eastern boundary. The trail passes through mixed mangrove forest, coastal prairie, buttonwood hammock, and coastal hardwood hammock. Due to the elevation of the roadbed, most of the vegetation immediately adjacent to the trail itself is comprised of species commonly associated with coastal hardwood hammocks. Exotic species such as the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), leatherleaf (Colubrina asiatica), and guinea grass (Panicum maximum) are also found along portions of the trail.

Snakebite Trail is used by visitors on foot and bicycles for a variety of recreational activities. Park staff, cooperators, and researchers use this trail for interpretive hikes, access to field sites in the area, maintenance of facilities on the trail, and law enforcement patrols. Administrative access is generally on foot, although the use of motor vehicles is permitted.

FLMR Christian Point Trail 25.151494°, -80.918693°

9,504 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Christian Point trail is a single-track foot path that begins at Main Park Road northeast of the Flamingo Housing Road. The trail is 1.8 miles long and is primarily located in buttonwood hammocks and salt marsh, although some sections pass through or adjacent to mud flats and mangrove forests. The trail is one-way and ends at the southwestern shore of Snakebite. There is a small bridge at the beginning of the trail, otherwise, the trail bed is unimproved and found at the same elevation as the plant community in which it is passing through. Visitors are permitted to access the trail on foot or bicycle. Administrative access on foot to access field sites or conduct

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts patrols may occur infrequently. The majority of the trail can be flooded during the rainy months at which time visitation is probably very limited.

FLMR Rowdy Bend Tram Trail 25.175090°, -80.904995°

13,622 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Rowdy Bend Trail extends from about 500 feet SE of Main Park Road SE for approximately one mile before heading generally NE to the point where it ends at the intersection of Snakebite Trail.

Access to the trailhead from Main Park Road is by way of a filled, crushed limestone road. A short spur road extends from the trailhead to the NE for approximately 500 feet, where it ends at an area historically used as a landscape and construction waste dumping area. Rowdy Bend was originally a two-track road but over time, the trail has grown substantially and in many places is now reduced to a single track. From the trailhead off Main Park Road, Rowdy Bend Trail initially passes through somewhat disturbed uplands and wetlands where it follows along a shallow borrow ditch used for fill to raise parts of the original trail. The trail also passes through salt marsh, buttonwood-dominated woodlands, and coastal hardwood hammocks. In these areas, the trail bed is generally at the same elevation as the habitats that it is passing through. A leatherleaf (Colubrina asiatica) infestation occurs near the western trailhead and is primarily associated with areas of the trail within or adjacent to coastal hardwood hammocks or buttonwood hammocks. Brazilian peppertree also occurs along or near most of the trail at varying densities where it passes through these habitats. A variety of other non-native invasive species are present at and around the landscape waste dumping area but have not been observed along the Rowdy Bend Trail itself.

Visitors are permitted to access Rowdy Bend Trail via bicycle or on foot. EVER staff and researchers generally access this trail on foot or rarely in vehicles for access to study sites. Law enforcement occasionally may use this trail for conducting foot patrols. Due to the poor suitability of the trail for driving, vehicular traffic is very minimal, if it occurs at all. No evidence of vehicle use has been seen for the past several years.

Pine Island District – 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, Florida 33034

PIRP Anhinga Trail 25.382578°, -80.609527°

1,524 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Anhinga Trail is a 0.8-mile-long loop trail that leads from the Royal Palm Visitor Center to central Taylor Slough, passing through sawgrass marsh, shrubby wetlands, and open water areas representative of the Taylor Slough region. A portion of the trail is the repaved surface of the remnants of the Old Ingraham Highway roadbed. This portion of the trail is approximately 15 feet wide and is bordered by a grass-covered shoulder that grades into natural wetland plant communities on the southern side and a borrow pit and ditch on the northern side. The northern side of the paved trail has a low railing to restrict visitors from the steep slope of the ditch. A 15-

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts foot-long wooden bridge allows north-to-south water flow, which is otherwise restricted by the trail. The remainder of the trail consists of boardwalks elevated above the wetland areas through which they pass. A loop boardwalk includes a shelter and several widened observation areas. Two short spur boardwalks lead to viewing decks at the edge of the central flow way of Taylor Slough.

Anhinga Trail provides visitors with dry and well-developed access to park plant and animal communities typical of Taylor Slough. As a result, it is one of the most heavily used trails in Everglades National Park.

PIRP Gumbo Limbo Trail 25.382260°, -80.610027°

2,317 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Gumbo Limbo trail is an elevated asphalt paved trail with two trailheads located in the Royal Palm Visitor Center parking area. This 1,800-foot-long trail passes through the Rockland hammock habitat of Royal Palm Hammock. The trail bed is approximately 3-4 feet wide along the paved portions of the trail. There is a small boardwalk and railing along the edge of a borrow pit and a short stretch of the trail utilizes a portion of Old Ingraham Highway, a historic roadway that now sees limited administrative vehicle use. Hiking is the primary use of Gumbo Limbo Trail, and the trail is used heavily by visitors, school groups, and NPS-led hikes. Interpretive signs are present along the trail to assist visitors in understanding rockland hammock features and South Florida ecology. Reconstruction of the trail bed is likely to occur in coming years due to degradation of the asphalt surface as tree roots buckled the surface, and during reconstruction, the hardened surface will likely be widened to 6-7 feet in many areas to continue to provide access to wheelchairs and others following current standards.

PILP Long Pine Key Nature Trail 25.434660°, -80.720669°

34,923 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Long Pine Key Nature Trail is a two tracked, drivable trail that extends from the road to Long Pine Key Campground west to Pine Glades Lake, just south of Main Park Road. The trail consists of scarified limestone bedrock in most areas with a thin layer of crushed limestone or marl over the bedrock in some areas. The trail is approximately 6 miles long and passes through pine rockland, marl prairie and rockland hammock habitats. The majority of the trail is located in pine rockland.

The center strip of the road is typically vegetated with native plant species representative of the plant community that the road is passing through. Substantial portions of the trail are in wetland areas and standing water may be present during the rainy season.

Visitors access Long Pine Key Trail via bicycle, on foot and on horseback. EVER staff and researchers generally access this trail on foot or in vehicles for access to study sites. Fire management staff uses this road as a fire break that forms a portion of the boundary of several Pineland fire management units. Law enforcement occasionally conducts patrols via motor vehicle.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

PIPL Pinelands Trail 25.425120°, -80.680480°

2,065 LF

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Pinelands trail is a 1,800-foot long loop trail through pine rockland and rockland hammock in northern Long Pine Key. The trailhead is located at a paved parking area north of Main Park Road.

A small, wooden interpretive structure is located at the trailhead. The trail is approximately 4-6 feet wide and the trailbed is crushed limestone with an asphalt surface. Small wooden railings have been installed at a few locations along the trail where solution holes adjacent to the trail create a hazard to trail users.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

Appendix 2: Work Location Maps

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts