SOW.docx

SCOPE OF WORK

Tree Removal Along Refuge Trails

U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 35704 County Highway 26 Rochert, MN 56578

OBJECTIVE

Cut trees and brush within a 30’ trail, limb overhead trees and branches to 15’ in height, and clear trees and brush to create pull-offs along Refuge Trails.

BACKGROUND

Many of the administrative and public use trails have become overgrown with trees and brush. More than 20 miles of trails are in need of limbing and brushing or widening. The encroaching trees and overgrown branches lead to vehicle and equipment damage, obstruct visibility for two-way traffic, and are too dense and copious for our maintenance staff and equipment to address. Identified in this scope of work are 5 trails that are open to vehicle traffic by the public and comprise of about 5 miles of trail in total.

LOCATION

Tamarac Refuge is located in Becker County. The project sites are approximately 25 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, MN and 45 miles northwest of Park Rapids, MN. Specifically, this work will take place on approximately 5 miles of trails including Lost Lake (1.89 mi), Wauboose Lake (.43 mi), Dry Lake (1.12 mi), West Rice Lake (.947 mi), and South Tamarac Lake (.328 mi) Trails (maps attached). Each trail is accessible with heavy equipment and semi-truck and trailers.

CLIENT

U.S. Department of the Interior – U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

July 27, 2020June 11, 2020

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INTENDED USE

Service to be delivered is to cut trees and brush within 30’ trail, limb overhead trees and branches to 15’ in height, and clear trees and brush to create nine pull-offs in designated areas along five miles of refuge trails to achieve project goals.

SCOPE OF WORK/TASKS

Contractor is required to garner appropriate permits and certificates of insurance liability. Contractor will maximize work time and efficiency on site, minimize use of and traffic on refuge roads, and reduce overall transportation/disposal costs with fewer trips. Contractor will furnish all labor, supplies, materials, equipment, and supervision to perform the action items specified herein:

a. Clear trees along established trails. Cut all trees and brush of varying diameter at breast height (DBH) at ground level to a width of 30' on the existing trails. All trees 2 inches DBH or greater must be cut as low to the ground as possible; with the remaining stump height not to exceed 3 inches. Cutting can be done by mechanical mowing, sawing, mulching, tree shear, or chainsaw. Downed trees and brush will be laid to the side, five feet off the trail, or piled for removal at a later date by contractor or USFWS staff.

b. Trim overhead limbs. Cut overhead limbs and branches to 15’ in height within the 30’ width of the trail. Remove any overhanging limbs or branches to 15’ in height from trees originating outside of the 30’ trail. All cut material must be laid to the side, five feet off the trail, or piled for removal at a later date by contractor or USFWS staff. Cutting will be done by mechanical sawing using a Loftness Kwik-Trim, Jarraff or like equipment so to create smooth, clean cuts at the trunk of the tree with no more than 3” of branch stub remaining.

c. Create pull-off areas for two-way traffic. Some trails will require clearing pull-off areas along the trail to allow for vehicle passing. There are nine of these areas beyond the 30’ width and they will be clearly marked by USFWS along the trail. The number of pull-offs are indicated on the specific trail map. Each pull-off will be approximately 50’ by 10’ and run parallel to the trail. Tree, brush, and limb clearing as described in “a.” and “b.” above is required for these areas. All surface preparation for the pull-offs will be completed by USFWS.

d. Tree Pile locations: Piles are to be off of the main trail to allow for vehicle passage. All piles of trees must be placed greater than 20 feet from the centerline of the trail and at least 50 feet away from wetland basins. Piles must be stacked to allow for removal and cannot be stacked to heights greater than 10 feet or 100 feet in width.

e. Large Trees: Trees such as large white pine, red pine, or white oak within the 30' trail will not be cut. These trees will be identified by USFWS and clearly marked. Overhead limbs or branches should be removed to 15’ on these trees.

f. All cutting must remain within the 30-foot wide established trail. Trails will be staked periodically to provide a reference. It is the responsibility of the contractor to stay within the 30' trail.

g. Care should be taken to minimize the amount of rutting/gouging of the ground and trail while working.

SCHEDULE

The anticipated timeline is to start no earlier than August 1, 2020 and be completed by December 31, 2020. Some trails will require working around the timing that they are open to public traffic. For example, Lost Lake is closed to the public after Labor Day and others like West Rice and Dry Lake are only open to the public from Sept 1 – Dec 15. Prior to commencing with work under this order Contractor will coordinate work periods and timelines with Refuge point of contact, Alisha Haken, (218) 849-9867.

BUDGET

The cost for this contract will not exceed: $15,000.00. Accounting code: FF03RTMC00 FXRS1262033ANN0

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

The government will provide the following items:

· Maps of each trail identify location and number of pull-off areas.

· Marking of large trees, pull-off areas, and periodic 30-foot width reference.

DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall be responsible for providing those items addressed in the SCOPE OF WORK/TASKS above.

POINT OF CONTACT

Alisha Haken, Deputy Project Leader US Fish and Wildlife Service Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 35704 County Highway 26 Rochert, MN 56578

(218) 849-9867 (cell)

PAYMENT

Upon completion and approval of the project, awarded business is responsible for forwarding invoice through www.ipp.gov to Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge for payment.

SUGGESTED VENDORS

Carr’s Tree Service POC: Brad Carr 307 State Hwy 78 North Ottertail, MN 56571 Phone 888-470-3355

DUNS: 40967762

Andy Francis Landscaping and Construction LLC POC: Andy Francis 12352 Shorewood Beach Road Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-439-3320, 218-849-1034 (cell) cafrancis@netzero.com

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