SOW_Timber_Stand_Improvement_Patoka_River_NWR.pdf

140FS226Q0156 Timber Stand Improvement Page 1 of 3

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge

Statement of Work

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) BEL, Bruce, Grosheart, and Hughes Tracts

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area.

1. Introduction and Overview

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area (Refuge) was established in 1994 in Pike and Gibson Counties to conserve and manage habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, resident wildlife, and endangered and threatened species. Active habitat management of wetland, forest, and prairie habitats occur on the nearly 13,000 acres acquired to date. The refuge offers public hunting and fishing, wildlife viewing and photography, environmental education and interpretation.

The refuge headquarters is located in Oakland City, IN.

The BEL and Bruce tracts are adjacent properties located in Pike County off CR 850E north of

Francisco, IN and south of the Patoka River. The nearest crossroads are CR 850E and CR 50 N

The Hughes tract is in Gibson county north of Francisco, IN and south of the Patoka River on

CR 750E. The nearest crossroads are CR 750E and CR 50N. The Grosheart tract is in Gibson

County west of Oatsville, IN and north of the Patoka River on CR 775E. The nearest crossroads are CR 750E and Winslow Patoka Road (Attachment A).

1.1 Background

As described in the Refuge 2017 Habitat Management Plan, staff at the Refuge actively restore forest land for migratory birds and other trust resources. The agricultural portions of these tracts were planted to native hardwoods at approximately 500 tree seedlings per acre in 2006 (BEL –

25 acres), 2008 (Grosheart – 35 acres), 2010 (Hughes – 45 acres) and 2016 (Bruce – 25 acres).

Tree plantings consisted of various oak and other hardwood species (i.e. hickory species, walnut, black cherry, black gum, persimmon) as well as bald cypress, and these species are considered the “desirable” trees that are prioritized for this project. Since the time of planting, various undesirable species have established and are competing with the desirable trees in the planting mix.

1.2 Objective

The objective of this project is to perform TSI on up to 130 acres of tree plantings to remove competing woody vegetation that are impacting the tree plantings. The contractor will be expected to release at a minimum 30 desirable trees per acre where there are more than 30 desirable planted trees available to release. In areas with less than 30 desirable planted trees remain per acre, the contractor will release ALL remaining planted hardwoods and bald cypress.

Typical species to be removed are willow, cottonwood, sweetgum, and maple.

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The expectations for releasing planted trees will consist of selecting the desirable species from the plantings (i.e. mast producing, wildlife beneficial, best crown) and either fell or double girdle competing trees on all four sides of the selected desirable tree, to eliminate competition for the desirable tree. Undiluted (100%) triclopyr herbicide (Garlon 3a) will be applied to the cambium layer of the cut stump or girdled area to kill the competing tree. The contractor will keep a record and turn in the amount of herbicide applied to Refuge staff upon completion of the project.

1.3 Period of Performance

October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Work must be completed within this timeframe due to endangered species presence on the Refuge outside of this timeframe.

2. Scope of Work

The Contractor will:

A. Furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, supplies (except herbicide will be provided by

Refuge), herbicide reporting, and transportation to perform the desired TSI described in

1.2.

B. Prior to starting work, the Contractor will meet with Refuge staff to review the project and objectives.

C. Provide a bid per tract and a total overall bid (5 bids). Depending on cost the Refuge may choose to do as few as one tract or may do all four tracts (See Attachment B).

3. Location: See Attachment A.

4. Inspection (and Acceptance)

Work will be inspected by FWS representative (Contracting Officer Representative – COR, Heath Hamilton).

Final acceptance will occur upon: a) approval of all work at final inspection by COR, b) receipt of closeout submittals, and c) receipt of release of claims.

5. Availability

Headquarters of the Refuge is located at 510 ½ W Morton St, Oakland City, IN 47660. Pre-bid site visits shall be arranged in advance by contacting Heath Hamilton, Acting Refuge Manager, at (812) 749-3199.

Project work activities are permitted from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm CDT Monday through Friday, and on weekends with permission, except Federal holidays.

6. Attachments

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Attachment A – Project Site Map

Attachment B – Unit Bid Sheet