SOW_Tree_Planting_Marais_des_Cygnes_NWR.pdf

Tree Planting Project Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge

1. Project Purpose This project will replace native tree seedlings that were destroyed during a wildfire event affecting approximately 48 acres of the Refuge. The work is necessary to restore forest structure, stabilize soils, maintain habitat quality, and support long-term ecological recovery consistent with refuge management objectives.

2. Project Scope The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, seedlings, transportation, and materials to complete the following tasks.

2.1 Scope of Work

• Supply bare-root seedlings of native species:

o Persimmon, Chinkapin, Pecan, Bur oak, Pin oak, White oak, Swamp white oak, Northern red oak, and Shagbark hickory.

• Seedlings must be sourced from suppliers using local native seed stock approved by the Refuge.

• Plant approximately 22,050 seedlings across 48 acres at 10 ft x 10 ft spacing.

• Use a tractor-mounted planting machine suitable for penetrating compacted soils.

• Ensure proper planting technique that maintains good root-to-soil contact.

• Keep all seedlings moist, shaded, and chilled before and during planting.

• Avoid any ground disturbance beyond the depth or area of previous soil cultivation.

2.2 Seasonal Requirements

Bare-root planting is best conducted in March and April and may extend into May if spring moisture conditions allow. Contractor must schedule planting within this optimal window.

2.3 Items Excluded

This project does not include the use of herbicides or pesticides, the construction of permanent roads or other infrastructure, mechanical soil disturbance outside previously cultivated areas, or any maintenance activities beyond initial establishment unless covered under a separate contract.

3. Performance Standards

• Planting must be completed no later than May 2027

• All work must follow environmental, operational, and safety requirements

• All planting must follow spacing, handling, and installation specifications described in Section 2.1

• Performance will be assessed on installation quality, compliance with specifications, and timely completion instead of seedling survival.

• A final inspection will occur within 10 days after planting is completed.

4. Location Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters 24141 Kansas Hwy 52 Pleasanton, Kansas 66075 Office Phone: 913-352-8956 Office Hours 8am – 4:30pm

Project work will occur within the wildfire-impacted 48-acre area located in the West Eureka management unit, north and northeast of Pleasanton, Kansas.

5. Roles & Responsibilities Refuge Staff:

• Provide planting maps, access, and technical guidance

• Mow the planting area prior to planting to reduce grass competition and prepare the site for tree planting.

• Approve species substitutions

• Conduct final acceptance inspection

• Coordinate post-project monitoring

Contractor:

• Supply labor, seedlings, and hand tools or a tractor cultivator

• Perform planting in compliance with all specifications

• Maintain communication with the Refuge Manager or Implementation Lead

• Ensure proper environmental safeguards and seedling handling

6. Acceptance Criteria The project will be accepted when all planting is completed according to specifications, all deliverables have been submitted and approved, and final inspection verifies the work meets project requirements.

52 KS

Highway 52

US

Hi gh wa y

Trading Post

Pleasanton City Lake

KS Highway 52

Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge

Vantor, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of Realty, Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User

Community

Text Wattles Fire Project Area

0 10.5 Miles