Statement of Work.pdf

CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

STATEMENT OF WORK

OVERVIEW

The Cherokee National Forest is soliciting for manual forestry services including tree planting, herbicide application, and other vegetation treatments using hand tools. Work includes site preparation, mid-story control, thinning, crop tree release, non-native invasive species control, fireline construction, fence clearing, and Southern Pine Beetle suppression. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals, and shall conduct the work in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation.

This procurement is conducted using simplified acquisition/commercial item procedures under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.5.

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

All estimated quantities of work shown in the Schedule of Items are for the base year only. These estimates are not a representation that these estimated quantities will be required or ordered, or that conditions affecting requirements will be stable or normal. These estimates were obtained from records of previous requirements and consumption, current work plans, or projected need, and are based on the most current information available.

Item# Description Unit Price per Unit

5.1 Tree Planting - Manual

5.1.1 Plant Bare Root Pine 100-300 seedlings per Acre Acre

5.1.2 Plant Bareroot Pine Cluster of 1,740 seedlings per Acre Acre

5.1.3 Plant Containerized Pine 100-300 seedlings per Acre Acre

5.1.4 Plant Bareroot Hardwood - 25-50 seedlings per acre Acre

5.1.5 Plant Bareroot Hardwood Cluster - 100-300 seedlings per Acre Acre

5.1.6 Plant Bareroot Hardwood Cluster - 1,740 seedlings per Acre

5.2 Site Preparation - Chainsaw or Herbicide

5.2.1 Site Prep - Slashdown by Chainsaw Acre

5.2.2 Site Prep - Hack'n' Squirt Herbicide Acre

5.2.3 Stump Sprout - Streamline Basal Bark Herbicide Acre

5.2.4 Site Prep - Cut Stem Surface Herbicide Acre

5.2.5 Site Prep - Hack and Squirt and Foliar Spray Herbicide Acre

5.3 Thinning - Chainsaw

5.3.1 Midstory Chainsaw Slashdown – High Density Acre

5.3.2 Midstory Chainsaw Slashdown - Medium Density Acre

5.3.3 Midstory Chainsaw Slashdown - Low Density Acre

5.3.4 Midstory Chainsaw Slashdown with Slash Treatment - High Density Acre

5.3.5 Midstory Chainsaw Slashdown with Slash Treatment - Medium Density Acre

5.3.6 Midstory Chainsaw Slashdown with Slash Treatment - Low Density Acre

5.3.7 Midstory Chainsaw Slashdown – Small & Medium Sized Trees Acre

5.3.8 Pre-commercial Thinning – 200 TPA

5.3.9 Daylighting Roadsides or Wildlife Openings

5.4 Midstory Control - Herbicide Single Methods

5.4.1 Midstory Thinline Herbicide - High Density Acre

5.4.2 Midstory Thinline Herbicide - Medium Density Acre

5.4.3 Midstory Thinline Herbicide - Low Density Acre

5.4.4 Midstory Hack n ’Squirt Herbicide – Low Density Rhododendron Acre

5.5.5 Midstory Hack n ’Squirt Herbicide – Higher Density Rhododendron Acre

5.5 Midstory Control - Herbicide Combined Methods

5.5.1 Midstory Thinline/Hack n’ Squirt Herbicide - Small & Medium Sized Trees Acre

5.5.2 Midstory Foliar & Hack and Squirt Herbicide - High Density Acre

5.5.3 Midstory Foliar & Hack and Squirt Herbicide - Medium Density Acre

5.5.4 Midstory Foliar & Hack and Squirt Herbicide – Low Density Acre

5.5.5 Midstory Foliar & Cut Stump Herbicide – High Density Acre

5.5.6 Midstory Foliar & Cut Stump Herbicide – Medium Density Acre

5.5.7 Midstory Foliar & Cut Stump Herbicide – Low Density Acre

5.6 Crop Tree Release - Chainsaw

5.6.1 Crop Tree Release Chainsaw - Seedlings /Saplings – 25 TPA Acre

5.6.2 Crop Tree Release Chainsaw - Seedlings/Saplings – 50 TPA Acre

5.6.3 Crop Tree Release Chainsaw – Seedlings/Saplings – 100 TPA Acre

5.6.4 Crop Tree Release Chainsaw – Seedlings/Saplings – 200 TPA Acre

5.4.5 Crop Tree Release Chainsaw – Seedlings/Saplings – 300 TPA Acre

5.4.6 Crop Tree Release Chainsaw – Larger Trees – 75 TPA

5.7 Crop Tree Release - Herbicide Single Methods

5.7.1 Crop Tree Release Streamline Basal Bark Herbicide – 25 TPA Acre

5.7.2 Crop Tree Release Streamline Basal Bark Herbicide – 50 TPA Acre

5.7.3 Crop Tree Release Streamline Basal Bark Herbicide – 100 TPA Acre

5.7.4 Crop Tree Release Streamline Basal Bark Herbicide – 200 TPA Acre

5.7.5 Crop Tree Release Streamline Basal Bark Herbicide – 300 TPA Acre

5.7.6 Crop Tree Release Foliar Spray Herbicide - 25 to 100 TPA Acre

5.7.7 Crop Tree Release Foliar Spray Herbicide – 101-300 TPA Acre

5.8 Crop Tree Release - Herbicide Combined Methods

5.8.1 Crop Tree Release Hack and Squirt & Foliar Spray Herbicide – 25 to 100 TPA Acre

5.8.2 Crop Tree Release Hack and Squirt & Foliar Spray Herbicide – 101-300 TPA Acre

5.8.3 Crop Tree Release Cut Surface & Foliar Spray Herbicide – 25 to 100 TPA Acre

5.8.4 Crop Tree Release Cut Surface & Foliar Spray Herbicide – 101 to 300 TPA Acre

5.9 Non-Native Invasive Plant Control - Herbicide

5.9.1 NNIP Foliar Spray Herbicide - Power Equipment Acre

5.9.2 NNIP Streamline or Foliar Spray Herbicide – Backpack Acre

5.10 Vine Control - Herbicide

5.10.1 Vine Control Streamline/Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Herbicide Acre

5.11 Southern Pine Beetle Suppression

5.11.1 Cut and Leave (manual or machine felling) Acre

5.12 Fire Line Construction (Handline)

5.12.1 Fireline Clearing – 4 feet Wide Linear Foot

5.12.2 Fireline Clearing – 8 feet Wide Linear Foot

5.12.3 Fireline Clearing – 4 feet wide with Shrub Clearing Linear Foot

5.12.4 Fireline Clearing – 8 feet wide with Shrub Clearing Linear Foot

5.12.5 Fireline Thinning with Lop and Scatter Acre

5.13 Fence Clearing

5.13.1 Fence Clearing – 5 feet wide Linear Foot

SECTION I - GENERAL DESCRIPTION

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

Manual forestry services including tree planting, herbicide application, and other vegetation treatments using hand tools. Work includes site preparation, mid-story control, thinning, crop tree release, non-native invasive species control, fireline construction, fence clearing, and Southern Pine Beetle suppression. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals, and shall conduct the work in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation.

PROJECT LOCATION

All Ranger Districts of the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee are included in this contract across the following counties in Tennessee:

Watauga Ranger District: Carter, Johnson, Sullivan counties

Unaka Ranger District: Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, Washington counties

Tellico Ranger District: Polk, McMinn counties

Ocoee Ranger District: Monroe county

Specific locations, unit data, and maps will be supplied with each task/delivery order.

Acreages listed on each task order will have been determined by closed traverse, planimeter, global positioning system (GPS), or geographical information system (GIS). For purposes of this contract, quantities listed on each task order are considered actual acreage and not an estimate.

PROJECT ACCESS

The project area shall be accessed by Forest Service Roads. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to perform any special maintenance in order to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2- or 4-wheel drive vehicle and foot travel.

The National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the individual Ranger Districts (available upon award) provides open road information. The Contractor will coordinate with the Forest Service to access those roads that are seasonally closed by gates. Forest Service roads that are permanently closed by earthen berms or some other obstruction will have to be accessed by foot or, if available, UTV.

Contractors are subject to the same rules as Forest Service personnel regarding the use of off-road vehicles and must use only utility task vehicles (UTV) or side by sides. These vehicles differ from all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in that UTV payloads run from 800 to 1,350 pounds above the operator/passenger’s weight. UTV also have roll-over protection and seat belts unlike ATV.

BOUNDARIES

Most boundaries have previously been marked by paint slashes on sides of trees or by hanging flagging around each area. Others may have fences, roads, timber age changes, or natural structures which were used as boundaries.

SALVAGE RIGHTS

No salvage rights exist under this contract.

RE-MEASUREMENT

The Contractor may at any time after issuance of a task order request re- measurement of an area. The request must be in writing. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for areas less than one (1) acre. The Contractor will pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in an increase of less than 10 percent. Method of re-measurement to be used will be determined by the Government.

PAYMENT

Payment for performed work will be based on actual work completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Invoices are submitted through the Invoice Processing Platform at www.ipp.gov/

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

The Contractor will provide a Contractor Representative/Crew Leader for the performance of the work.

The name of this person, who will act for the Contractor when the Contractor is absent, will be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor Representative will have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Contractor Representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and communicate with the Contractor's employees and the Forest Service.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

Any improvements damaged by the Contractor's work will be repaired to the condition that existed prior to the start of work at the Contractor's expense.

PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR WORK BY THE GOVERNMENT

Nothing in this contract restricts the Government from performing any of the work with its own organization and workforce.

CONTRACTOR ACCESS

If the contractor must unlock a gate, the Contractor is required to relock the gate upon entry and egress.

EQUIPMENT CLEANING – INVASIVE SPECIES OF CONCERN

The contractor shall ensure that any equipment intended for use during contract performance, either mechanical or otherwise, shall be free from invasive species of concern before use on this contract or any subsequent task order.

1. Prior to commencing work on a project, the contractor shall advise the Forest Service of previous equipment cleaning measures and make equipment available for inspection upon request. Forest Service shall have 2 days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, to inspect any equipment to ensure it is free of invasive species of concern. Equipment shall be considered clean when a visual inspection does not disclose seeds, soil, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds of invasive species of concern. After satisfactory inspection or after such 2 day period, the contractor may proceed with work as directed by the Contracting Officer (CO)

2. If the contractor desires to clean equipment on National Forest land, such as at the end of a project or prior to moving to or through an area that is free of invasive species of concern, the contractor shall obtain prior approval from CO as to the location for such cleaning and measures, if any, for controlling impacts.

The respective District Offices maintain a current list and maps of areas known by the Forest Service that are infested with invasive species of concern and are available upon request. The parties shall promptly communicate with one another with respect to description or designation of additional locations;

discovery of locations of new species or new infestation; and addition of species to the list of invasive species of concern and any potential impact on contract operations.

PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES,

AND IMPROVEMENTS

The Contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the Contractor's operations.

Vegetation placed on rights-of-way as a result of contract work will be removed unless otherwise directed by the COR.

All cut vegetation will be lopped and scattered to lie within two feet of the ground for approximately one hundred feet on either side of a highway or trail that has been designated as having a slash treatment zone on the contract unit map unless otherwise directed by the COR.

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.

Contractor will not treat trees reserved to meet other resource objectives such as wildlife habitat, visual quality, stream bank stability, etc. Identification of these trees will be as agreed with the COR at the time each task order is made.

A minimum of 20 square feet of basal area (the cross-sectional area of a tree stem at 4.5 feet above the ground) per acre of canopy or mid-story trees will be retained within 25 feet of ephemeral stream channels as agreed with COR during any tree cutting activities.

The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so, and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place.

The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities (1) at or near the work site, and (2) on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

Treatment applications shall not be applied within Streamside Management Zones that are designated by a painted unit boundary and/or as designated by the COR, unless specifically authorized by the COR and aquatic labeled herbicides are being used.

The Contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent pollution of any stream. All streams shall be kept free of Contractor generated debris. Heavy equipment shall not operate within the streamside management zones as designated by the COR. The COR will designate stream crossings.

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.

Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, right-of-ways, or other structures and are designated for treatment shall be severed and felled so as not to damage, lean on, clog or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

The contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the contractor’s operations.

Tracked equipment shall be loaded or unloaded onto unimproved roads or within the area to be treated.

Lead off and wing ditch structures that have been constructed for system roads shall be protected.

Some treatment areas will be in very wet areas or undrained flats and will not have vehicle access;

vehicles will be prohibited from those areas. It such cases, the task order will include designated parking or access routes.

The Contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent digging, gouging and moving soil. The Contractor shall prevent excessive rutting and compaction by operating his equipment only when suitable soil conditions exist, as determined by the COR or Inspector. The Contractor shall prevent damage to trees left standing.

CLEANING UP

The Contractor shall at all times keep the work area, including storage areas, free from accumulations of waste materials. Before completing the work, the Contractor shall remove from the work and premises any rubbish, tools, equipment, and materials that are not the property of the Government. Upon completing the work, the Contractor shall leave the work area in a clean, neat, and orderly condition satisfactory to the Contracting Officer or their designee.

PERFORMANCE TIME

All task orders issued will include contract delivery or performance schedule in terms of specific calendar dates or contract time for completion. To facilitate timely inspections, the contractor shall provide the Government of their proposed operation schedule. The contractor shall notify the Government of schedule changes.

All work shall be performed during the time period of one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset, Monday through Friday, unless time changes are approved by the COR or Inspector.

REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Contractor must be registered with the Department of Labor under the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act. Contractor will follow all State and Federal regulations, including OSHA guidelines.

The State of Tennessee requires contractors applying herbicide to have both a Tennessee State Pesticide Applicator's license and a Tennessee pest control charter. For more information, go to the website link:

https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/article/ag-businesses-certification

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item 1: Project area maps (1:24,000) scale for each area; vicinity maps that show the general location of the areas on each unit.

Item 2: Tree seedlings will be furnished by the Forest Service to Contractor in sealed bags or bundles.

Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage sites located at District Work Centers to the planting areas, and for sorting, separating, and untangling necessary for planting of seedlings.

For the purpose of FAR 52.245-1, Government Furnished Property, seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor upon Contractor's loading on their vehicle for transportation to planting sites. Seedlings must be picked up daily between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Not more than a one-day-supply of seedlings will be picked up on any one day, with the exception being a two-days-supply may be picked up on Friday. Any change in the above times for pick-up must be approved by the COR.

Item 3: Herbicides will be furnished by the Government. These include, but are not limited to, those listed below:

BRAND NAME HERBICIDE NAME

Transline Clopyralid Arsenal Imazapyr Garlon 3A Triclopyr amine Carlon 4 Triclopyr ester Accord or Forester Select Glyphosate Cide-Kick Spray Adjuvant for herbicides JLB Oil Spray Adjuvant for herbicides Dyes Mixed with Herbicide to show areas treated Habitat Imazapyr

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals, and shall conduct the work in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation. In addition, the contractor shall furnish:

Item 1: Emergency Spill Kit (for herbicide and other hazardous material) https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/article/ag-businesses-certification

A smart phone or tablet equipped with global navigation satellite system reception (e.g. GPS) and applications capable of utilizing georeferenced treatment area maps in PDF format is recommended but not required.

SECTION II - DEFINITIONS

STANDARD DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

Calendar Days Every day shown on the calendar, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays included.

Contracting Officer (CO) A person with the authority to enter into, and administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

A Government person appointed by the contracting officer to help the contracting officer with contract administration and surveillance.

Defective Service A unit of service which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

Government Inspector A Government person responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

Quality Assurance Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance that contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Random Sampling A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

Broadcast herbicide Application of herbicide over an entire area. There are not broadcast herbicide applications in this contract.

DBH (Diameter breast height) Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Crop Trees Trees which are not cut or treated

Crown Class A classification of individual trees in a forest, based on dominance relative to adjacent trees, which reflects position in the canopy and amount of sunlight received. The four classes, in descending order of crown height and size, are dominant, codominant, intermediate, and overtopped.

Dominant - tree crowns receive full light from above and partly from the sides. Crowns extend above the general level of the crown cover of others of the same stratum and are not physically restricted from above, although possibly somewhat crowded by other trees on the sides. In even-aged stands, dominant trees rise somewhat above the general canopy.

Codominant - Tree crowns receive full light from above, but comparatively little from the sides. Crowns form a general level of crown stratum, are not physically restricted from above and are crowded by other trees from the sides. In even-aged stands, codominants form the general canopy.

Intermediate - Tree crowns occupy a definitely subordinate position and are subject to strong lateral competition from crowns of dominants and codominants. They receive little direct light from above through small holes in the canopy, but no light from the sides.

Overtopped - Tree crowns receive no direct light from above or from the sides and are entirely below the general level of dominant and codominant trees.

Cut Surface Treatment Method of treatment where tree stems or vines are completely severed from the stump and followed with an application of herbicide to the stump. See treatment methods defined below.

Cut Trees Trees which are to be cut under this contract.

Foliar spray Method of treatment application where herbicide is applied to foliage of vegetation. See treatment methods defined below.

Leave Trees Trees which are not to be cut or treated under this contract.

Lopping and Scattering Cutting limbs from the trunks of the cut trees and moving and rearranging of slash concentrations to achieve slash depth required in the contract.

Bole The trunk or stem of a tree

TERMS MEANING

Broadcast herbicide Application of herbicide over an entire area. There are not broadcast herbicide applications in this contract.

Girdling Hand treatment that removes the cambium layer located beneath the bark of a tree bole.

Hack and Squirt Method of treatment application that applies herbicide through cuts in the stem, (bole) of the tree. See treatment methods defined below.

Live Crown Ratio Percent of live crown in relation to the total height of the tree

Manual Felling Method of treatment application that severs the stem from the stump.

Midstory Vegetation layer between the upper canopy and herbaceous layer. These generally include trees in the overtopped and intermediate crown classes.

Nonnative Invasive Species/Plants Noxious weeds

Precommercial thinning Method of treatment where tree stems are completely severed from the stump in order to improve tree spacing and control competition.

Reforestation The act of renewing tree cover by establishing young trees naturally or artificially.

Release A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually overtopping, competing vegetation.

Slash Any vegetation that was cut by the contractor.

Slashdown Cutting down

Streamline Basal Bark Method of treatment application that applies herbicide to the outer surface of the stem, (bole) of the tree. See treatment methods defined below.

Stump Sprout Vegetation growth of a tree species originating from a stump.

TREATMENT METHODS DEFINED

Hack n’ Squirt Treatment – Use cutting tool such as hand axe to make horizontal cuts in bark to the cambium layer of wood and apply herbicide using a calibrated hand applicator as follows:

• Cuts will be made so they encircle the tree stem with no more than two inches between the cuts (hacks).

• Make cuts horizontal to ground.

• Cuts will pierce the bark and penetrate into the wood.

• Cuts will form a pocket to hold the chemicals.

• Herbicide applicators will be metered to release one milliliter of chemical mixture into each cut.

If using spray bottles apply material until it fills the cut.

• Cuts will be within five feet of the ground and will be at the same level on an individual tree.

• Chemical will be thoroughly agitated before tilling the applicator.

• Trees will not be treated when air temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less, or during or within one hour before heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall would be sufficient to dilute or wash out herbicide with cuts.

• Herbicide is furnished by USFS as government furnished property.

• See section titled “Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application”

Streamline Basal Bark Treatment (Thinline)

• Treat stems up to 4-inch basal diameter using streamline method. Supervisor and crew must be able to identify tree species during dormant season (leaf-off).

• Application equipment will consist of low volume, low pressure backpack sprayer with “spray systems” Gunjet using a .001 tip (.002 in cold weather).

• All stems designated for treatment shall be sprayed on one side at a point between 12 inches and 24 inches above the ground line to form a treated zone that is at least 6 inches in height. Treat both sides of stems that are 3 to 4 inches in basal diameter.

• Treat either dormant or growing season; however, dormant season is preferred to ensure material reaches target stem and is not intercepted by leaves, grasses, or other vegetation.

• Herbicide is furnished by USFS as government furnished property.

• See section on “Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application”

Cut Stem (Stump) Surface

• The outer one inch of the cut surface of the stump will be sprayed until wet around the entire circumference of the stump.

• Stump spray will be done as soon as possible after the tree is cut, but no longer than 20 minutes afterward.

• The herbicide solution will be thoroughly agitated before tilling the squirt bottle or sprayer.

• Trees to be stump sprayed will not be cut during rainfall, and all trees already cut when rainfall begins will be immediately stump sprayed.

• Trees will not be cut and stump sprayed when the air temperature is 32 degrees or less.

• See section on “Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application”

Foliar Spray Treatment

• Foliage of trees, vines, and other target vegetation up to 6 feet in height shall be sprayed thoroughly with herbicide mixture from top to bottom on all sides to a point of dripping wet using low pressure backpack sprayers.

• Nozzle size may be specified in certain applications.

• Foliar spray treatments shall be implemented during the leaf-on period of the year when the leaves of target vegetation are at least three-quarters expanded. Normally, bud-break starts about the middle of April on the south Cherokee and the first of May on the north Cherokee. Full leaf expansion of most species has occurred by about May 1. Foliage has hardened off and is not taking up water by the first frost, usually in October.

• Do not apply foliar spray in the rain, when rain appears imminent, or when foliage is still wet from recent rain.

• Herbicide is furnished by USFS as government furnished property.

• See section on “Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application”

Manual Slashdown by Chainsaw/Mechanical

• Trees or saplings as specified are completely severed at or near ground level. Stump height should be no more than four inches on the uphill side of the stump unless otherwise specified.

SECTION III - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

5.1 MANUAL TREE PLANTING

5.1.1 Plant Bare Root Pine 100-300 seedlings per Acre

Plant all areas according to preferred spacing listed on the task order. Each task/delivery order will have a minimum and maximum number of seedlings that shall be planted to be acceptable, generally ranging from 100 to 300 per acre. “Pine” includes any species of conifer.

Plant 100 Bare-Root Pine Seedlings per acre on spacing of 20' x 20' to achieve a minimum of 95 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 112 properly planted trees per acre, or

Plant 200 Bare-Root Pine Seedlings per acre on spacing of 15' x 15' to achieve a minimum of 190 properly planted trees per acre and maximum of 210 trees per acre, or

Plant 300 Bare-Root Pine Seedlings per acre on spacing of 12' x 12' to achieve a minimum of 285 properly planted trees per acre and maximum of 315 trees per acre.

Planting Location and Methods

A hole for planting may be created only after the area has been cleared of surface debris to the extent that when the planting hole is created no debris can fall into the hole preventing an air tight seal. The planting hole shall be deep enough to accommodate entire root system.

Plant one seedling in a trash free hole.

Containerized seedling should be planted so the plugs are flush to no more than ½ inch below ground line.

Bareroot seedlings should be planted 1 to 2 inches deeper than the root collar.

Seedlings shall be planted so that no roots are exposed.

Plant seedlings in a manner to prevent twisting of roots, “L” roots, “J” roots, or balled roots.

Shortleaf pine seedlings shall be planted with the S-shape in stem (‘basal crook’, if present) showing even with or just above the mineral soil ground line, allowing, as needed, for settling of planting hole fill.

Seedlings should be firmly packed around the roots to eliminate air pockets and ensure the entire root system is in contact with the soil without damaging the seedling.

Seedlings shall not be planted in standing water.

Do not plant seedlings within 10 feet of the edge of any designated system road or right of way for a powerline or pipeline.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use the planting tool to maneuver the roots of a seedling into the planting hole.

Seedlings shall not be planted within 12 inches of large mounds of soil, rocks, or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth and development.

Firmness will be inspected by holding the crown of the seedling in the hand and lightly pulling upward on the seedling. The soil shall be firm enough around the root system so no movement occurs to the seedling.

Do not crush, stand, or sit on seedling bags.

Do not build a warming fire within 100 feet of area where seedlings are stored or handled.

Keep seedling bags sealed prior to planting.

Open only one bag at a time. The entire crew will get seedlings out of this bag until the seedlings are used up before opening the next bag.

Quickly remove only enough seedlings to fill planting bags to be carried by the planters. Seedlings should not be exposed to the elements for more than two minutes. Do not separate, untangle, or count out an advance quantity of seedlings except as necessary to grade for unplantable seedlings.

Do not allow planters to carry an excessive amount of seedlings. Planting bags should not be filled to the point where “packing” occurs. Do not carry more than a one-hour supply of seedlings in the planting bag.

Tightly close partially used bag as soon as seedlings are removed. Contractor shall provide a clamp or cord to keep bag closed.

Immediately repair any torn, snagged, ripped, or punctured bag.

Keep seedling roots moist at all times prior to and during planting. Planters will not be allowed to carry any seedlings in their hands between planting locations. Remove a seedling from the planting bag ONLY when a hole for the seedling has been made.

Contractor shall provide planting bags. The bags shall be of light color, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, shall be free of defects or contaminates, and shall be constructed to allow easy and unrestricted extraction of tree seedlings, one at a time. Seedlings shall be carried in seedling bag or other suitable container allowing the seedlings to be kept moist and protected.

One seedling shall be planted in a trash-free hole.

Trash such as leaves, litter, duff, etc., will be removed in the area surrounding the planting hole.

Do not plant seedlings in frozen ground, during freezing weather, or other unsatisfactory conditions as determined by the COR.

If culling of seedlings is necessary, it will be done by Forest Service personnel unless the COR agrees to the contractor culling seedlings in advance of it being done. Any culling implemented by the contractor will be according to the specifications provided by the COR.

Bare root seedling roots have been root pruned in the nursery. Roots will not be pruned in the field without agreement with the COR.

Timing of Operations

Planting operations may be implemented when sufficient soil moisture is available. Annual seasonal rains normally begin in December providing sufficient soil moisture. About ninety percent of the planting is scheduled between January 1st and March 15th. The remaining ten percent may be completed in the fall after the first rains and before Christmas.

Seedling pick up will be during normal business hours and as scheduled with COR on weekends and holidays.

Seedlings will be furnished in sealed bags, bales, or boxes. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage site to the planting site. Seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor when the Contractor loads seedlings on his vehicle for transporting to planting sites.

Seedlings may only be picked up during the specified hours and days except by prior arrangement with the COR. Not more than one day's supply of seedlings can be picked up on any one day, except a two-day supply may be picked up on Friday or the day preceding a federal holiday.

The Forest Service will coordinate with the contractor to have sufficient fresh seedlings on hand to meet the agreed upon starting date, estimated crew size, and expected rate of progress. Seedlings are perishable and have limited viability during storage. Once lifted at the nursery, packed, and placed in refrigerated storage, survival of seedlings begins to decline. Seedlings stored beyond 21 days are unacceptable planting stock.

The contractor will be responsible for the cost of expired seedlings when seedlings have been ordered and stored based on the contractor's schedule but have not been planted before their expiration date due to circumstances within the contractor's control.

The contractor shall plant all trees picked up from refrigerated storage within twenty-four hours of accepting delivery unless otherwise approved by the COR. When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the refrigerated storage location with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

If conditions are outside the following range of preferred weather conditions, the contractor shall take additional precautionary measures as directed by the COR in the protection, care, and handling of seedlings during transport and while on planting site:

Air Temperature: 33-75 degrees Fahrenheit Relative Humidity: 30-50 percent Wind Speed: No more than 15 miles per hour

Equipment

Planting tools for containerized seedlings shall be specifically designed to create holes for seedling plugs.

Planting tools for bare root seedlings shall be designed to create holes sufficiently large for for bare roots.

All planting tools will be subject to intermittent inspections and individual tools may be disallowed because they do not meet the minimum specifications.

Care and Handling of Seedlings

Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances, i.e. gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel.

Seedlings must be handled, stored and transported in a manner to protect them from sun and wind and to maintain the air temperature of bags/bundles between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

Seedling roots must be kept moist at all times prior to and during planting.

Do not damage seedlings by hitting or striking the roots to remove soil or packing medium.

Tree seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling.

Tree seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

Tree seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole.

Planters shall not carry trees in the open between planting spots nor shall they throw seedlings to other planters to plant.

Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

It will be the contractors responsibility to dispose of seedling bags/boxes, binding straps and contractor generated debris and litter from National Forest lands.

Inspection and Acceptance of Work

The specified minimum number of seedlings per acre is the minimum number of seedlings that shall be properly planted per acre.

Planting up to the maximum number of seedlings per acre is acceptable.

If the quantity of seedlings properly planted falls below the minimum acceptable level, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

If the seedlings are improperly planted, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

Payment

Payment will be made at the unit price bid for the total number of acres satisfactorily planted less the following:

a) Value of the number of seedlings planted in excess of the maximum per acre based on the current value per thousand of seedlings planted.

b) Value of seedlings lost, damaged, or improperly planted based on the current value per thousand for the type of seedlings lost, damaged or improperly planted

5.1.2 Plant Bareroot Pine Cluster of 1,740 seedlings per Acre

Plant all areas according to preferred spacing listed on the task order. Each task/delivery order will have a minimum and maximum number of seedlings that shall be planted to be acceptable at a density of approximately 1,740 per acre (approximately 5’ x 5’ spacing). Trees will be clustered in circular or linear blocks identified on the ground within larger stands. “Pine” includes any species of conifer.

All other Standards for a 5.1.2 Plant Bareroot Pine Cluster of 1,740 seedlings per Acre will be the same as for 5.1.1 Plant Bare Root Pine 100-300 seedlings per Acre.

5.1.3 Plant Containerized Pine 100-300 seedlings per Acre

Plant all areas according to preferred spacing listed on the task order. Each task order will have a minimum and maximum number of seedlings that shall be planted to be acceptable, generally ranging from 100 to 300 per acre. “Pine” includes any species of conifer.

Plant 100 containerized pine seedlings per acre on a spacing of 20' x 20' to achieve a minimum of 95 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 112 properly planted trees per acre, or

Plant 200 containerized pine seedlings per acre on a spacing of 15' x 15' to achieve a minimum of 190 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 210 trees per acre, or

Plant 300 containerized pine seedlings per acre on a spacing of 12' x 12' to achieve a minimum of 290 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 310 trees per acre.

All other Standards for a 5.1.3 Plant Containerized Pine 100-300 seedlings per Acre will be the same as for 5.1.1 Plant Bare Root Pine 100-300 seedlings per Acre.

5.1.4 Plant Bareroot Hardwood 25-50 seedlings per acre

Plant all areas according to preferred spacing listed on the task order. Each task order will have a minimum and maximum number of seedlings that shall be planted to be acceptable, generally ranging from 25-50 per acre. “Hardwood” includes any species of hardwood.

Plant 25 bare-root hardwood seedlings per acre on a spacing of 42' x 42' to achieve a minimum of 24 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 26 properly planted trees per acre.

Plant 50 bare-root hardwood seedlings per acre on a spacing of 30' x 30' to achieve a minimum of 47 properly planted trees per acre and a maximum of 53 properly planted trees per acre.

Planting Location and Methods

A hole for planting may be created only after the area has been cleared of surface debris to the extent that when the planting hole is created no debris can fall into the hole preventing an air tight seal. Holes must be cleared by hand to remove all material leaving a clean hole of proper depth, in which a seedling can be planted.

Plant one seedling in a trash free hole. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the entire root system.

Bareroot seedlings should be planted 1 to 2 inches deeper than the root collar.

Seedlings shall be planted so that no roots are exposed.

Plant seedlings in a manner to prevent twisting roots, “L” roots, “J” roots, or balled roots.

Using soil from the hole, pack soil (by hand) firmly around the seedlings roots as the hole is refilled insuring there are no air pockets and that lateral roots are pointed down and not broken (do not pack seedlings by using heel). Organic material should not enter the hole during planting.

Seedlings shall not be planted in standing water over 1 inch deep.

Do not plant seedlings within 10 feet of the edge of any designated system road or right of way for a powerline or pipeline.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use the planting tool to maneuver the roots of a seedling into the planting hole.

Seedlings shall not be planted within 12 inches of large mounds of soil, rocks, or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth and development.

All planting areas in and adjacent to tops and rocks shall be planted.

Seedlings shall be planted upright. Seedlings with a lean of more than 15 degrees off of vertical are unacceptable.

Seedlings shall be planted at a depth that leaves the root collar just at the top of the planting hole fill surface and the planting hole shall be filled to the same level as the original ground surface.

Soil shall be firmly packed around each planted seedling by alternately filling a layer and packing it then adding more soil until all excavated soil has been replaced in the planting hole.

The ideal hardwood seedling is a balanced, sturdy stemmed, medium-sized seedling thirty-six to forty-eight inches in height with a well-developed, fibrous root system with numerous first order lateral (FOLR) roots.

If culling of seedlings is necessary, it will be done by Forest Service personnel unless the COR agrees to the contractor culling seedlings in advance of it being done. Any culling implemented by the contractor will be according to the specifications provided by the COR.

Seedling roots have been root pruned in the nursery. Roots will not be pruned in the field without agreement with the COR.

Timing of Operations

Planting operations may be implemented when sufficient soil moisture is available. Annual seasonal rains normally begin in December providing sufficient soil moisture. About ninety percent of the planting is scheduled between January 1st and March 15th. The remaining ten percent may be completed in the fall after the first rains and before Christmas.

Seedling pick up will be during normal business hours and as scheduled with COR on weekends and holidays.

Seedlings will be furnished in sealed bags, bales, or boxes. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage site to the planting site. Seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor when the Contractor loads seedlings on his vehicle for transporting to planting sites.

Seedlings may only be picked up during the specified hours and days except by prior arrangement with the COR. Not more than one day's supply of seedlings can be picked up on any one day, except a two-day supply may be picked up on Friday or the day preceding a federal holiday.

The Forest Service will coordinate with the contractor to have sufficient fresh seedlings on hand to meet the agreed upon starting date, estimated crew size, and expected rate of progress. Seedlings are perishable and have limited viability during storage. Once lifted at the nursery, packed, and placed in refrigerated storage, survival of seedlings begins to decline. Seedlings stored beyond 21 days are unacceptable planting stock.

The contractor will be responsible for the cost of expired seedlings when seedlings have been ordered and stored based on the contractor's schedule but have not been planted before their expiration date due to circumstances within the contractor's control.

The contractor shall plant all trees picked up from refrigerated storage within twenty-four hours of accepting delivery unless otherwise approved by the COR. When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the refrigerated storage location with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

If conditions are outside the following range of preferred weather conditions, the contractor shall take additional precautionary measures as directed by the COR in the protection, care, and handling of seedlings during transport and while on planting site:

Air Temperature: 33-75 degrees Fahrenheit Relative Humidity: 30-50 percent Wind Speed: No more than 15 miles per hour

Planting operations shall be suspended when unsatisfactory conditions exist as determined by the COR.

Equipment

Planting equipment will be a shovel, gasoline-powered auger, tractor-mounted auger, or other digging equipment that will excavate a planting hole equivalent to a 6” diameter auger.

The equipment used shall be capable of creating a planting hole at least as deep as the length of the seedling taproot or - if a species without a taproot - of a sufficient depth to avoid bending roots sideways or upward.

Care and Handling of Seedlings

Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances, i.e. gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel.

Seedlings must be handled, stored and transported in a manner to protect them from sun and wind and to maintain the air temperature of bags/bundles between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

Seedling roots must be kept moist at all times prior to and during planting.

Do not damage seedlings by hitting or striking the roots to remove soil or packing medium.

Tree seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pr If pruning is necessary the condition shall be immediately reported to the COR or Inspector.

Tree seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

Tree seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole.

Planters shall not carry trees in the open between planting spots nor shall they throw seedlings to other planters to plant.

Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

It will be the contractors responsibility to dispose of seedling bags/boxes, binding straps and contractor generated debris and litter from National Forest lands.

Inspection and Acceptance of Seedlings

The specified minimum number of seedlings per acre is the minimum number of seedlings that shall be properly planted per acre.

Planting up to the maximum number of seedlings per acre is acceptable.

If the quantity of seedlings properly planted falls below the minimum acceptable level, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

If the seedlings are improperly planted, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

Payment

Payment will be made at the unit price bid for the total number of acres satisfactorily planted less the following:

a) Value of the number of seedlings planted in excess of the maximum per acre based on the current value per thousand of seedlings…