Statement_of_Work.pdf

Statement of Work – Ash Tree Spring site clean-up

I. PROJECT TITLE:

Ash Tree Spring site clean-up

II. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Ash Tree Spring is located just west of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refugee in Nye County.

As the name suggests the spring was probably on the most western edge of the local ecosystem that makes up the refuge today. While the ash tree is long gone, the “spring” still has some remaining riparian obligatory vegetation associated with it. But most important and most telling is probably the vast cultural artifacts strewn all around the spring. One cannot take two steps without finding potshards or arrowhead flakes. But over the past 30 years or so the water has slowly disappeared, and the once precious spring has become an illegal trash dump.

During a proper functioning condition (PFC) assessment in November 2015 Bureau of Land

Management (BLM) staff noted water diversion/spring improvements for an illegal private residence trespassing on public land dated 12/28/89. Since then, the trailer and other unauthorized buildings and structures have burned to the ground. This leaves the BLM with the responsibility for cleaning-up and reclaiming the illegal trespass and related activities on the three3 acre site, including “spring infrastructure.” In our most recent PFC assessment in

February 2020, staff found that Ash Tree Spring has become an even bigger trash dump including three new vehicles, water tanks, tires and other various debris. Some of these abandoned vehicles have now become targets for shooters, adding additional debris (shells and lead).

The objectives of the proposed project are 1) elimination of a human health and safety hazard; 2) removal of materials dangerous to wildlife; 3) cultural site surveys and recording; 4) recontouring and replanting of native plants; and 5) restoration of a hypocrene spring.

III. STATEMENT OF WORK

Clean-up of the Ash Tree Spring includes the following tasks:

1. Removal of all abandoned vehicles and trailers:

a. BLM will provide VIN# to successful contractor but has not initiated any disposal or abandonment paperwork. Contractor is responsible for all associated paperwork. During the last field visit One Chevy Pick-up, with water tank, one Ford Camper Van and the chassis of one unidentified camper were present. See Figures 1-4.

2. Removal of all trash (non-prehistoric):

a. The site was used as an illegal homestead for about 10-20 years. Besides the abandoned vehicles, the site contains burned remnants of a building, a side building and various types of trash to fill approximated one full-sized

40-foot dumpster and one 20-foot dumpster.

3. Removal of a 50-foot length of PE pipe and dam.

a. In the 1980s an illegal diversion dam and pipe were installed at the site.

The concrete dam is about 1-foot high by 6 inches deep and 4 feet long.

The dam and pipe will need to be dug up and removed.

b. All removed materials need to be disposed of in a legal landfill or equivalent. Contractor is responsible for all associated paperwork and fees.

4. Cultural inventory will need to be conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The Bureau of Land

Management, Nevada State Office Guidelines and Standards for Archaeological

Inventory Sixth Edition are to be followed for all aspects of this inventory. All crew must be supervised by a Crew Chief as permitted by the BLM Nevada State

Office.

5. The area will need to be raked to match the contour and visual appearance of the surrounding area. No additional material will need to be brought in from off-site.

BLM would like the area to be prepped so that natural revegetation can occur.

Ash Tree Spring is located at the following UTMs: 11S 552,640 E; 4,031,453 N.

Site Preparation – Permits: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will ensure permits for access, and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance requirements are completed prior to commencement of on the groundwork. The selected site should be accessible without major land surface disturbance or road improvements.

Site clean-up and trash disposal in a commercial landfill will be the responsibility of the contracted party. The contracted party will make every effort to protect existing natural resources, habitats, and environmental conditions by minimizing all surface disturbing activities and excavations.

The BLM agrees to:

1. Provide NEPA clearances for the proposed work, if required.

2. Provide access to the location.

3. Provide funds to complete the work (as outlined in III.)

IV. REPORTS/DELIVERABLES:

Description of work performed, including photographs pertinent to the site clean-up will be submitted to the BLM for archival purposes.

V. POINTS OF CONTACT:

REQUESTING AGENCY (BLM)

Technical Contact/Project Manager:

To be determined at time of award

Contracting Contact:

Name: Marian Rodriguez

Title: Contract Specialist

Address: 1340 Financial Blvd

Reno NV 89502

Phone: (702) 515-5123

Fax: (702) 441-0310

Email: mrodrigu@blm.gov

VI. Site Photos

Figure 1: Panorama view of project site

Figure 2: Inside of abandoned camper mailto:mrodrigu@blm.gov

Figure 3: Abandoned Vehicle front view

Figure 4: Abandoned Vehicle rear view

Figure 5: Cultural Resources on site

Figure 6: View of former spring in 2015

VII. Maps

Figure 7: The project site is about 3 acres in size.

Figure 8: Located in Nye County off the 373 near Longstreet at the California Stateline.

Figure 9: Zoomed out view of project site location.