W911SA26RA004 Attachment 3 SERVICE 404 Grounds Main.docx

SERVICE 404 Grounds Maintenance

Roads and Grounds Maintenance Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

23 July 2025

Table of Contents

1.0 General Information

1.1 Overview

2.0 Description of Services

2.1 Scope

2.1.1 Ground Categories

2.2 Improved and Semi-improved Grounds

2.2.1 Service High Visibility Areas

2.2.2 Mowing

2.2.3 Edging

2.2.4 Trimming

2.2.5 Fertilizing

2.2.6 Seeding and Sodding

2.2.7 Remove Debris, Leaves, and Litter

2.3 Basic Service/Maintain Trees

2.3.1 Hazardous Tree Survey

2.3.2 Tree Removal

2.4 Irrigation

2.5 Service/Maintain Xeriscape Areas

2.5.1 Landscaping Rock

2.6 Service Firebreaks and Ranges

2.7 Service Unimproved Areas

2.8 Service Specialized Locations

2.9 Other Special Services

2.10 Special Equipment Requirements

3.0 Work Capability Levels

1.0 General Information.

1.1 Overview. The Contractor shall inspect, service, maintain, and landscape grounds of Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The work shall include scheduling and performance of mowing and trimming; turf replacement; leaf and debris removal; policing of areas; tree, hedge, and shrub planting and maintenance; tree and stump removal; firebreak maintenance; and other associated work as directed by the Contracting Officer (KO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Contractor shall provide all work necessary to maintain the grounds to the standards specified herein. The Contractor shall provide for tree preservation and protection during all maintenance and construction activities when performing operations at Fort McCoy.

2.0 Description of Services.

2.1 Scope. The Contractor shall provide Grounds Maintenance for all High Visibility and, Common areas (Improved Grounds), Semi-improved Grounds areas, and Unimproved Grounds areas in the Cantonment and Training Range areas. The Contractor shall ensure all work accomplished maintains and presents a healthy, clean, neat, and professional appearance to all grounds included and covered by this contract in support of mission requirements for users, residents, and visitors. residents, and visitors. The Contractors mowing and grounds maintenance operations will take place annually from April 1st of the given year until October 31st of the same year. The Contractor shall mow grass only when the minimum height is reached or exceeded as indicated by the Work Capability Levels table in Section 3.0. The Contractor shall set the mower height to three (3) inches for all areas unless otherwise described within this attachment. The Contractor shall replace any new trees or shrubs planted that die within one (1) year, at no cost to the Government. All work shall be performed by personnel qualified in accordance with (IAW) applicable laws, and regulations.

2.1.1 Ground Categories. Grounds areas are segregated into the following categories: improved grounds (to include High Visibility and Common), semi-improved grounds, and unimproved grounds. Improved grounds are those areas that encompass buildings and facilities and include lawn areas, landscaped areas, ornamental bushes, trees, areas behind the fire line on ranges, and athletic training areas. There are approximately 800 acres of improved grounds at Fort McCoy that will require routine maintenance efforts. High Visibility areas in improved grounds areas have the additional requirements as described in paragraph 2.2. The Contractor shall maintain growth in improved areas between three to six inches in height or as identified in Section 3.0. The Contractor shall maintain growth in semi-improved areas between three to nine inches in height in areas identified in Attachments 14-16. Areas of semi-improved grounds consist of roadsides, lakesides, dams, culverts, guardrails, airfields, ammo bunkers/berms, fire points, and down range target areas past the firing line at the ranges. Down range target area mowing will be scheduled by range availability once 9” vegetation height is reached. There are approximately 2,100 acres of semi-improved grounds on Fort McCoy. Unimproved grounds are those areas that are located on or about the perimeter of the Installation and include natural grass, brush, and small diameter trees. Activities on this category of grounds normally include soil sterilization, weed and brush control, drainage maintenance, and mowing for fire protection. There are approximately 60,000 acres of unimproved grounds on Fort McCoy, including some target areas of the training ranges. Unimproved areas shall be maintained only to the level necessary to maintain property boundary demarcation or to prevent fire hazards or obstructions, which would cause traffic hazards, and to prevent problems arising from excess dust, erosion, pests, and noxious weeds. Boundary and Fire Break Mowing is only required twice during the year. Once during the year to be completed between 1 June and 15 July to reduce the amount of invasive species seed spread, second is in the fall between 15 September and 31 October. Grounds areas covered under this Contract, unless previously identified elsewhere in the PWS, will be identified in Attachments 14-16.

2.2 Improved and Semi-improved Grounds.

2.2.1 Service High Visibility Areas. High visibility areas are defined as developed areas of the installation that require a specific level of maintenance. The work performed in these areas by the Contractor shall include mowing grass, edging and trimming grass, bagging grass trimmings, removing grass trimmings from paved areas, maintaining shrubs, removing leaves, applying mulch, pruning trees, removing vegetation from cracks in sidewalks and pavements, and litter control.

2.2.2 Mowing. The Contractor shall perform the tasks below on a recurring or scheduled basis (Paragraphs 2.2.2 to 2.2.7). Contractor shall submit a recurring schedule for Paragraphs 2.2.1 to 2.7.2.1 ten (10) days after contract award to KO/COR. The Contractor shall submit to the KO/COR a weekly schedule of planned work for approval no later than close of business the Thursday prior to the start of the following week. Any changes to submitted schedule must be sent to KO/COR prior to performing work. High Visibility Areas, approximately 10 acres, are indicated in the Installation Grounds Mow Maps referenced in the attachments. The grass shall be mowed; the height shall be maintained as indicated by the Work Capability Levels Table in Section 3.0. For all areas, the Contractor shall remove trash, litter, tree limbs, debris, dead animals, etc., prior to mowing. Paved areas and walkways shall be free of lawn clippings/debris the same day the mowing is performed. The Contractor shall mulch, mow the grass, and remove visible grass clippings in clumps or windrows after mowing, and before leaving the work area. The lawn shall be uniform in appearance, free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping. The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage incurred as a result of grass cutting operations, including tree replacement when damage to tree is fatal.

The contractor may also receive Service Order work to address non-routine mowing areas. Over the course of the contract award, mowing requirements may change in either an increase or decrease to the initial estimates provided upon award. Contractor shall expect to work within a 10% change in each priority level quantity change of requirement prior to requesting modification to the contract.

Mow lakesides back to the wood line. Mow roadsides, where terrain permits, to a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the road gravel edge, or edge of pavement, if no gravel shoulder is present. Roadside mowing shall include all woody vegetation smaller than 2” diameter, measured by diameter at breast height (DBH ~ 4.5’ from the ground), around dams/structures/objects, and around culvert inlets and outlets. All signs, gates, fences, guard rails, and markers found within the roadside mowing areas shall be trimmed once vegetation reaches 18” in height, and removal of woody vegetation. The contractor shall address all overhanging shrubs/woody vegetation withing the roadside 15’ vertical plane, to a minimum height of 16’, which can be addressed by hand or boom mower to keep maintained. The contractor shall not mow in designated natural areas. Dams and other road structures, such as guardrails and bridges, shall be cleared of all vegetation annually. This includes vegetation on dam outflow structures/rock spillways and bridge abutments/wingwalls. All work that could impact threatened and endangered species/plants shall only be done in accordance with the Fort McCoy Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan and current Biological Opinions received from the USFWS.

2.2.3 Edging. The Contractor shall edge to present a neat appearance. Edging responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, flowerbeds, mulched areas, sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, and other concrete (except against asphalt edges) located in the Improved Grounds, High Visibility areas. Edging includes the removal of all grass or weeds sprouting from cracks in sidewalks, pavement, and curb/gutter joints adjacent to High Visibility areas. The use of post-emergent herbicides by the Contractor, for edging purposes, is limited to grass in cracks within hard surfaces and shall not be used to edge the entire area. The Contractor shall collect and dispose of all edging debris the same day edging is performed. Edging is to be even and accomplished in a manner such that it is free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and roughing. The Contractor shall make clean vertical cuts at the junction of turf or soil and concrete and do so in a manner that does not cause erosion by ditching. The Contractor shall also manually clean sidewalks, gutters, and other adjacent areas inaccessible to mechanical sweepers to remove rock, sand, dirt, and debris. The areas to be edged shall be maintained as indicated by the Work Capability Levels Table in Section 3.0.

2.2.4 Trimming. The Contractor shall, in conjunction with all Improved grounds grass cutting, trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, and all other fixed objects that project above the ground, so grass height is maintained consistent with adjacent grass. All fence lines on Cantonment, to include motor pools and storage areas regardless of adjacent mowing requirement, shall be kept free of vegetation of more than 12 inches in height under routine maintenance. String trimmers shall not contact the bark of the tree, shrubs, or building skirting. Tree base shoots are to be addressed routinely by manual trimming clippers as needed throughout the mowing season in the improved areas in conjunction with string trimming efforts. Trimming with string trimmers around trees without mulch beds shall be left 6” from the tree base until the vegetation exceeds 12” in height, to reduce risk frequency of damaging the tree bark at its base. The use of herbicides by the Contractor shall be used within rock landscape, fence lines, building perimeters, and for use in preventing grass growth on sidewalks and high use asphalt or concrete parking lots. The Contractor shall remove all trimming debris from sidewalks and driveways on the same day trimming is performed. The Contractor shall repair any damages to trees and shrubs caused by trimming. If a plant damaged by trimming dies or becomes unhealthy, the Contractor shall replace the damaged plant with a plant of the same size and type at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall provide a one (1) year warranty on all replacement trees and shrubs. Tree and shrub replacements shall be performed within fifteen (15) days of the date the Contractor is notified to replace the plant, and as described in paragraph 2.3.2.10. Notify the DPW-ED Forester, and consult on replacement. The areas to be trimmed shall be maintained as indicated by the Work Capability Levels Table in Section 3.0.

2.2.5 Fertilizing. Reserved.

2.2.6 Seeding and Sodding.

2.2.6.1 Seeding: The Contractor shall repair damaged lawn areas by excavating unsuitable material, backfilling with shredded topsoil, leveling and seeding and maintaining adjacent turf areas IAW with the Work Capability Levels table in Section 3.0. The areas to be seeded are approximately 3 to 5 acres annually under routine maintenance to address rough areas in improved grounds areas. ll seeded areas must be covered with two to three (2 - 3) inches of loose straw mulch immediately after the seed has been applied. The Contractor shall prepare a proper seed bed. The Contractor shall seed designated areas to ensure a full even lawn growth throughout seeded areas with no bare or uneven spots after six weeks of growth from the time of seeding. Bare spots exceeding 1/2 square foot shall be re-seeded. Grounds areas where seed will not germinate shall be reworked to establish turf. The Contractor shall spread topsoil to an even and level appearance in conjunction with contours specified for the area and shall fill holes and ruts in the area prior to being dressed with topsoil. Contractor will record quantities of repaired surface area for each growing season, and report tally with each monthly invoice. Areas repaired in excess of 5 acres will be addressed under a Service Order of CLIN X009. Seed, Straw, and other erosion controlling mulching materials will be supplied under a material purchase Service Order of CLIN X017, upon request of the Contractor.

2.2.6.2 Sodding. Reserved

2.2.6.3 Aerating and Over-seeding. Reserved.

2.2.6.4 Flower Beds. Reserved

2.2.6.5 Weed Control. The Contractor shall limit the application of herbicide to fence lines and building perimeters as approved by the KO/COR. Contractor shall submit an application location plan for approval. Contractor personnel that apply herbicide shall have a State of Wisconsin herbicide application certificate or license and shall provide copies to the COR on an annual basis. The Contractor shall ensure that the licenses, certificates, and training of Contractor personnel applying herbicide are valid and kept current. Copies of these licenses and certifications shall be provided to the KO/COR within ten (10) calendar days prior to the start of the contract period, and again within ten (10) calendar days upon a change in personnel. Contract herbicides management employees shall not apply herbicides under someone else’s certification. Application sites must be approved through the Environmental office. If the Contractor spills or releases any hazardous substances (i.e., substances listed in 40 CFR 302, Designation, Reportable Quantities, and Notification), the Contractor shall notify the KO/COR and the Environmental Office by written notification within one (1) hour.

2.2.6.5.1 The Contractor shall control weeds and unwanted grasses. The Contractor shall remove weeds and grasses from the base and around plant pits in order to protect and enhance the appearance of the plants. The Contractor shall not use power equipment within ten inches of the base of plants for any purpose. The Contractor shall accomplish weed control by using cultural, manual, chemical, and mechanical control. Manual methods shall result in the complete removal of weeds and their roots. The Contractor shall use mechanical methods for trimming and edging the perimeter of mulched areas only. The Contractor shall replace plants damaged by power equipment with the same species and size within five working days. Cutting off or mowing weeds within mulched areas is not an acceptable practice. The Contractor shall remove all growth in the cracks and joints in all paved areas and medians. The Contractor shall routinely perform weed control to areas including, but not limited to, the following:

a. Surfaced, Parking, and Storage Areas. Growth of vegetation in paved and unpaved parking and storage areas, cracks in paved roads, and sidewalk and curbing joints shall be removed and prevented. Growth of vegetation on unpaved roads shall be removed and prevented. Herbicide may be applied to control unwanted vegetation from these areas as approved by the COR. Paved areas shall be addressed monthly, unpaved areas as requested by the COR to be turned over no more than twice a growing season and maintained by mowing monthly between grading if vegetation height exceeds 9”.

b. Medians, Curbing, Dams, Bridges, and Structures. Under routine effort, The Contractor shall remove and control the growth of established vegetation and prevent the growth of unwanted vegetation in and around medians, curbing, dams, bridges, and other structures. Herbicide may be applied to control unwanted vegetation from these areas as approved by the COR.

c. The Contractor shall remove and control the growth of established vegetation and prevent the growth of unwanted vegetation in and around rock landscaped areas. These areas shall be maintained in conjunction with routine mowing efforts of improved grounds areas. Herbicide may be applied to control unwanted vegetation from these areas as approved by the COR

2.2.6.5.2 Invasive Species. Invasive plant control is needed mostly around range facilities and maintenance areas, and along roads and trails. DPW-ED conducts annual surveys to map and track invasive species management on Fort McCoy. DPW-ED will identify and prioritize areas for invasive species control and appropriate time for control. The Contractor will coordinate mowing efforts to comply with the DPW-ED invasive species management plan. All equipment shall be cleaned of all plant parts, seeds and propagules daily or more often if working in infested areas. Application of chemical controls will be conducted by others.

The Contractor shall respond to hazardous waste or toxic substance spills (to include herbicides, pesticides, fertilizer and sewage spills) caused by the Contractor on Fort McCoy property in accordance with AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, the Installation Spill Contingency Plan (ISCP), the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan (SPCCP), and the Installation Pest Management Plan. The Contractor shall report spills to the DPW- ED in accordance with the ISCP and SPCCP. The Contractor shall take immediate action after a spill to protect the soils, surface, and groundwater at Fort McCoy. The Contractor shall ensure proper handling of spilled materials, until disposition, in accordance with Federal and State laws and DPW-ED guidance. The Contractor shall submit a consolidated list of all herbicides used during the month, in a monthly herbicide application record, to the KO/COR and Pest Management of the Environmental Division. The Contractor shall only use herbicides listed on the garrison’s Pesticide Use Plan (PUP).

2.2.7 Remove Debris, Leaves, and Litter. The Contractor’s responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the removal and disposal of all natural debris, (e.g., tree limbs, rodent habitats, etc.) litter, trash, and dead animals (outside of Cantonment on/adjacent to roadways or maintained training areas) on the installation. Leaves shall be removed from High Visibility Areas IAW the Work Capability Levels table. Organic debris such as leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, stumps, and pine straw shall be disposed. The Contractor shall collect and dispose woody debris after pruning and removal of trees or stumps. The Contractor shall remove and dispose all woody debris, limbs, and trunks to the wood disposal site on Fort McCoy.

2.2.7.1 Hazardous Waste Removal. If hazardous waste material is discovered, the Contractor shall contact DPW-ED for its proper removal and disposal.

2.2.7.2 Policing and Trash Receptacle Emptying. Reserved.

2.2.7.3 Storm Damage. The KO/COR will notify the Contractor when a Fort McCoy severe weather emergency is in effect, after which time the Contractor shall clean up wind and storm damage in their assigned areas or if public safety is affected. The Contractor shall remove, as priority work, all fallen trees, limbs, and debris caused by storm event on fence lines, roads, and improved grounds after periods of heavy wind or rainfall. The Contractor shall dispose of non-contaminated storm fallen trees and limbs at the designated wood disposal site at Fort McCoy. Routine maintenance work shall be suspended during periods deemed necessary by the KO/COR for storm damage cleanup. Contractor will be expected to respond within 2 hours to mitigate storm damage obstructions: on primary route (paved) roadways; hanging debris showing cause of further damage to facility or property; and obstructions or hanging debris showing cause of safety hazard in a populated area.

2.3 Basic Service/Maintain Trees. The Contractor shall provide all management, tools, supplies, equipment, supervision, labor, permits and other necessary items to complete urban forest management activities as listed: hazardous tree survey, tree removal, tree felling without removal, emergency tree removal, shrub removal, stump removal, high risk pruning, routine pruning, disease prevention, barricades, debris removal, site restoration, tree and shrub planting and transplanting, fertilization, watering, mulching, and protect trees and shrubs from animal damage on identified areas at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in the contract as well as all Federal, State and local government and commercial standards. Estimated workload requirements for this Performance-based Work Statement (PWS) are listed in the Attachment 12 2025 GIS LM Acreage Data Sheet.

2.3.1 Hazardous Tree Survey (HTS). The Contractor shall have an ISA certified Arborist conduct one site survey a year to evaluate the trees located in the Urban and Training Ranges management areas within the urban tree service limit area (See Attachment 23 Hazard Tree Survey 2025) for health and safety concerns, tree declines, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, exposure to toxicities, harmful insects and general overall condition of the trees and root structure. The Contractor shall submit reports to the Government recommending trees that require service. This report shall include, at a minimum, all trees requiring removal or substantial pruning to remove safety hazards and priority of each recommendation. Trees identified as concerns by the Fort McCoy population and submitted to the COR will be submitted to the Contractor for assessment. Hazard tree assessment will be accomplished in accordance with a level 1 tree risk assessment as described in ANSI A300 part 9. Year 1 of the HTS will consist of a general Level 1 survey for the Cantonment Area. Year 2 HTS will consist of a general Level 1 Survey for, Campground, Airport, ASP, and Water/Waste Water Facility areas. Years 3, 4, and 5 will focus on specific areas with a more intense level of survey for selected zones on the Fort McCoy Installation. Examples of the general report and tabulated data can be found in See Attachment 23 Hazard Tree Survey 2025.

2.3.2 Tree Removal. The Contractor shall fell identified trees in a manner to minimize potential risks and hazards to the associated area. The Contractor shall use special care to protect the surrounding area and shall not damage any utility lines, structures, or other property, or cause bodily injury to people or domesticated animals. Removal costs in Urban Tree Service areas (improved) will be based on three size classes based on the tree’s Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and shall include the removal of the stump with the tree by either grinding or excavating. Debris shall be disposed of IAW section 2.3.2.8. Removals consisting of three or more trees in semi-improved and unimproved areas (boundary or firebreaks) will be addressed as maintenance project work. All tree removals shall be in accordance with and follow the USFWS 4 (d) rule for northern long-eared bats.

2.3.2.1 Tree Felling without Removal. The Contractor shall fell trees that are identified by the COR in areas where removal is not required. This is primarily along roads or within flight paths for the Fort McCoy/Sparta Airfield and may include trees in the semi-improved and unimproved grounds areas outside of the urban tree service limit area.

2.3.2.2 Emergency Tree Removal. The Contractor shall respond to emergency tree felling and/or removal requests within 24 hours after notification by the KO/COR either by phone or email. Debris shall be disposed of IAW section 2.3.2.8.

2.3.2.3 Shrub Removal. The Contractor shall remove shrubs that have been identified for removal by the Contractor or COR. Depressions due to root ball removal shall be filled with dirt and topped by either seeding or with similar landscape materials surrounding the shrub. Debris shall be disposed of IAW section 2.3.2.8.

2.3.2.4 Stump Removal. The Contractor shall remove or grind down tree stumps and roots to a minimum depth of six inches below finished grade and restore the site IAW paragraph 2.2.6.1. For stumps that are ground, a 1” layer of Lime shall be applied to the stump base prior to topsoil application. Lime materials and application shall be included in the cost of the stump grinding efforts.

2.3.2.5 Pruning. The Contractor shall do specialized pruning to remove dead, dying or diseased branches, weak branches or water spouts, major cross-overs, reduce broken branches or branches with dead ends back to live laterals and improve the structure, form and appearances of trees which have been severely headed, vandalized or damaged by storms in accordance with ANSI A-300 part 1 and ISA Best Management Practices – Tree Pruning. Pruning shall evenly form and balance the tree and promote proper health and growth. Trees are to be pruned to a uniform height; tree growth around the base of the tree shall be removed. Pruning will be done to prevent conflicts with pedestrian and vehicular traffic, buildings, fences or other improvements. Pruning shall be done during the ISA’s recommended pruning season for each tree species. Pruning is to be done in a manner so as to:

a. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, parasitic vegetation, and structurally weak limbs that may cause a safety hazard.

b. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, parasitic vegetation, and structurally weak limbs that may cause a safety hazard.

c. Remove branches to provide clearance for buses, moving vans, and similar vehicles along streets and road systems.

d. Cutting back branches to prevent growth into power lines shall be referred to the COR to determine if coordination with Xcel Energy is required.

e. Shape the entire tree rather than notch the top.

f. Prevent growth of small trees in front of windows, over entranceways or walks, and in areas in which growth will obstruct vision at street intersections and within a six-foot radius of facilities.

2.3.2.5.1 High Risk Pruning. The Contractor shall remove branches that are considered a hazard with hanging deadwood or broken branches that pose a potential risk that could result in personal injury or property damage.

2.3.2.5.2 Routine Pruning. The Contractor shall establish a routine program that takes into account pruning to reduce risks, manage health, and improve tree structure.

2.3.2.6 Disease Prevention. The Contractor shall take great care to avoid wounding any trees during the different disease infection or insect infestation periods for the pine, elm and oak species of trees. During the infection seasons, or when in the best interest to the health of the tree, the Contractor shall immediately apply tree wound dressing to any tree that is wounded and not identified for removal to prevent possible infections. Pruning shall not be done during the months of heightened disease or insect infection periods for the applicable tree species.

2.3.2.7 Barricades. The Contractor shall establish proper barricades, or take other protective measures, with appropriate danger/warning signage to include the phrase “DO NOT ENTER”, and watchperson(s) to ensure no personnel, vehicles or domesticated animals enter the work area. The Contractor shall utilize proper roadway barricades and have qualified traffic control person(s) (flagger) to safely re-route vehicle and pedestrian traffic when operations may interfere with sidewalks and roadways normal traffic patterns. Traffic control will be completed IAW the U.S. Department of Transportation Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

2.3.2.8 Debris Removal. The Contractor shall collect and remove all waste twigs, excessive sawdust/woodchips, leaves and all other wood waste and any non-hazardous debris produced under this contract from the job site the same day it is produced, unless specific alternative arrangements are made with the COR and adequate barriers and signage are put emplace, and keeping the site orderly and safe. The Contractor shall not leave debris in any non-Contractor owned dumpster. The contractor shall not incinerate debris, and/or dump waste by/in the street or road. The Contractor shall dispose of the wood debris by transporting and depositing the debris at one of Fort McCoy’s wood disposal sites. The COR will notify the Contractor of which site(s) to use. Debris created by chipping will be disposed in the same manner except the chips shall remain separate from any other wood debris. Chips created by stump grinding cannot be mixed with chips created from the tree stem or branches.

2.3.2.9 Site Restoration. The Contractor shall restore a tree, shrub or stump removal site back to near original condition as possible presenting a natural appearance and take all measures not to introduce invasive species into Fort McCoy’s ecosystem.

2.3.2.9.1 Backfill. The Contractor shall backfill all holes, ruts, soil depressions and other site restorations as needed with weed free topsoil that is the same/similar to the site and filled and compressed to match the existing grade. At a minimum, the soil shall be free of trash, debris and pollutants, free of rocks greater than three-quarters (¾) inch diameter and comprise no more than 5% of the soil volume, contain between 2% to 10% organic materials and not obtained from dredged wetlands or other non-aerated sources.

2.3.2.9.2 Seeding. The Contractor shall seed the back filled areas with a grass seed mixture with the same or similar type of grass to that of the immediate surrounding area. The grass seed shall be a quality seed that is at least 99.99% weed free with a germination rate of 85%. Seeded areas shall be mulched/fertilized and applied per manufacturer’s directions/recommendation and industrial standards.

2.3.2.9.3 Damages. The Contractor shall repair or remove/replace all damage to surrounding trees, shrubs, grassy areas, structures or other property, at the discretion of the Government, at the Contractor’s expense. All damaged items being replaced shall be of the same or similar type/quality.

2.3.2.10 Tree and Shrub Planting. The Contractor shall plant trees as specified by the COR and use nursery stock supplied from a similar regional climatic area as Fort McCoy to ensure plant hardiness and maximum survival rates. Plant materials will be inspected by the COR upon arrival at the project site. Unacceptable plant material will be removed from the job site immediately. Plants shall conform to the varieties specified in FM 420-34. Other species recommended by the Contractor for planting must be pre-approved by the COR. Nursery stock used for tree planting will be a minimum #10 container or 1.5” balled and burlap. If directed by COR, nursery stock may be transplanted from wood lines on Fort McCoy rather than purchasing from a supplier. Planting sites will be selected after consultation and approval by the roads and grounds contract COR to avoid conflicts with grounds maintenance operations. All plantings will be done IAW ANSI A300 part 6 and the ISA Best Management Practices – Tree Planting.

2.3.2.10.1 Mulching. The Contractor shall mulch new plantings near, but not touching the trunk out to the perimeter of the planting. The initial depth of organic mulch should be between 2 and 4 inches. Mulch shall be applied IAW ANSI A300 part 2.

2.3.2.10.2 Guying. The Contractor shall consult with the COR prior to supporting (guying) new tree plantings. If guying is required, it will be done IAW ANSI A300 part 3.

2.3.2.10.3 Soil Amendments. The Contractor shall make every effort to choose tree/shrub species and varieties that are suited to the site and will not require soil amendments such as organic matter, mechanical soil loosening, fertilization, soil reaction (pH) adjustment, or drainage. In special cases where any of the listed amendments are necessary, then work will be accomplished IAW ANSI A300 part 2 and the ISA Best Management Practices – Tree and Shrub Fertilization.

2.3.2.10.4 New Tree Maintenance. The Contractor shall protect and maintain new plants for one year after planting. Maintenance shall include monitoring, watering, weeding, mulch management, removal of dead branches by pruning, resetting trees to proper grades or upright position, maintaining guying, and removal of guying after one year. Light colored tree wraps may be necessary on thin barked trees to reduce the incidence of sunscald or frost cracks.

2.3.2.10.5 New Tree/Shrub Guarantee. The Contractor shall guarantee the new plantings to be in good health for a period of one year. Dead plants shall be removed immediately and replaced at the earliest opportunity.

2.3.2.10.6 Transplanting. The Contractor shall transplant trees/shrubs using the appropriately sized tree spade for the size of plant involved. The COR will identify the plant extraction site and the planting site when the request is made. All efforts will be made to avoid a hauling distance greater than two miles. Holes created by transplanting will be filled in with soil from the area. Transplanting will apply to trees purchased by Fort McCoy and hand-planted by the Contractor. Transplanting will be completed IAW ANSI A300 part 6 and ISA Best Management Practices – Tree Planting.

2.3.2.11 Fertilization. After the one-year new tree maintenance period has expired some trees and shrubs may need additional fertilizer applications. The Contractor shall fertilize trees that the COR identifies. The Contractor can advise the COR on fertilization requirements. The Contractor shall complete a soil test through a reputable soil testing laboratory to determine fertilizer application requirements. All fertilization testing and treatments will be completed in accordance with ANSI A300 Part 2.

2.3.2.12 Watering. After the one-year new tree maintenance period has expired some trees and shrubs may need additional watering during droughts. The Contractor shall water trees that the COR identifies. The Contractor can advise the COR on watering requirements. Minimally, for the first four weeks of a trees planting, the contractor shall water the tree 2 times per week. This effort will be included in the Tree Planting item cost. Watering will be evenly distributed under the dripline of the tree at a rate of approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of DBH.

2.3.2.13 Mulching. After the one-year new tree maintenance period has expired some trees and shrubs may need additional mulching. The Contractor shall mulch trees and shrub beds that the COR identifies. Shrub bed mulching will be accomplished by the square foot. The Contractor can advise the COR on mulching requirements.

2.3.2.14 Tree Protection (Caging). The Contractor shall protect identified trees and shrubs from deer browse and other animal damage by erecting wire cages starting in late September and removing the cages starting the middle of April and be completed by May 1 each year. Cages will be constructed of heavy duty ¼ inch metal mesh. Deciduous trees will have the trunk caged up to the first branch with the material placed so that all the mesh is at least 2 inches away from the trunk and branches and completely encircling the tree. Shrubs and conifer trees will be completely encircled to a height of five feet. Shrubs fewer than five feet will be completely encircled with mesh to a height of five feet or completely enclosed on the sides and top with mesh.

2.3.2.15 Underground Utilities. The Contractor shall contact Diggers Hotline at (800) 242-8511 or on-line at www.diggershotline.com and obtain a ticket prior to beginning stump grinding, planting or transplanting services. The Contractor shall begin work within 10 calendar days of the ticket start date and time. The Contractor shall not perform stump grinding, planting or transplanting without a valid Diggers Hotline ticket.

2.3.2.16 Standards. The Contractor shall ensure that:

a. All equipment utilized by the Contractor in the performance of this contract shall be maintained and operated in accordance with applicable technical/operator manuals, warranties, safety procedures, licensing/certification requirements and Federal and State laws.

b. All Contractor employees involved in tree climbing must be an ISA certified Climber Specialist.

c. An ISA certified Arborist shall directly oversee all tree cutting, pruning, and planting activities.

d. All workers shall be skilled (certified when applicable) in the tasks to which they are assigned.

e. Vehicles and equipment used to perform tree care services (e.g., aerial lift, wood chipper, tree spade, support vehicles) will, to the extent feasible, be positioned on paved, gravel or frozen surfaces. When it is necessary to operate vehicles or equipment on turf, the Contractor shall use adequate ground protection means to protect soil from compaction and turf damage.

2.4 Irrigation. Reserved.

2.5 Service/Maintain Xeriscape Areas. The Contractor shall ensure xeriscape areas, those that require little or no irrigation, are maintained. The Contractor shall ensure the xeriscape areas are healthy and clean; free of debris, litter and weeds. The Contractor shall identify High Visibility Areas that can be replaced with various types of gravel, mulch, drought tolerant trees, shrubs and grass turf indigenous to this climate, including providing steel or concrete edging.

2.5.1 Landscaping rock. The contractor shall provide and maintain landscape rock of the approved size and color to match existing, adjacent ground cover. Contractor shall provide a 10 mil plastic barrier beneath rock in the event existing has been damaged and level the area as necessary. Coordinate with the DPW-ED CRM, if within Historic District or Landscape.

2.6 Service Fire Breaks, Ranges, and Other Semi-improved Areas. The Contractor shall maintain a vegetated firebreak along the Fort McCoy installation boundary. Trees and other large woody vegetation must be removed and the smaller woody vegetation along with grasses and herbaceous vegetation mowed to a height of four inches, eight inches where lupine is present. Earth berms may have to be removed to allow Contractor access but must be replaced when work is completed if no other means of vehicle restricting devices are present. Stumps located in the firebreak need to be either removed and placed to the side of the firebreak on Fort McCoy property (the property boundary side) or cut (ground) flush with the soil. Stumps and other woody debris may be windrowed along the property boundary side of the boundary firebreak, if the firebreak is wide enough to still provide 40 feet of open firebreak. The debris must remain on Fort McCoy property and the contractor will be liable for incidental damage to private property. Eroded areas will be repaired and stabilized. The goal is to provide an open corridor along the installation boundary, to identify the property line and provide access to maintenance and fire control vehicles from the installation side of the firebreak. Equipment shall be cleaned of invasive species debris when moving from one fire break section to another to prevent spreading of invasive species seeds.

2.6.1 Mowing Vegetation. The Contractor shall mow vegetation to a height of four to six inches, in those sections of the firebreak that do not require other maintenance activities. Wetland mowing is included in the level areas and mowing shall be done in frozen or unusually dry conditions to prevent soil damage. Mowing is only required twice during the year. Once during the year to be completed between 1 June and 15 July to reduce the amount of invasive species seed spread, second is in the fall between 15 September and 31 October. Areas of threatened and endangered species concern may need to be mowed during specific time periods. Scattered tree and shrubs under 2” in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground (Diameter at Breast Height – DBH) are included in this category. The Contractor shall remove woody debris from firebreaks. Woody debris associated with the installation boundary firebreak may be removed by either chipping/shredding in place or windrowed along the outside of the boundary firebreak, if the firebreak is wide enough to still provide a 40 foot wide opening and the windrowed debris is crushed down with equipment or cut into small pieces to maximize the amount of wood in contact with the soil. Any trees pushed into a windrow shall be cut into a maximum of 10’ sections to aid in surface contract with soil. The debris must remain on Fort McCoy property, and the contractor will be liable for incidental damage to private property. Debris shall not be placed on adjacent private property.

2.6.2. Tree Clearing and Brushing. Involves areas of the firebreak or other areas that are overgrown with trees greater than 2” DBH up to 10” DBH. The Contractor shall remove trees and shrubs that have grown into the firebreak other areas and either remove or grind stumps to ground level by mechanical or by hand operated equipment. Trees may be shredded or chipped with the chips spread evenly on the ground, or the trees, stumps, and other woody debris may be hauled to a wood debris disposal site as directed by the COR. Stumps may be left in place, if they are under the windrow. These areas may be either level or steep. Soil disturbed or existing erosion sites present shall have erosion repair, erosion control, and mulching and seeding (paragraphs under section 2.6.4, 2.6.5) included with the cost of this Price Schedule line item. Stump removal with construction equipment is not allowed in wetland areas, shredding or stump grinding is allowed. Debris may not be windrowed on areas with threatened and endangered species habitat.

2.6.3 Stump and Slash Removal. Involves areas of the firebreak or other clearings that had large trees removed previously through a commercial timber sale. The commercial portion (trunk) of the tree is not present, but the stumps up to an estimated 36” diameter and slash are present along with some trees under 6” DBH. The Contractor shall remove remaining trees, slash and either remove or grind stumps to ground level. Stumps and other woody debris may be windrowed along the property boundary side of the boundary firebreak or clearing, if the firebreak is wide enough to still provide 40 feet of open width and approved by the COR. Stumps may be left in place if they are under the windrow. These areas may be either level or steep. Soil disturbed while removing stumps shall have erosion repair, erosion control, and mulching and seeding (paragraphs under section 2.6.4, 2.6.5) included with the cost of stump removal. Stump removal with construction equipment is not allowed in wetland areas. Debris may not be windrowed on areas with threatened and endangered species habitat.

2.6.4 Erosion Repair. Areas may be eroded to bedrock with deep gullies and soil deposition down-slope. The Contractor will repair eroded areas by shaping the soil surface to as near the original contour as possible. Soil used to repair gullies will be brought up from down-slope and not moved from outside the firebreak. Work shall be done IAW the Erosion Control and Storm Water Management Plans and Wisconsin DNR storm water construction technical standards found at:

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/stormwater/standards/const_standards.html

All earth moving activities will include mulching and seeding (per paragraph 2.6.5) and will be included as part of the cost of this line item. Included within this task is leveling of side slopes to provide suitable level ground to establish vegetation and allow subsequent mowing.

2.6.1 Erosion Control Structures. The Contractor shall stabilize the repaired or ground disturbed areas following stump removal using products, materials and Best Management Practices (BMPs) listed below:

a. Silt Fence – Woven or non-woven material complying with the requirements of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Subsection 628.2.5, in 3 foot wide rolls, with minimum 1-1/8 inch x 1-1/8 inch oak or hickory wood posts of sufficient length to fully support fence.

b. Interim Manufactured Perimeter Control and Slope-Interruption Products (bio-rolls) – Wisconsin DNR #1071

c. Erosion blankets (non-channel and channel) – Wisconsin DNR # 1052 & 1053, Inlet Protection – Wisconsin DNR #1060.

d. Rip Rap.

e. Stone Tracking Pad – Wisconsin DNR #1057.

f. Seeding, Not Maintained Areas.

g. Erosion control measures will be maintained to protect the project site and prevent sediment pollution of adjacent water courses and properties.

h. Install erosion control measures in accordance with the storm water management plan prior to the start of construction and maintain them until final completion of the work. Implement additional erosion control devices and methods as necessary during construction and as situations arise. Unless otherwise instructed, remove temporary erosion control measures prior to final application for payment.

i. Limit stripping of sod and vegetation to a period that will expose bare soil to the least amount of possible erosion.

j. Install BMPs at locations and in a manner as specified in the Erosion Control and Storm Water Management Plans.

k. Inspect all BMPs immediately after each rainfall and at least daily during periods of prolonged rainfall.

l. Remove and dispose of sediment deposits when deposit reaches approximately one-half the volume capacity of the BMP.

m. Remove BMPs after slopes and ditches have been stabilized and turf has developed to the extent that future erosion is unlikely.

2.6.4.2 Monitoring and Reporting Erosion Work. The Contractor shall conduct the following inspections:

a. Weekly inspections of implemented erosion and sediment controls.

b. Inspections of erosion and sediment controls within 24 hours after a precipitation event of 0.5 inches or greater which results in runoff during active construction periods. The Contractor shall prepare weekly written reports of all inspections that include:

- Date, time, and exact place of inspection.

- Name of individual who performed inspection.

- An assessment of the condition of erosion and sediment controls.

- A description of any erosion and sediment control implementation and maintenance performed.

- A description of the present phase of construction at the site.

- Site photos are recommended with each report.

2.6.5 Mulching and Seeding. The Contractor shall seed bare soil areas or areas with inadequate vegetation as described in Seeding 2.3.2.9.2, Not Maintained Areas. Slopes that are greater than 10% will require erosion control matting. The cost of seeding and mulching will be included with the price proposal for erosion repair and tree and stump removal if earth moving occurs.

2.6.6 Pruning. The Contractor shall prune tree branches that interfere with firebreak maintenance, are attached to trees outside of the firebreak area and are on Fort McCoy property. Pruning is not billed separately but will be performed when necessary while working the assigned firebreak clearing items. Pruned branches can vary from 2”-24”+ in diameter and up to 30’ in the air, depending on property line location. Pruned branches shall be placed off the firebreak or chipped and spread. Branches shall be pruned with a saw that is capable of making clean cuts at the branch collar.

2.6.6.1 Disease Prevention and Control. Oak trees are susceptible to oak wilt disease, when the bark is damaged during the months of April, May, June and July. Pruning or damaging oaks during those months should be avoided. If an oak is wounded during those months, tree wound dressing must be immediately applied to the wound.

2.6.7 Installation Boundary Determination. Known locations of survey monuments are shown on the segment maps. The Contractor is not allowed to disturb the monuments and will be liable for any damages. If necessary, the installation boundary and survey monuments will be flagged or otherwise marked by the COR, or other Government staff, before the Contractor begins work.

2.6.8 Fire Break Disking. The Contractor shall disk no-growth fire breaks around the impact areas of the training ranges. Disking will consist of a bi-annual (twice) requirement of plowing sandy soils to a depth of 8”-12” to prevent the growth of vegetation. First disking shall be scheduled early July, prior to July 15th, with the second disking scheduled between September 1 and October 31. Disked areas will average in 50’ in width and amount to roughly 100 acres between the north (85 acre) and south (15 acre) ranges requirements.

2.7 Service Unimproved Areas. Unimproved areas are defined as undeveloped areas, grazing lands, ponds, and special natural areas: refuges, natural areas, and wildlife corridors where low levels of maintenance are acceptable, and visibility is minimal. Services are not provided for Unimproved Areas as identified in the Work Capability Levels table. There is no routine mowing required in Unimproved Areas, except as specifically addressed within this document.

2.8 Service…