Goat Grazing - Invasive Vegitation Species (weed) Control - FE Warren AFB, Cheyenne, Wyoming

FY10 STATEMENT OF WORK
INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL, GRAZING

BACKGROUND

Decisions regarding weed control measures on F. E. Warren AFB are complicated by the presence of one threatened species within infested areas: Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana coloradensis). This situation presents an opportunity to test potential methods for weed control in threatened species habitat for effectiveness, likelihood of adverse impact to sensitive species, and manageability.

TASKS

The contactor shall use goats to graze approximately 494 acres along portions of Crow Creek, Diamond Creek, and the unnamed drainage on F. E. Warren AFB (see attached map) to remove the majority of vegetative top growth of invasive species in these areas, which include Canada thistle, leafy spurge, Dalmatian toadflax, and small amounts of hound's tongue and hoary cress. The eastern parcel (comprising approximately 123 acres) shall be grazed twice - once at the beginning of the project and again at the end.

The contractor shall disperse seed prior to moving goats into an area. The base shall provide the seed to the contractor.

The contractor shall provide transportation of the goats to and from the base.

The contractor shall provide at least one (1) experienced livestock handler capable of understanding and speaking English.

No living facilities or services will be provided by the 90th Missile Wing. Contractor support will be handled on a case by case basis. If the livestock handler chooses to stay at the base campground, it is the responsibility of the contractor to pay all fees associated with staying at the campground. As of 3/17/10, a campsite with hookups is $20 per night and a dry campsite is $10 per night. These rates are subject to change.

Crow Creek is available as a water source for the goats. The contractor may provide portable water trough(s) for the animals, if desired. The base will supply water.

The contractor shall provide portable fencing or other appropriate enclosures for the goats. All goats and other animals belonging to the contractor shall be under the control of the livestock handler at all times. If any of the contractor's animals wander off the base property, the contractor shall retrieve the animals immediately.

The contractor must remove goats from Colorado butterfly plant habitat (the five western-most parcels, comprising approximately 159 acres) no later than 15 June.

The contractor shall ensure that goats and herding dogs do not disturb, attack, or injure the base pronghorn population or any other type of wildlife.

The contractor shall not accomplish predator control. Any predator control required by the contractor must be requested through the 90th Missile Wing Natural Resources Manager.

Traps or any type of weapon are not authorized on F. E. Warren AFB. The contractor shall not harm base wildlife.

The base is not responsible for any injuries and/or deaths of the contractor's livestock. Potential risks include lightning, rattle snakes, mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.

The contractor shall be responsible for disposing of livestock carcasses at the Cheyenne Landfill. The base is not responsible for disposing of carcasses belonging to the contractor.

The contractor shall contact the F. E. Warren AFB Game Warden or Law Enforcement Desk at least two (2) hours prior to moving goats across roads so that appropriate traffic control measures can be implemented.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance will begin 1 May 2009, plus or minus 15 days. Once started, the contractor has up to 120 days to complete the work.