Emerald Ash Borer Insecticide Treatments on the Allegheny National Forest

1 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Statement of Work -- 1 of 9 -- 2 Contents Project ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 General Information ................................................................................................................................................ 3 1.0 Scope of Work ............................................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 Background.................................................................................................................................................... 3 Contractor Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 3 3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks .................................................................................................................... 3 4.0 Government Furnished .................................................................................................................................. 8 5.0 Deliverables / Schedule ................................................................................................................................. 9 6.0 Travel ............................................................................................................................................................. 9 7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel ........................................................................................................................... 9 -- 2 of 9 -- 3 Project Emerald Ash Borer Insecticide Treatments on the Allegheny National Forest General Information 1.0 Scope of Work The Contractor will be required to treat Ash trees with Stem Injection of emamectin benzoate – i.e., Tree-ägeTM or equivalent. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, supplies, insecticide, and related supplies required to treat ash trees. The Government will furnish no materials, labor, or equipment unless specifically identified in the Government-Furnished Property (GFP) clause. 2.0 Background The purpose of this contract is to perform insecticide treatments on ash trees to ensure their ability to survive infestation by the emerald ash borer (EAB). The contract areas are on the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). They may include ash trees in forested areas and in established recreation areas. See attached maps for additional details. Contractor Requirements 3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks The Contractor shall perform work in accordance with the specifications contained in this contract. Work to be Performed For all Areas, the Contractor shall properly treat the designated trees with insecticide as directed by the COR in accordance with these specifications. Treatment Areas Recreation/Administrative Sites Buckaloons Recreation Area Clarion River (4 sites) Irwin Run Canoe Launch Kiasutha Recreation Area Kinzua Beach Recreation Area Marienville ATV Trailhead Minister Creek Recreation Area Marienville Ranger District Office Red Bridge Recreation Area Willow Bay Recreation Area 70 stems (est.) NRS Plots FAL002 FAL006 FAL016 FAL024 FAL026 FAL028 FAL034 -- 3 of 9 -- 4 NRS Plots FAL038 FAL050 FAL054 FAL060 FAL062 FAL088 FAL126 FAL142 FAL158 FAL166 FAL190 FAL192 FAU001 FAU005 FAU023 FAU025 FAU059 FAU087 FAU105 FAU147 517 stems (est.) Application Timing Weather, soil condition and insect activity influence optimum treatment timing for prescribed systemic insecticides identified within. The optimal time for application is in the spring, about 30 days prior to expected adult emergence. Uptake of formulation is fastest when trees are actively transpiring after they have developed a full canopy. Spring treatments will prevent the adult beetles from feeding and laying eggs in the tree, whereas summer treatment will kill the larval stage of EAB feeding under the bark. Injection in the fall (after leaves color) can protect the tree for the following season. For the purposes of this action, treatments shall be conducted during periods when soil is not frozen nor excessively wet or dry, between May 15, 2027 and June 30, 2027. Application Methodology Trees to be treated will be designated by a site map/GPS point, by verbal instructions from the COR, by flagging, paint, metal tags, or by a written tree-by-tree site description. If the trees to be treated are at a campground or other frequently used recreation area, the Contractor may treat infested trees only after coordination with the COR as to appropriate treatment times. After treatment, each tree will be flagged with a short length of flagging on a branch above Contractor’s head. Contractor shall also perform tree tag maintenance to ensure tags are well-attached and a minimum of one inch out from the outside bark. The Contractor shall keep a written list of each tree treated and its corresponding tag number and diameter and provide this list to the COR. Stem Injection This method is for treating all trees as designated trees in this contract. Emamectin benzoate – i.e., Tree-ägeTM or equivalent – will be used. -- 4 of 9 -- 5 The Contractor will be responsible for mixing the insecticidal solution on the job site and shall follow all label directions for mixing of insecticide. The Contractor shall, before beginning any treatment, calibrate the stem injector using water to determine how many ounces of solution are delivered. Stem injections must use low pressure (less than 40 psi) and “micro-injection” techniques (Arborjet IMA- jet/Tree IV system, Rainbow Tree M3 Infuser or equivalent). The Contractor will inject the stems of the designated trees with solution. The point of injection will be within roughly 18 inches of the bottom of the tree, spaced 6 inches apart and 5/8 to 1 5/…