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Exhibit A Statement of Work

Pacific Northwest Region, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest,

Cle Elum Ranger District

Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project

March, 2019

Performance Work Statement

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this solicitation is to secure professional services to complete environmental analyses and documentation in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Forest Management Act (NFMA), Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and all other applicable legal, regulatory, policy and Forest Plan requirements that apply to National Forest System and/or private land. The proposed project occurs on USDA Forest Service (USFS) lands within the Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF) and private property under Kittitas County jurisdiction.

The purpose of this solicitation is to secure professional services to complete environmental analyses and documentation in accordance with appropriate legal and regulatory requirements. The proposed project would occur on lands managed by the USDA Forest Service (USFS) within the Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF) and private property under the jurisdiction of Kittitas County. Actions which would take place on NFS lands must be evaluated in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Forest Management Act (NFMA), Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Actions which would take place on private lands must be evaluated in accordance with Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) regulations. Applicable legal, regulatory, and policies are detailed further in this document.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The OWNF developed the Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project in partnership with the Yakima Basin Bull Trout Working Group (BTWG) and the Kittitas Conservation Trust (KCT). The BTWG is a diverse group of agency and non-profit stakeholders represented by the US Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yakima Basin Fish and Wildlife Recovery Board, US Forest Service, the Yakama Nation, Mid-Columbia Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group, Kittitas Conservation Trust, and US Bureau of Reclamation, working together to obtain the resources and support to accelerate bull trout restoration projects on the OWNF and other critical habitats in the Yakima Basin. The Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project was funded to complete collaborative planning and environmental analyses for approximately 675 acres of USFS and private lands through collaboration among the USFS, KCT, and stakeholders.

The Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project is guided by a Core Team with representation from:

□ OWNF – Cle Elum Ranger District or assigned representative□ OWNF Supervisor’s Office – Point of Contact□ USFWS□ US Bureau of Reclamation□ KCT – Contract Representative□ Yakima Basin Bull Trout Working Group Representative(s)□ Communication & Engagement Representatives from OWNF □ Natural Systems Design – Contract Engineers□ Local landowners and community members□ Recreation interests

Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project Request for Proposals – NEPA Exhibit A – Statement of Work 2

The following goals have been developed to guide subsequent planning for the Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project:

Protect and restore floodplain conditions and natural watershed processes in a way that promotes climate resilient riparian and instream habitat and improves stream flow, water quality, and water quantity for the benefit of communities and native fish and wildlife.

Address limiting factors and habitat degradation affecting Gold Creek bull trout, a genetically isolated, at risk population of a federally-listed (threatened) species.

Address previous investments in restoring wildlife population connectivity in the Gold Creek/Hyak Connectivity Emphasis Area (CEA) including land acquisitions by USFWS, USFS, WSDOT and Ecological Connectivity structures on I-90.

Provide quality recreational opportunities in the project area.

The KCT has completed an extensive hydrologic, hydraulic, habitat, and geomorphic assessment and design process for the lower Gold Creek Valley within the project area to help inform the development of a proposed action that is responsive to the above goals. These assessments provide an overview of current landscape conditions and areas where existing conditions have departed from the historic, natural condition. These departures are used to identify potential management interventions that are intended to improve overall ecosystem resiliency. Management actions may include, but are not limited to: placement instream wood, engineered log jams, floodplain roughness, stream bank stabilization, grading and filling, wetland restoration, side channel enhancement, and changes to the existing road system and recreational infrastructure. The USFS is the lead agency responsible for all decisions that pertain to NEPA, NFMA, ESA, and the NHPA. KCT will manage the contract for the work described herein.

3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor's role will be to prepare environmental analyses and documentation that meets the standards set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act, 40 CFR §1500-1508, Forest Service regulations 36 CFR 220 and FS policy (identified in FSH 1909.15) and as indicated below. The Contractor’s role will additionally be to prepare environmental analyses and documentation that meets the standards set forth in the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=332-41). The Contractor shall furnish all labor, personnel, expertise, supervision, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, computers, transportation, travel, and incidentals to perform all work necessary for completion of the services and deliverables as described within this solicitation.

4.0 APPLICABLE DIRECTIVES

The Contractor shall perform the specific tasks necessary for the environmental analysis and permitting for the Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project. Work must comply with the following directives.

Statutes


https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=332-41

National Forest Management Act of October 22, 1976 (https:// www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/includes/NFMA1976.p df )

Endangered Species Act of December 28, 1973

(http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/laws/esa.pdf )

Clean Water Act [Federal Water Pollution Control Act] (https:// www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017- 08/documents/federal-water-pollution-control-act- 508full.pdf )

National Environmental Policy Act of January 1, 1970 (https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE- 83/pdf/STATUTE-83-Pg852.pdf )

Washington State Environmental Policy Acthttps://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=332-41

https:// www.epa.gov/nepa/what-national- environmental-policy-act )

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

(http://www.achp.gov/nhpa.pdf)

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

(https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/ma gnuson-stevens-fishery-conservation-and-management- act)

Clean Air Act

(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE- 77/pdf/STATUTE-77-Pg392.pdf )

https:// www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean- air-act




Safe Drinking Water Act

(https:// www.epa.gov/sdwa/title-xiv-public-health- service-act-safety-public-water-systems-safe-drinking- water-act)

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (https:// www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/chapter- 7/subchapter-II)

(https:// www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and- regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty- act.php)

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2010- title16/pdf/USCODE-2010-title16-chap5A-subchapII- sec668.pdf)

(https:// www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/chapter- 5A/subchapter-II)

Regulations

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the NEPA-- Code of Federal Regulations- Implementing Regulations

40 CFR 1500-1508

(https:// www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/NEPA- 40CFR1500_1508.pdf )

Interagency Cooperation, Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Amended (https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/05/12/2014 -10503/interagency-cooperation-endangered-species-act-of- 1973-as-amended-definition-of-destruction-or )

50 CFR Part 402

Code of Federal Regulations – Parks, Forests and Public Property

Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property

PART 219—PLANNING

(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title36- vol2/pdf/CFR-2012-title36-vol2-part219.pdf )

36 CFR Part 219


Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property

PART 218—PROJECT-LEVEL PREDECISIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS

(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title36- vol2/pdf/CFR-2010-title36-vol2-part218.pdf )

36 CFR Part 218

TITLE 36—Parks, Forests, and Public Property

CHAPTER II—FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

PART 220—NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COMPLIANCE

(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title36- vol2/pdf/CFR-2011-title36-vol2-chapII.pdf )

36 CFR Part 220

TITLE 36—Parks, Forests, and Public Property

CHAPTER II—FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

PART 215 - NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title36- vol2/pdf/CFR-2011-title36-vol2-chapII.pdf )

36 CFR Part 215

Executive Orders (EO)

EO 12898(https:// www.archives.gov/files/federal-register/executive- orders/pdf/12898.pdf )

Federal Actions to address environmental justice in minority populations and low-income populations.

EO 11988(https:// www.archives.gov/federalregister/codification/executive-order/11988.html)

Floodplain Management

EO 11990(https:// www.archives.gov/federalregister/codification/executive-order/11990.html

Protection of Wetlands

EO 12962(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1995-06-09/pdf/95- 14407.pdf)

Recreational Fishing


EO 13186(https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2001-01-17/pdf/01- 1387.pdf)

Responsibilities of Federal Agencies To Protect Migratory Birds

Policy

CEQ’s “Forty Most Asked Questions” and supplemental guidance(https:// www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/G-CEQ- 40Questions.pdf)

46 Fed. Reg. 18026, March 23, 198148 Fed. Reg. 18026, July 23, 1986

Roadless Area Conservation Rule (https:// www.fs.fed.us/emc/nepa/roadless/2001Roadless RuleFR.pdf)

Forest Service Directives

Forest Service Handbook

https:// www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/dughtml/fsh_1.html

Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15 National Environmental Policy Act Handbook

FSH 1509.12 36 CFR 215Appeals Handbook

FSH 2309.12 Heritage Program Management Handbook

FSH 2409.17 Silvicultural Practices Handbook

Forest Service Manual

(https:// www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/dughtml/fsm.html )

FSM 1560 Tribal Relations

FSM 1950 Environmental Policy and Procedures

FSM 2360 Heritage

FSM 2520 R6 Supplement 2500-98-1 Watershed Protection and Management

FSM 2542 Municipal Supply Watersheds

FSM 2672.4 Biological Evaluations


Forest Plan, as amended, and Standards and Guidelines

Land and Resource Management Plan, Wenatchee National Forest (1990)

(https:// www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stel prdb5314997.pdf)

Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (1994)

(https://ia802704.us.archive.org/18/items/recordofdecisi on08unit/recordofdecision08unit.pdf)

Record of Decision and FEIS for Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA and USDI 1997). Available by request at the Cle Elum RD or Okanogan-Wenatchee NF office.

Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (1994)

(https:// www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/r d-nwfp_s_and_g-1994-03.pdf)

Regional Ecosystem Office late-Successional Reserve Project-Level Consistency Reviews guidance document (August 5, 2009)

See UWPP Supporting Documents (www.washingtonrcd.org)

Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines (January 2001), including Annual Species Reviews in 2003 and 2004.

5.0 P E R F ORM A N CE R E QU I RM E N T S AND D ELIVE R A B LE S

5.1 COMMUNICATION/MEETINGS

The Contractor shall:


A. Participate, remotely or in person in regular meetings with the USFS, KCT, and BTWG. Contractor shall prepare meeting notes to include: list of meeting participants, meeting agenda, key discussion points, decisions or recommendations and follow-up task assignments. Draft meeting notes will be edited and distributed to the meeting participants within 5 days after each meeting. The contractor will provide final meeting notes within 14 days of the meeting to reflect any edits suggested by the meeting participants. Regularly scheduled meetings include;

□ Weekly Project Coordination. Communicate weekly with the KCT Contracting Representative and the USFS Project Coordinator to coordinate activities, and provide updates of progress and key developments, using phone, e-mail, or site visits. The Contractor is responsible for communicating directly with the Forest Service Project Coordinator to request specific information required from the Forest Service.

□ Monthly Core Team Meetings over the life of the project.

□ Bi-Monthly Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Communication and Engagement Workgroups. In addition to responsibilities described above, Contractor shall schedule Workgroup meetings, secure meeting locations, and coordinate remote accessibility.

□ Quarterly Project Team Meetings. In addition to responsibilities described above, Contractor will work with the Core Team to develop meeting agenda, provide project updates regarding key milestones and overall project schedule.

B. Within 2 weeks of the “Notice to Proceed”, the Contractor shall contact the KCT Contracting Representative to establish the date for a 2-3 day onsite project initiation meeting with KCT and OWNF personnel at the CERD in Cle Elum, WA and at various sites within the project area to discuss the overall project. Topics to be covered at the initiation meeting include the Contractor’s role in overall scope of services, public involvement, data acquisition, synthesis and analysis, roles and responsibilities, workplan development and project timeline. The field portion of the meeting is for purposes of orientation to the project area, introduction to environmental conditions, and to develop an understanding of the previous assessment and design work as it relates to the proposed action(s).

C. Attend at least 3field trips to the project area with the USFS, BTWG, and KCT to gain familiarity with the project areas, discuss issues, environmental conditions and proposed actions.

D. Facilitate a Project Kick-off Meeting to confirm the Project Purpose & Need, Identify the Proposed Action and Identify Potential Planning Issues.

E. Following Public Scoping the Contractor shall facilitate decision with the USFS as to the level of environmental analysis needed (i.e. CE, EA, or EIS). If an EIS is selected, coordinate with the USFS on the filing of a Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register.

F. Following the Public Scoping the Contractor shall facilitate an Alternatives Development Workshop to identify potential alternatives that may be carried forward for analysis in the environmental.


G. If the environmental analysis is an EA, facilitate a workshop to identify the agency preferred alternative following the development of the Administrative Review Draft Environmental Assessment and prior to release of the Public Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision Notice.

H. If the environmental analysis is an EIS, facilitate a workshop to identify the agency preferred alternative following the development of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

5.2 WORK PLAN

The Contractor Shall:

A. Develop and submit a project schedule and work plan. This shall include a comprehensive plan and schedule for completion of all aspects of the contract no later than June 2019. The work plan shall account for all the tasks within the scope of this contract, deliverables listed, preparation time, and review time by the USFS. Concurrence by the USFS on the analysis methods used to develop the various sections shall be a part of the work plan. USFS acceptance of the work plan is required before proceeding with the remaining tasks.

B. Track and report work plan progress at weekly phone meetings with USFS Project Coordinator and KCT Contracting Representative, ensure Contractor’s interdisciplinary team (IDT) meets scheduled deadlines, and identify potential roadblocks for meeting deadlines early on to minimize potential delays.

5.3 DATA AND SURVEYS


A. Ensure analysis addresses Survey and Manage species, Forest management indicator species (MIS), snag- dependent species, landbirds and sensitive species, Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and ESA listed and proposed species.

B. Maximize the use of existing data. Contractor must incorporate Terrestrial and Aquatic Landscape Evaluations that provide landscape context and have already been completed for the project area (available at KCT RFP Supporting Documents, (www.kittitasconservationtrust.org). Survey data and analysis completed in support of the Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project outside the scope of this contract will be furnished to the contractor for use in writing sections of NEPA, ESA, and SEPA documents including but not limited to Northern Spotted Owl Surveys. Additional survey needs identified through the data inventory and gap analysis will be completed in-house or a separate contract.

C. Review and analysis of existing survey and data from the project area to provide detailed accounting for field data completed to date. Through a data gap analysis and review of requirements of NEPA/SEPA, determine additional survey needs that will be required. Additional survey work will primarily be completed in house and out of the scope for this statement of work unless negotiated between KCT and the contactor.

D. Complete fine sediment surveys in previously monitored streams (Chiwawa nearest to


project area, Mainstem Wenatchee site and 4-5 tributaries (Meadow, Brushy, Alder, etc.) using McNiel core sampling methodology. Ground disturbing activities accomplished with heavy equipment will require pre-activity monitoring using the Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol (Dumroese et Al 2009) Gen. Tech. Report WO-82a.

E. Conduct stream surveys as defined in Appendix II to support development of proposed action and alternatives and associated impact analysis. Conduct Hankin & Reeves Stream and Habitat Level II stream surveys, biotic and temperature surveys using experienced personnel. The consultant will follow the protocols provided in the current USFS Region 6 Stream Inventory Handbook (provided). Stream temperatures will be collected via temperature data loggers at one location per identified stream. Contractor will install in spring as early as possible and collect in fall, as late as in the season as is feasible. Steam survey reaches and temperature logging sites are identified in Appendix II, Table 1. Stream habitat survey summaries will be produced that document the findings of the stream habitat surveys by each waterbody. Contractor will provide Data in tables and figures and will include narrative interpretations of the results, especially as they apply to the identification of habitat enhancement activities. Coordination with USFS staff may be required regarding local modifications to the stream survey protocols. Provide ArcGIS shapefiles to the USFS for use in future analysis.

F. Identify restoration project opportunities in tandem with the Level II field surveys. Identification of opportunities will be guided by the combination of: 1) site observations of geomorphology, habitat, riparian, and land-use impairments. Opportunities for stream habitat enhancement will be identified and draft project descriptions will be produced. Project descriptions will include: 1) location information, 2) overview of impairment conditions, 3) treatment alternatives, and 4) access and feasibility considerations. Photographs and GPS coordinates will be taken to document observed conditions and location information.

G. Develop Reach-Based Ecosystem Indicators Table (REI). Results of the habitat surveys will be used to calculate REI metrics for each waterbody (or subsection of each waterbody if appropriate). These metrics offer a consistent means to characterize the overall condition of habitat and stream physical processes and will help to identify and target restoration actions.

H. Compile Draft and Final Habitat Assessment and Restoration Strategy Report which will describe the background, methods, and results of the aquatic assessment work. That draft document will be reviewed by KCT and USFS. The document will be revised and finalized based on review of comments and coordination with the Bull Trout Working Group membership and Forest Service.

5.4 PUBLIC INVOLVMENT


A. Develop, in coordination with the USFS, a public (internal and external) participation plan to fulfill the public involvement requirements of NEPA. The plan must incorporate and reflect the existing Communication and Engagement Plan as developed by KCT.

B. Be prepared to participate with all aspects of public participation plan to ensure complete


public involvement and dissemination of information pertaining to NEPA.

C. Draft the legal notices as required to comply with NEPA for written USFS approval prior to submitting for publication.

D. Prepare and submit a draft project-scoping letter for USFS review. Upon written approval the Contractor shall mail the scoping letter to persons and/or organizations indicated on the Forest Service provided mailing list.

E. Receive all project scoping and comment period comments (via U.S. mail, telephone, and/or e-mail) from the public.

F. Complete content analysis in response to comments received in response to public scoping. Prepare and submit a draft scoping report for USFS review prior to preparing final report to incorporate agency feedback. This report will analyze comments received during scoping; the process used for evaluation; and identify preliminary issues following Forest Service at FSH 1909.15, 12.4 and 12.42.. Maintain and update the project mailing list(s) and maintain confidentiality in regards to personal information. The Contractor shall furnish final version of the list(s) to the USFS electronically and in an editable format.

G. Develop a list of commenters, indicating the timeliness of their comments and whether the comments meet the requirements for specific written comments as defined at 36 CFR 218.2.

H. Compile and analyze comments received on the draft Environmental Analysis released for a 30-day comment period. (36 CFR 218). Prepare draft responses and provide a draft report for USFS review. After review by the Forest Service, finalize report. Contractor will scan comment letters and responses (after USFS approval). This will become an appendix to the decision document. All public comments received shall become part of the project record. If comments on the draft analysis are extensive and require substantial changes, the USFS may require a supplemental draft analysis be prepared and sent out for another 30-Day Comment Period prior to preparing the final document.

I. Develop and submit content for briefing materials and information for public meetings in the project area following issuance of the draft NEPA documents, such as, “Talking Points” and “Question/Answer”, maps, and a Microsoft Power Point presentation to be used by the Forest Service at the public meeting and at local briefings (federal/state/local government officials, native groups, community meetings, environmental groups and user groups). All such content will be reviewed and approved by the Forest Public Affairs Officer of designee. These meetings will be the responsibility of the Forest Service and the Contractor is expected to provide support including meeting facilitation and note taking.

J. Ensure that the final environmental documents meet ADA requirements (Section 508 compliance).

5.4 MAPS/GRAPHICS


A. Run all geospatial analysis including but not limited to, clipping, calculating acres, intersecting features, table creation, etc. and create all maps for ALL alternatives, including the preferred/proposed action.


B. Quality Assurance, Quality Control (QAQC) measures must be made on rendered/created/produced data eliminating overlaps, gaps, slivers, topology errors etc. to ensure accurate analysis is made and reported.

C. Ensure analysis data must contain attributes consistent with tables, write up, etc. in the final document.

D. Mapping products must be returned in both working ArcGIS .mxd and .pdf/.jpeg format complete with

associated data and without broken links.

E. All GIS files must be maintained and returned to the forest in ArcGIS version (ArcGIS 10.3).

F. All final data must be delivered in File Geodatabase format with completed Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata including process steps.

G. Complete FGDC metadata and/or additional documentation describing processes, steps and any other relevant information must be provided for all data, models, scripts, tools, etc.

H. All analysis and final data must be in the coordinate system used by Region 06 Forest Service (NAD_1983_Oregon_Washington_Albers).

I. Forest Service corporate base data provided to contractor may not be manipulated or changed without prior consent from the Forest Service. Any updates must be identified and fully documented in the metadata process steps.

J. The forest service will retain ownership of any models, scripts, tools, field collected GPS data, geospatial data, etc. used in contracted GIS analysis and products.

K. Forest service provided data belongs to the forest and must be returned to the Forest Service upon completion of the contract. The contractor is not authorized to keep or maintain copies of any Forest Service provided geospatial data. Forest service provided geospatial data may be used for the completion of the Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project only. It cannot be retained and used on any other forest or non- forest contracts or projects.

L. US Forest Service authoritative datasets must be used for all analysis, and map production where required by any applicable CFR, policy, direction, plan or decision.

5.5 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) ANALYSIS AND DOCUMENTATION


A. Provide a NEPA Specialist with mastery at preparing complex NEPA documents and other disciplinary specialists as appropriate to complete an environmental analysis and documentation for this project.

B. Prepare and submit a draft outline and document layout proposal for the USFS Project Representative prior to initiating work on the individual sections of the environmental analysis document.

C. Participate in a project initiation meeting (referenced in Communication/Meeting section) to


develop a list of planning issues to be carried forward in the NEPA analysis. Contractor will prepare a draft list of planning issues for review and approval by the USFS.

D. The environmental analysis and all documents developed for public distribution shall be written in a manner that facilitates public review and understanding. Translate technical or jargon-filled language into plain, easy to understand language.

E. The analysis shall be concise public documents. Rather than the documents consisting entirely of long narratives, use bulleted or numbered statements where appropriate, and display quantitative data in tables or charts, where they may aid in public review and understanding.

F. Use a simple and consistent outline format throughout the document, with clear headings and sub-headings

G. Avoid using Forest Service or bureaucratic jargon or acronyms. Where a technical term is needed, include a brief, simple translation of the term within the context where it is used, to avoid the reader having to rely entirely on the glossary.

H. Develop Technical Reports that are clear, concise and well-organized.

I. The analysis will focus on the treatment of issues which highlight unresolved conflicts resulting from the proposed action.

J. The environmental effects analysis shall contain:

a. Rationale, professional judgments and scientific studies that support the conclusions, which help shed light on the degree of uncertainty or reliability of effects analysis.

b. Explanations of the action or cause for each environmental effect.

c. The term "environmental effect" is synonymous with "environmental impact". The analysis of environmental effects shall be conducted in the context of impacts on the "human environment" as described in 40 CFR § 1508.14.

d. Descriptions of location, magnitude/intensity, and general duration of environmental effects.

e. Direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects.

f. Avoid repetition, focusing on differences in effects between fully developed alternatives, so readers may easily contrast and compare alternatives, based on the effects described.

g. Incorporation of scientific material by reference, by summarizing and citing appropriate literature. References will be listed as an Appendix to the environmental analysis.

K. The environmental analysis shall be site-specific to the location described in the solicitation.

L. Integrate edits and respond to comments from USFS to prepare a combined Administrative


Review Draft EA for USFS and Project Team review. The Contractor shall develop and provide electronic copies via email and 1 hard copy of the administrative draft environmental analysis for review. The draft analysis shall follow the outline approved above by the USFS, and it shall be complete. Support materials shall be arranged in appendices or separate reports and files that are in the Project Record. Information needed to immediately interpret or understand the environmental analysis shall be contained in an Appendix.

M. Following selection of an agency-preferred alternative, integrate USFS edits and comments to prepare Draft Environmental Assessment for public review and comment. Develop and incorporate Appendix materials as approved by USFS. Provide camera-ready document in electronic format to the USFS and KCT project representatives and produce 50 hard-copies for USFS.

N. 30 Day Comment Period Responses: The Contractor shall provide the Forest Service with a draft copy for review of all 30-day comment period response document(s) received on the draft environmental analysis prior to their placement in the final environmental analysis. The Contractor shall provide all public comments received during the 30-Day comment period to the Forest Service within 10 working days following the end of the comment period. Any additional public comments received outside of the 30-Day comment period by the Contractor shall be provided to the Forest Service Project Coordinator within five working days of receipt.

O. Following public review and comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment, prepare a Draft Final Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision Notice for USFS review. Provide in editable electronic format to USFS and KCT project representatives.

P. Integrate edits and comments from the USFS to prepare camera-ready Final Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision Notice for USFS Objection Process. Provide electronically to USFS and WRCD Project Representatives and produce 50 hard copies for the USFS.

Q. Following completion of Objection Process prepare Final Decision Notice for USFS review and approval.

R. Provide a professional judgment within the Analysis as to the project's compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, and standards and guidelines within the Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Wenatchee Forest Plan), as amended by the Final Environmental Impact Statement on Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old- Growth Forest Related Species Within the range of the Northern Spotted Owl (Northwest Forest Plan) including compliance with Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives, and National Aquatic BMPs. This will include providing rationale and documentation in support of the professional judgment.

S. The Affected Environment will characterize limitations to floodplain processes, instream and riparian habitats, past management practices, and the backlog of restoration needs for the Gold Creek Valley.

T. Determine effects to development of and retention of specific floodplain and riparian structure required for wildlife species (e.g. NSO) and instream habitats and their spatial and temporal arrangements.

U. Prepare condition-based diagnosis for all restoration and management activities designed to attain desired conditions.


V. The Contractor will develop and produce a field-validated map that displays the post restoration work and instream, riparian, and floodplain structure condition for the proposed action and alternatives and substantiate how each stand can reach desired conditions through prescription.

W. Contractor shall use existing assessment and hydraulic modeling data. LiDAR data are available for use in the analysis.

X. Determine existing condition & requirements related to any 303(d) listed streams in the project area. Address associated TMDL requirements. Address watershed condition using Forest Service Watershed Condition Classification Technical Guide (FS-978) and other Forest Service guidance such as the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest: Procedures for Watershed and Aquatic Resource Assessment, Analysis and Proposal Development for Whole Watershed Scale Projects. The aquatic landscape evaluation already completed for the project area will also be used for the analysis.

Y. Provide Background and Support Materials for the Environmental Analysis: Support materials may be separate documents such as Technical Reports. Support materials may be included in the analysis by reference. Support data may be included in an appendix or placed in the Project Record. The purpose of background and support materials shall be to provide supporting data for the environmental analysis while minimizing the length of the NEPA document, and/or organizing information so it is available if requested under the Freedom of Information Act. Technical Reports, background and support materials, by reference, shall be an extension of the analysis. Important conclusions shall be incorporated into the NEPA document along with the cause and effect relationship.

5.6 FOREST PLAN CONSISTENCY REVIEW ANALYSIS AND DOCUMENTATION


A. Refer to relevant Forest Service policy and management direction contained in Forest Plans (including but not limited to: Management Indicator Species, Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Survey and Manage, Locally important species, Aquatic Conservation Strategy and Late Successional Reserves consistency reviews).

B. Ensure that all alternatives carried forward for analysis in the Environmental Analysis are consistent with the Wenatchee Forest Plan, as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan. This includes conformance to all plan standards and guidelines identified in the Wenatchee Forest Plan and Northwest Forest Plan amendments. Contractor shall include appropriate narrative reference to plan conformance in the NEPA document and project record/file as approved by the USFS.

C. Coordinate with the USFS in the event that a project-specific plan amendment is required. If a plan amendment is required the USFS will facilitate coordination with the appropriate agency personnel. Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the NEPA document meets USFS requirements for completing project-specific Forest Plan amendments.

D. Conduct analysis and prepare documentation, including maps and graphics to support review and concurrence of the proposed action as required by the Northwest Forest Plan amendments to the Wenatchee Forest Plan. This information is summarized in the 2009 Regional Ecosystem Office Late- Successional Reserve Project-Level Consistency Reviews


guidance document. An example of documentation produced for comparable work on another USFS unit is available for review (Shasta Agness Landscape Restoration Project, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 2017).

5.7 ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT ANALYSIS AND DOCUMENTATION


A. Develop a plan with the Forest Service Specialists and the Forest Service Level I team to clearly identify process and documentation needs for BAs requiring consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, for Federal Actions Affecting aquatic and terrestrial (wildlife and botanical) species.

B. Prepare Biological Assessments for Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species for Section 7 Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, per the Analytical Process for Developing Biological Assessments for Federal Actions Affecting fish within the Northwest Forest Plan Area. BAs shall be based on the preferred alternative. The contractor may be required to develop Biological Evaluations (BE) for botany species on the Regional Foresters Sensitive Species List.

C. Following the identification of the agency-preferred alternative by the USFS, Contractor shall prepare and submit to the USFS an Administrative Draft Biological Assessment (BA) for the proposed action. Contractor shall conduct an analysis of the potential effects to species listed pursuant to the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species Act (ESA), and for designated critical habitat to fulfill Section 7 Consultation with the and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Draft BA will address anticipated effects of the proposed alternative on terrestrial (botanical and wildlife) and aquatic (fish) ESA listed species. The BA shall be in accordance with the following:

1) The Contractor will incorporate the edits provided by the USFS to complete a Draft Biological Assessment for submittal to the USFWS and NMFS. Contractor may participate in-person or remotely in meetings with the USFS and the USFWS and NMFS to discuss the Draft BA. Following review of the Draft BA by the USFS, USFWS and NMFS the Contractor will prepare the Final BA. The Final BA is considered complete when it is accepted by the USFWS and NMFS to initiate consultation.

2) The Action Area for impacts analysis shall center on the project area but may include as much area as required to fully analyze the direct, indirect & cumulative impacts of the Forest Service preferred alternative (i.e. discussions of impacts in the BAs may include the entire range of a species).

3) The BA shall contain the requirements found in the US Fish and Wildlife Service Handbook for Biological Assessments (BA).

D. Prepare a Biological Evaluation (BE) for sensitive and ESA listed species in accordance with FSM 2672.4

5.8 NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT (NHPA) ANALYSIS AND DOCUMENTATION



A. Coordinate with the USFS to ensure documents meet Section 106 requirements from the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). All cultural resources work must conform to guidance in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1560 Tribal Relations and FSM 2360 Heritage, and the Forest Service Heritage Program Management Handbook (FSH 2309.12).

B. Provide the necessary information for the USFS to meet Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 standards.

C. Provide the necessary information that will allow the USFS to initiate and support ‘Government to Government’ consultation with the following regional tribes: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Yakama Nation.

5.9 DOCUMENT LAYOUT, EDITING, PRODUCTION


A. Coordinate with USFS: Call, e-mail, and meet with the USFS frequently between meetings to get feedback, check progress on tasks, and keep everyone informed and involved. Contractor shall go through the USFS Project Coordinator. The USFS Project Coordinator will keep the KCT Contracting Representative informed concerning this coordination.

B. Draft and Final Environmental Analysis Distribution: The Contractor will complete, including formatting, a draft and final analysis for public distribution. The Contractor will furnish distribution-ready review copies of each draft and final versions to the USFS for approval prior to the Contractor printing them for distribution. The document is expected to include both black & white, and color reproductions.

C. Delivered documents shall be provided electronically with at least one hard copy. Electronic word processing documents shall be Microsoft Word (MS Office 2013 version). Where hard copies are indicated

these are to be paper copies and the specified quantity delivered. Project Record documents shall be in pdf format. Converted pdf is preferred to scanned versions.

D. Documents produced by the Contractor shall be submitted to the USFS using a minimum of 11-point, serif fonts (such as New Times Roman, Book Antigua, or Garamond). Maps within the documents shall be placed into a PDF, bitmap or jpg format. Edits to Microsoft Word documents, where possible, will be made using the "track changes" feature of Microsoft Word. Documents shall be ADA compliant.

E. Receive approval from the Responsible Official (District Ranger) at all critical touchpoints as indicated in the attached project schedule and via communication with the USFS Project Coordinator. The Contractor shall obtain signed approval from the Responsible Official for the following documents:

1) Proposed action, purpose & need statement, public participation plan, key issues, alternatives and preliminary effects at their individual development points.

2) Draft Environmental Analysis prior to printing and distribution;


3) Contractor's response to comments;

4) If formal consultation is required, the final BAs prior to submission to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;

5) The final Environmental Analysis prior to printing and distribution;

6) The project record.

5.10 PROJECT RECORD


A. Develop and maintain the Project Record: The project record shall include all field data, project documents and reports and references. This information shall be used by the responsible official to help evaluate all the relevant issues, concerns and alternatives and make a reasoned decision. The project record is used to defend the decision under the Forest Service's administrative appeal and objection processes and in court if the decision is further challenged. It is essential that the NEPA process for any proposal made by the Forest Service is well documented and organized. Short time frames involved with appeals, objections and litigation necessitate a systematically organized, readily accessible record. The Contractor shall place all documents generated or used for the development of the Environmental Analysis, and BAs into a concise project record. The project record shall be filed by subject. For example, separate sections may be titled "Meeting Notes", "Wildlife", "Direction and Planning", etc. Documents may occur in all acceptable formats (hard copy paper, compact disk, digital etc.) and may include: papers, published studies, books, reference maps, written and electronic correspondence, final computer runs, etc. The Forest Service will maintain these as part of the project record. The Contractor shall submit 1 original and 1 exact copy of the original project record in three-ring binders and submit both at the completion of the Contract. Forest Service requires planning records to be able to stand on their own during appeal or litigation challenges. Should Contractor have numerous analyses or books that need to go into the planning record, Contractor should provide electronic copies and/or photocopy the portion of the documents used in analyses and photocopy the cover of the documents and Library of Congress page in books. (See attached Forest Service direction for maintaining project records)

B. A Project Record schema will be provided as an example at project initiation meeting.

C. Maintain an electronic and hard copy of all project related documents. Hard copy documents will be scanned and converted to Microsoft Word files.

D. Update the Project Record each month and at the completion of each major task.

6.1 INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE FOREST SERVICE

A. Road reconnaissance data, and riparian condition habitat assessments, LiDAR analysis, GIS coverages, Travel

Analysis Plan, existing data or other resource reports.

B. Known and surveyed recreation sites.


C. Regional and Forest NEPA and SEPA checklists

D. Communication and Engagement Plan

E. Mailing list

E. Comments from CARA from scoping/comment periods

F. Internal USFS documents for the Project Record that supports the NEPA process and decision.

F. Data from surveys for NSO, botany,

G. Cultural Resource data needed to complete NEPA analysis

H. Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol Volume I https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/34427

I. Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol Volume II https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/34426

https://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/smp/solo/documents/monitoring/forest-soil-disturbance-monitoring- protocol-toolkit/FSDMP_Toolkit_Brochure.pdf

J. Government Provided Data (GIS) Natural Resources

□ NSO circles/habitat – confidential□ Marbled murlet□ Critical Habitat Units/Management Units - USFWS□ Survey and Manage - confidential□ TESP Plants -confidential□ Invasive Plant Species□ Occupied Fish habitat□ Fish Barriers□ Streams -NHD□ Soils – NRCS SSURGO -https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm

Engineering □ EDW Roads - https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/edw/datasets.php?

dsetCategory=transportation □Transportation system

Recreation and Heritage Resources □ Cultural Resources - Confidentials□ Recreation Sites□ Trails

Fire and Fuels □ Digital Elevation Model□ LiDAR□ FACTS


□ Fire History□ LANDFIRE - https:// www.landfire.gov/ □ County/local Community Wildfire Protection Plans including relevant supporting

assessments and data

Vegetation □ FACTS

Land

□ District Boundaries□ Riparian Reserves□ Northwest Forest Plan - https:// www.fs.fed.us/r6/reo/nwfp/ □ Wenatchee National Forest Plan -

https:// www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/landmanagement/planning/? cid=stelprdb5335612

7.0 PERSONNEL PROVIDED BY THE FOREST SERVICE

7.1 Resource Specialists

Forest Service resource specialists will be assigned to provide support to the Contractor's IDT. Based on the current scope of the project, these are anticipated to include: an environmental coordinator, hydrologist, archaeologist, landscape architect, wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, botanist, soils specialist, recreation specialist. Additional specialists may include, but are not limited to: a GIS analysist and public affairs specialist. The Forest Service Project Coordinator may need to schedule one-on-one meetings with individual specialists in order to clarify or provide information throughout the life of the project.

8.0 PERSONNEL PROVIDED BY THE WASHINGTON RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

8.1 Contracting Representative

The Contracting Representative will be the point of contact between the Contractor and Kittitas Conservation Trust for the oversight of the Contract. The Contracting Representative is responsible for:

a. Acting as the liaison for all contact with the Contractor regarding the scope of work.

b. Monitoring the Contractor's progress on the project.

c. Ensuring work plan implementation.

d. Inspecting the quality of the specialist's analysis in conjunction with the Forest Service Project Coordinator.

e. Along with the Forest Service Project Coordinator, reviewing the documentation (NEPA documents, and BAs) to ensure it is concise, complete, and adequate for the decision to be made.

f. With the Forest Service Project Coordinator, inspect the Contractor's analysis and


documentation to ensure it complies completely with the requirements of NEPA and CEQ Regulations.

g. Participating in monthly Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project Core Team Meeting and providing progress reports to the Core Team.

9.1 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY

1. Title to Government-furnished property shall remain in the Government. The Contractor shall use the Government-furnished property only in connection with this Contract. This includes use of electronic data.

2. Upon delivery of government-furnished property to the Contractor, the Contractor assumes the risk and responsibility for its loss or damage.

3. All documents and records generated or used to complete this Contract will be made part of the official project record and will remain official Government property to be turned over to the Forest Service upon completion of this Contract or upon request by the Forest Service. The Contractor may not release the project record to anyone outside the Forest Service.

4. Documents and records generated or used to complete this Contract may be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), unless FOIA regulations specifically exempt their release. All FOIA requests from the public for information related to this project will be administered by the Contracting Representative/Forest Service Project Coordinator. Project documents used or developed by the Contractor's shall be made available to the Forest Service upon request. No documents are to be released by the Contractor to anyone outside the Forest Service unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

10.0 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor, not KCT or the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of this contract. The role of the Government and KCT is quality assurance to ensure contract standards are met.

Records of quality inspections shall be kept and made available to the RC&D throughout the performance period and for the period after contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this contract.

A description of the site-specific quality control inspection plan shall be provided within thirty (30) days of contract award. The plan shall include; (1) control procedures for security of Government-provided items such as keys, and lock combinations; (2) location of the inspection documents; (3) corrective or preventive actions that will be taken to meet quality standards; and (4) a customer comments feedback system.

11. 0 GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality assurance will be performed by the KCT during the contract at regular intervals. Methods may include visual survey and review of Contractor quality control documents. Unacceptable work shall require rework at no cost to the KCT. All work shall meet all the standards listed in Sections 1-9 above.


Task Metric Type Performance Standard

Performance Indicator

Surveillance Method

All reports and other deliverables

Quality Reports and other deliverables are correct when submitted.

Documents are complete and accurate 100% of the time.

Contracting Representative or Inspector reviews reports for completion and accuracy.

All reports and other deliverables

Timely Reports submitted no later than the due dates

Documents are submitted timely 100% of the time.

Contracting Representative or Inspector accepts reports and documents date and time received.


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Appendix I.

Tools and Protocols

Forest Protocols Old growth surveys

Region Protocols

Habitat modeling

Ecosystem Management

Soils

Landscape Evaluation for the Lower Gold Creek Valley and Floodplain

Aquatic Restoration Biological Opinion II (ARBO II)

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Memorandum of Understanding (WDFW MOU)

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) RPG-8

Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol Volume I https:// www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/34427 Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol Volume II https:// www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/34426 https://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/smp/solo/documents/ monitoring/forest-soil-disturbance-monitoring-protocol- toolkit/FSDMP_Toolkit_Brochure.pdf

Fish and Wildlife Service Guidance for Preparing a Biological Assessment

https:// www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/section7/ba_ guide.html

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSuggested Contents for Biological Evaluations and Biological AssessmentsUSFS Region 6 Stream Inventory Handbook https:// www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelp rdb5384722.pdf

Watershed Condition Classification Technical Guide FS-978

https:// www.fs.fed.us/biology/resources/pubs/watershed

/maps/watershed_classification_guide2011FS978.pdf

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: Procedures for Watershed and Aquatic Resource Assessment, Analysis and Proposal Development for Whole Watershed Scale Projects

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Section 508 Compliance https://www.section508.gov/

Requirement to make our documents accessible to sight impaired and disabled individuals that use assistive computer devices such as screen readers.