Use of the Site The existing buildings, structures, and trails on the site will be open and fully occupied by the Owner during the entire project period unless otherwise coordinated with Project Manager. Contractor will fully coordinate all work with the Project Manager. The Contractor shall conduct his or her operations so as to permit safe and unimpeded access to all existing building and trails. Walks, driveways, entrances and hallways and all other areas to be used by the Owner and the public shall be maintained in a safe condition and shall be kept free and clear of Contractor equipment, materials and debris. All damage to existing grading, pavements, unpaved park trails, structures, landscaping and sod will be repaired and fully restored to prior condition upon project completion. The Contractor shall cooperate with the Owner in the scheduling and execution of the work and use of the site, and s/he shall notify the Owner as far in advance as possible of the commencement of any work or operation which would interfere with the use of the existing building(s), trails or drives. The Contractor's operations and storage of materials shall be confined to the areas agreed upon with the Owner. Fire lanes, loading dock and parking areas must be kept clear of contractor equipment and materials at all times. Trail use/closures: The Contractor shall work with the County to ensure minimal disruption to park users due to restoration activities. Contractor will perform a visual inspection at the end of each work day. All trails and 2 feet on either side of trail must be clear of woody debris. County shall provide temporary trail closure signage, which Contractor will be responsible for. Contractor shall relocate and move trail closure signage as necessary to maintain trail access to the fullest extent possible. No trail closures are permitted on weekends or holidays. All trail closures must be communicated to Project Manager a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Additional Winter Restrictions: Use of equipment/driving on trails may occur under the following conditions: ground is frozen, and snow has not been packed by grooming equipment on ski trails (packing typically occurs once 2-3” of snow cover is present). County will advise Contractor when driving ON trails is/is not allowed. Ski trails may not be disturbed by equipment and/or debris, except at specified locations, once trails are groomed. Contractor will work with the County to identify acceptable locations for crossing groomed trails for equipment access as needed. No debris is permitted on snow covered trails at the end of each workday. Throughout the workday, debris greater than 1.5” diameter or 18” in length will be removed from open trails immediately. Bison range access: Spring Lake Park Reserve is home to a small bison herd occupying a 150-acre range which is divided into multiple paddocks. Contractors will NOT be allowed or expected to work within a paddock that the bison are currently occupying. Contractors are expected to wear high visibility vests when working within the bison range and to post “Workers Ahead” or similar signage along the Regional Trail to indicate that you are allowed to access the range. A short guide to Working in the Bison Prairie will be provided at project kick-off. Equipment • Vehicles are not allowed on steep slopes (greater than 40% grade). • Any rutting of soils or damage to land must be mitigated before final payment will be granted. • Contractors must follow best management practices to avoid bringing weed-seed onto the site. ο If equipment, vehicles, gear, or clothing (notably, boots and laces) arrives at the project site with soil, aggregate material, mulch, vegetation (including seeds), or animals, it shall be cleaned by Contractor furnished tool or equipment (brush/broom, compressed air or pressure washer) at the staging area. ο The Contractor shall dispose of material cleaned from equipment and clothing at a location determined by the County. If the material cannot be disposed of onsite, secure material prior to transport (sealed container, covered truck, or wrap with tarp) and legally disposed of offsite. ο The Contractor shall ensure that all equipment and clothing used for work in infested waters has been adequately decontaminated for invasive species (e.g., zebra mussels) prior to being used in non-infested waters. All equipment and clothing including but not limited to waders, tracked vehicles, barges, boats, turbidity curtain, sheet pile, and pumps that comes in contact with any infested waters must be thoroughly decontaminated. Herbicide and Applicators • Herbicide applicators must be state-certified. • DNR Operational Order 59 (Pesticides and Pest Control: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/grants/habitat/heritage/oporder_59.pdf) and appropriate discipline guidelines must be followed when working on all lands and waters, regardless of ownership. • Herbicide application must follow industry standards for temperature and weather conditions, according to label directions and the State of MN Commercial Pesticide Applicator Manual. • Use least toxic herbicide or formula with lowest soil residual; Glyphosate or triclopyr is preferred, (aminopyralid [Milestone] or clopyralid [Transline] is suitable for thistle and legumes, but CONTRACTOR must first consult with DAKOTA COUNTY before applying these or any other herbicides). Aquatic formula is required when applying within 100 feet of a wetland. • Agri-Dex (Helena) or Activator-90 (Loveland) are the only surfactants to be added to herbicides mixes applied on or near water. Consult with DAKOTA COUNTY for approval to use other products. • As much as possible, herbicides should be applied when there is some biological activity in the plant (e.g. Apr-Nov). • Avoid windy days and ensure a rain-free period of at least 3 hours after application. • Approved signage to advise park visitors of herbicide use should be placed in strategic locations. • Only herbicide additives that are explicitly approved as herbicide additives are allowed. Prohibited additives include, but are not limited to kerosene, diesel, and anti-freeze/ethylene glycol. • Take maximum care to avoid chemical drift or contact with non-target plants. • In high quality areas, as designated by DAKOTA COUNTY Natural Resource Staff, check with DAKOTA COUNTY staff before applying herbicides. • A copy of the record of all pesticide/herbicide applications shall be submitted to DAKOTA COUNTY. Submitting records with invoices is acceptable.
