Herbicide shall be applied after July 21, 2025 but no later than October 3, 2025. All field crews shall be supervised by individuals licensed by South Carolina as commercial pesticide applicators. Loblolly pine and all hardwood regeneration/shrubs will be targeted (sweetgum, wax myrtle, gallberry, red maple, blackgum, oak, etc.). Any existing longleaf pine will be avoided. Inert dye provided by the contractor shall be added into all herbicide mixes for ease of inspection. Broadcast Foliar Spray with Backpack Sprayers (used on vegetation less than 6 feet tall) - Spray the foliage of targeted species with a mixture containing 4 ounces of Garlon XRT (active ingredient triclopyr), up to 1 ounce of Bullseye spray pattern indicator (water soluble dye), and 2.5 ounces of Cide-kick/Cide-kick II adjuvant (limonene) per gallon of mix. Herbicides will be applied to targeted vegetation by wetting the leaf surface. Foliar application will be made to a height of 6 feet. The anticipated application rate is 10 gallons of mix, 40 ounces of Garlon XRT (2 pounds of triclopyr) per acre. Herbicide shall be applied to 100% of target vegetation in order to ensure excellent control (>99%). If any Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) are discovered, then a buffer of at least 66 feet (1 chain) will be established to eliminate the potential for drift. Records of herbicide application rate/acre and date treated shall be maintained and turned into the contract inspector for each site treated. Do not park or store trucks containing pesticides or mix tanks within 200 feet of an intermittent or perennial stream or pond or within a riparian management zone. Weather is monitored and herbicide application is suspended if temperature, humidity, or wind becomes unfavorable as follows: Wind velocity (sustained) exceeds 10 miles per hour. Precipitation or a 50% chance of rain is predicted within 24 hours. If precipitation occurs on unit within one hour after herbicide application, the unit may need to be retreated at COR discretion. Thunderstorm activity is in the area. Temperatures higher than 98F. Humidity less than 20%. Mix water must be carried to the site by the contractor or workers. Water for mixing is available at the Francis Marion Seed Orchard. Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate containers. Unit order of entry shall be agreed upon by the contractor and SCFC/USFS. Contractors shall be prepared to follow the attached emergency spill plan (See Attachments) and must notify the USFS immediately in the event of an accidental spill. Administrative maps provided will not have to be returned. Potable water for use in mixing is available at the Witherbee Work Center and Francis Marion Seed Orchard.
