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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-01-2001-8l~> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 1, 2001 Action Agenda Item No. ~~ SUBJECT: Contract for Update of the Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat .. DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Request for Proposals David Stancil, ext 2590 Proposed Contract Rich Shaw, ext 2591 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968~5p1 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider awarding a professional services contract to Longleaf Ecological for conducting the update to the 1988 Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat of Orange County, a reference document used to identify and protect the County's remaining unique and exemplary natural areas. BACKGROUND: An inventory of Orange County's most significant natural areas and wildlife habitat was completed in 1988 with a grant from the N.C. Natural Heritage Program. The project was developed by the Triangle Land Conservancy and authored by biologists Steve Hall and Dawson Sather. The inventory is the most widely used and recognized assessment of the County's natural resources. The inventory is an important reference document used to identify and protect the county's remaining unique and exemplary natural areas. The 1988 inventory identified 64 sites of importance in the County and ranked them in terms of significance and threat. The final report also proposed a wildlife corridor network concept. Many of the findings of the Inventory were incorporated into the Land Use Element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan and the Flexible Development section of the Subdivision Regulations. The information is used to help guide and facilitate the design of ecologically sound development projects. In its 1999 State of the Environment Report, the Commission for the Environment recommended that Orange County update the Inventory by re-surveying the 64 sites identified in 1988 and searching for other significant sites that may have been overlooked. Infom~ation from the update will be incorporated in the new Natural Areas Element of the Comprehensive Plan. In October 2000, Orange County was awarded $5,000 in matching funds from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR) to complete the update. Orange County ERCD had requested the funds from NC DENR through the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. The Natural Heritage Program had received a grant from the Natural Heritage Trust Fund to support county natural area inventory work across the state. The Natural Heritage Program works with local governments, non-profit land trusts and state agencies identify and to inventory and catalogue the rarest and the most outstanding elements of the natural diversity in the state. The update to the Inventory is included in the BOCC Natural Resources goal far 2001-2002, and matching funds are present in the ERCD budget. In February, ERCD issued a request for proposals (attached) seeking a qualified and experienced team of biologists to conduct an update of its 1988 inventory. The RFP resulted in a number of inquiries, but only one formal proposal, from biologist Bruce Sorrie of Longleaf Ecological. After discussing the project Vvith Mr. Sorrie and conferring with the state Natural Heritage Program and the Biological Resources Committee of the Orange County Commission for the Environment, ERCD recommends awarding the contract to Longleaf Ecological. Bruce Sorrie is an independent consulting biologist who has performed a comprehensive natural area inventory for Richmond County and conducted plant community surveys in Randolph County and the Sandhills Game Land. His familiarity with the survey protocol, proposed methods, timeframe and cost of services meet the project requirements as stated in the request for proposals. Mr. Sorrie will perform the majority of the work himself, but will also coordinate field work by other biologists who will volunteer their time. ERCD will coordinate landowner contacts and GIS analysis and mapping work necessary for the project. The survey is to begin in May 2001 and be completed by May 2002. A preliminary report on the fieldwork will be submitted to the County in December 2001. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The cost of contract is $9,600 and is to be paid from existing funds: $5,000 earmarked for this project in ERCD's FY 2000-01 operating budget and $5,000 in matching funds awarded to Orange County for this project by the NC Department of Environment'and Natural Resources. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the BOCC approve the contract and authorize the chair to sign, subject to final review by staff and county attorney, for completion of an update to the Orange County inventory of natural areas and wildlife habitat. Orange County Nauura/Areas Inventory Page 1 of 4 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Update of the Orange County Natural Areas Inventory Orange County is seeking a qualified and experienced biologist, or team of biologists, to conduct an update of its inventory of natural azeas. The Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Qrange County, North Carolina (Dawson and Hall) was completed in 1988 in coordination with the Triangle Land Conservancy and NC Natural Heritage Program (Attachment B). The inventory is an important reference document used to identify and protect the county's remaining unique and exemplary natural azeas. Orange County wants to re-survey the 64 sites identified in 1988 and seazch for other significant sites that may have been overlooked. The project is to get underway in Apri12001 and to be completed within one yeaz. All proposals should address the specifications of the accompanying Scope of Work, and should include, but not be limited to: A discussion of the research design for the proposed investigation. 2. A discussion of the field methods to be employed. 3. A work schedule for the proposed survey. 4. A budget estimate for the proposed survey. 5. The name and qualifications of the Principal Investigator(s) and field director(s). Submission Deadline: Proposals should be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 23, 2001 by: Contact: Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager Orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Dept. P.O. Box 8181 Hillsborough, North Cazolina 27278 . 919/245-2591 e-mail: rshaw@co.orange.nc.us 3 Orange County Natura/Areas Inventory oage 2 of 4 SCOPE OF WORK I. Froject Objectives • To revisit 64 natural azeas identified in the 19$8 Inventory and update their status. • To incorporate new data gathered since the 1988 Inventory, such as new occurrences on file with the Natural Heritage Program and the Landscape for Wildlife reports (Parts I and II) by the Triangle Land Conservancy. • To identify and evaluate new azeas with significant natural communities and critical species habitat, particulazly in the Little River and Cedar Grove townships. • To integrate information about the aquatic environment, especially freshwater mussels, into the Inventory. • To reevaluate the adequacy of the wildlife corridor system proposed in 1988. II. General Procedures 1. Communicate with and solicit information from other knowledgeable individuals and organizations dun7ng the course of the project. 2. Conduct site surveys of b4 identified natural azeas and document changes to each, including loss or addition of endangered/threatened plant and animal species, and changes to "integrity" and "threat status" rankings. 3. Compile any surveys of azeas that have been protected by acquisition ar conservation easement since 1988. 4. Obtain from Orange County ERCD maps of forest cover and type based on the most current aerial photos to aid in the identification of likely significant natural azeas. 5. Coordinate with the Orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Dept. NC Division of Parks & Recreation (Natural Heritage and Resource Management programs), Eno River State Pazk, Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Association, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission to identify natural area sites (terrestrial and aquatic), determine land ownership, and obtain landowner permission to visit the sites. 6. Conduct site surveys and prepaze site descriptions of additional natural areas (terrestrial and aquatic) according to current Natural Heritage Program protocol (Attachment A). 7. Determine if the linkages recommended as wildlife corridors in 1988 aze still able to serve their designated function by identifying existing and potential barriers to movement, migration, and dispersal. Consult biological research on corridors published since 1988. 5 Orange County Natura/Areas Inventory Page 3 of 4 III. Project Budget Consultants submitting a proposal must provide, insofar as possible, an estimate of cost and of the amount of time to be expended on each of the principal project components. A total of $10,000 is budgeted for this project. There are, however, considerable resources available for the project from the orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Department (ERCD). ERCD maintains a comprehensive resource database and has staff and equipment for conducting GlS analysis and mapping. The database includes geology, floodplains, steep slopes, soils, vegetation, natural azeas and wildlife habitats, hydrogeology and prime forests. Those data and mapping tools will be available for this project. IV. Project Schedule The project schedule shall be established upon submission and acceptance of ~ a proposal. Orange County, however, desires to have a preliminary field report by November 30, 2001. V. Type of Contract The type of contract awarded will be on a cost reimbursement basis with a "not-to-exceed" provision. VI. Fiscal Responsibility The Contractor shall maintain for a period of two years a full and accurate record of all expenditures, and shall make it available to Orange County for review upon request. VII. Consultant Selection/Qualifications Consultants or consulting firms will be evaluated in part on the basis of the following criteria: The person/firm must have performed satisfactorily on previous biological surveys as indicated by the NC Natural Heritage Program, DENR Division of Parks and Recreation; 2. The person/firm must demonstrate a professional writing capability with a style of high quality that is suitable for publication; 3. The person/firm must have adequate experience and staff to perform the work required, previous work in Orange County is preferable; 4. The person/firm must have the ability to meet the time schedule established for the work; and 5. The person/firm must meet the qualifications of 36 CFR 66, Appendix C. There will be two main considerations in the selection process: (l) familiarity with the NC Piedmont geographic azea, and (2) previous completion of biological surveys and/or inventories. 5 Drange County Natura/Areas Inventory Page 4 of 4 VIII. Submission. of Proposals Persons or consulting firms interested in the project are invited to submit a proposal, including a statement of qualifications, which addresses the aforementioned criteria. References and samples of previous work are desirable as part of the proposal. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 23, 2001. Proposals maybe mailed ar delivered to: Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager Orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Department P.O. BOX $1$l Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Telephone 919/245-2591 Questions regarding the project may also be addressed to the same individual. All proposals received will become, the property of Orange County and will be evaluated to deterniine which proposal most closely meets the requirements of the County. At the discretion and option of Orange County, oral interviews may be conducted with one or more firms to assist in the selection process. Orange County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to accept the proposal most favorable to the County. IX. Notice to Proceed The contractor will not begin any work on the project until he/she receives a Notice to Proceed from Orange County. 7 Orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Department P.O. Box 8181 Hilisbarougit, NC 27278 Phone: (913) 245-2591 Fax: (919) 644-3351 Email: rshaw©co.oran~e.nc.us May 2, 2001 Mr. Bruce A. Sorrie Longleaf Ecological Whispering Pines, NC 28327 Deaz Bruce: We are pleased that you will be assisting Orange County on a contract basis as principal investigator for an update to the Orange County Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats. If the terms of this agreement as described below are acceptable, please sign both originals and return one original to me at the address shown above. The second original is for your records. 1. Your services aze being contracted for the purposes of conducting an update to the Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange County, North Carolina (Dawson and Hall, 1988) in accordance with the Scope of Work (Attachment A). 2. For this service you will be paid a total of $9,600, with the possibility of supplemental fees by written amendments to this contract. Payments will be made quarterly upon submission of invoice, with final payment following submittal and acceptance of the final report. 3. The final product and all support material aze property of Orange County and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. The information may be used by you with prior written approval of the Orange County ERCD and the North Cazolina Natural Heritage Program, provided that the use of any such work product includes an acknowledgement that said work is the property of Orange County and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 4. This contract will begin upon signature of this contract letter by all parties and will terminate upon satisfactory completion of work described in #1 above and in Attachments A and B . 8 S. The deadlines in Attachment B are an important component of the scope and will be used by TLC to evaluate whether the work has been completed satisfactorily. 6. This contract may be terminated by either party with two weeks written notice. Should this occur, the fee will be adjusted according to the judgment of the supervisor as to the value bf the work completed at time of termination. 7. This contract will be supervised by Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager, in close coordination with the North Cazolina Natural Heritage Program. All work due under this contract may be submitted directly to the North Cazolina Natural Heritage Program, who will be responsible for approval of the final product and payment under the contract. S. Requests to the Consultant for information and written publicity prior to completion of the project will be authorized and approved by ERCD and the North Cazolina Natural Heritage Program and be acceptable to the Consultant. Sincerely, CONSULTANT Rich Shaw Land Canservation Manager COUNTY OF ORANGE, NC Longleaf Ecological, Inc. By: Printed Name: SS#/Fed. ID # By: Printed Name: Title: Date: Date: 9 ATTACHMENT A Orange County Natural Areas Inventory Scope of Work Project Objectives: • To revisit 64 natural areas identified in the 1988 Inventory and update their status. • To incorporate new data gathered since the 1988 Inventory, such as new occurrences on file with the Natural Heritage Program and the Landscape for Wildlife reports (Parts I and II) by the Triangle Land Conservancy. • To identify and evaluate new areas with significant natural communities and critical species habitat, particularly in the Little River and Cedaz Grove townships. • To integrate information about the aquatic environment, especially freshwater mussels, into the Inventory. • To reevaluate the adequacy of the wildlife corridor system proposed in 1988. General Procedures: 1. Communicate with and solicit information from other knowledgeable individuals and organizations during the course of the project. 2. Conduct site surveys of 64 identified natural azeas and document changes to each, including lass or addition of endangered/threatened plant and animal species, and changes to "integrity" and "threat status" rankings. 3. Compile any surveys of azeas that have been protected by acquisition or conservation easement since 1988. 4. Obtain from Orange County maps of forest cover and type based on the most current aerial photos to aid in the identification of likely significant natural areas. 5. Coordinate with the Orange County ERCD, NC Division of Parks and Recreation (Natural Heritage and Resource Management programs), Eno River State Park, Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Association, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission to identify natural azea sites (terrestrial and aquatic), determine land ownership, and obtain landowner permission to visit the sites. 6. Conduct site surveys and prepaze site descriptions of additional natural azeas (terrestrial and aquatic) according to current Natural Heritage Program protocol. 7. Determine if the linkages recommended as wildlife corridors in 1988 aze still able to serve their designated function by identifying existing and potential barniers to movement, migration, and dispersal. Consult relevant biological research on corridors published since 19$$. io Attachment B Orange County Natural Areas Inventory Update Project Schedule Spring 2001 Contractor reviews existing natural azeas documentation for the county (1988 Orange County Inventory, 1997/1999. Landscape with Wildlife reparts, NHP existing element occurrence data, registered natural azeas in Biological Conservation Database, DWQ stream classifications, Orange County Soil Survey, etc.).. Contractor meets with advisory committee comprised of Orange County area biologists, NHP staff and representatives from Orange County Land Conservation Alliance (TLC, ERA, Duke, NC Botanical Gazden, Ena River State Park, OWASA, etc.). Contractor develops schedule for field surveys, including fieldwork by azea biologist volunteers. ERCD secures landowner permission for access. Spring/ Contractor conducts field surveys, submitting Site Survey Report Form and Summer 2001 other ,pertinent reports for each site to NHP for review. Contractor identifies potential new sites and provides ERCD maps in order to determine ownership. ERCD secures landowner permission for access. Fa112001 Contractor continues field surveys, submitting Site Survey Report Form and other pertinent reports for each site to NHP for review. Nov. 2001 Preliminary written report of findings submitted to ERCD Fa1101/ Contractor begins report update (e.g., Preface, Intro., Methods, etc.) Winter 02 Updates overview of County features and natural areas, community types, Raze Plant/Anirnal Species, Table of Rare Plants, Animals and Natural Communities; ERCD begins digitizing site boundazies. Spring 2001 Contractor completes field surveys, submitting Site Survey Report Farm and other pertinent reparts to NHP for review. Summer 2001 Contractor completes draft report; ERCD completes digitizing site boundazies, corridor/site grouping boundazies, and element occurrences of rare plants, animals, and natural communities. May 31, 2002 Completed inventory presented to ERCD and CFE. Summer 2002 ERCD presents inventory to Orange County Board of Commissioners. Distributes inventory to pertinent agencies/landowners; builds community support for the protection of County's significant natural azeas.