Habitat Assessment scope of work and request for proposals
This page will compile a running tally of questions regarding the Upper Moke SRT Habitat Assessment RFP asked by contractors, with answers provided to the best of our ability by the Foothill Conservancy and Upper Moke SRT.
Questions/Answers:
Scope of work:
Q1: In regard to the standard pool/riffle/run habitat delineation step, were the aerial photographs that will be used to remotely delineate these habitat units taken during fall low flow conditions?
A1: Yes.
Q2: In Item 2.g. Large Sediment Sources. Please clarify if the physical measurement is of “large sources of sediment” (upslope erosion sites such as slides, debris flows, etc.), or “sources of large sediment” (boulders, cobbles).
A2: 2.g. refers to upslope erosional sites. The amount of large sediment should be covered under 2.h. when size classification of existing sediments is determined.
Q3: In item 2.h. Substrate size class distribution. Is this to be done in each sampled Habitat Unit or only within units that have potential spawning substrates?
A3: Limited to riffle habitats of for the purpose of determining spawning potential within existing riffles.
Q4: Access. While much of the project site is accessible, about 5 or so miles of river channel are on private land and fairly remote with limited road or trail access. What is the lead time required for access permission to these private lands? Would access, once granted, also be limited to specific areas or access routes?
A4: Lead-time can vary, and currently we cannot guarantee access through this private land. We are optimisticthat we will be able to schedule access with the owner, however, access will bevery controlled and must be coordinated with Foothill Conservancy staff, and the private landowner. Anticipate a minimum of two weeks of lead-time for scheduling. Once down to the river, there is some trail access both upstream and downstream but will likely require some serious wading/hikingwithout a trail on veryslippery rocks and/or swimming through the river to access the Middle Fork reach and some surrounding areas.
Q5: Will the Foothill Conservancy fund this RFP in time to complete the field study portion in 2017?
A5: That is our goal. There are several factors that may prevent completion in 2017 (E.g. uncharacteristic water-year-type, access issues, selection of a suitable proposal).
Q6: What level of funding is anticipated for this RFP?
A6: The SRT thinks there could be multiple levels of effort that may produce more of less information for the project area that may requite a significant range of funds. The SRT will evaluate all levels of effort to achieve the habitat assessment goals outlines in the scope of work to determine the appropriate level of funding needed to achieve the desired outcomes. We have a rough estimate of between ($30,000-$100,000) but will consider smaller or larger proposals recommending additional or other levels of effort to achieve our goals.
Q7: When were the aerial photographs of the river taken?
A7: We have two sets of Orthophotos covering the project site. The first is from June 2010, and the second is from June 2016.
Q8: What resolution (ground sampling distance) are the aerial photographs? 30 cm/1ft, 15 cm/0.5 ft, other?
A8: Color imagery is at 1’ pixel resolution
Q9: What are file format(s) of the imagery?
A9: GeoTIF/TFW format
Q10: Is the imagery geo-rectified? If so, what are the horizontal accuracies of the imagery?
A10: Imagery was flown with 80% forward lap and 30% side lap.
Q11: Item 2d refers to collecting stream velocity. Is this to be collected in all habitat unit types or just in riffle habit units as was stated for item 2h (substrate size and class distribution)? Do want a velocity profile across the entire channel or simply an ‘average’ velocity of the unit?
A11: Velocities should be collected in all habitat types, as those will be important determinants in both spawning and rearing habitat. Velocity profiles will provide a better assessment of habitat quality than one velocity per habitat unit.
Q12: Can you provide a map of project area?
A12: This map (below) is included in the scope of work/request for proposals. Middle-Bar bridge is the lower project limit, Bald Rock falls is the upper limit on the N.Fork, and the Boulder jam is the Upper limit on the Middle Fork.