F -- Bryologist Services

The Superior National Forest is requesting information from contractors interested in performing searches for the rare liverworts Frullania selwyniana and Trichocolea tomentella. Information collected will be used to determine possible sources for future contracts. To be considered for future solicitations, please provide information as requested in Evaluation Criteria, below, by March 10, 2008. Information should be mailed to: Superior National Forest, Attn: Shawn Lacina, 8901 Grand Ave. Place, Duluth, MN 55808. Technical questions should be addressed to Jack Greenlee at 218-229-8817. Bryologist services for rare bryophyte survey on Superior National Forest Project description: The goal of the project is to search for new occurrences of the rare liverworts Frullania selwyniana and Trichocolea tomentella on the Superior National Forest (SNF). The Superior would provide the contractor with stand information on 20 cedar stands scattered across the SNF. The contractor would search up to 20 stands for either one of these liverworts. Surveys would stop once 10 new stands containing either species were documented. If less than 10 new occurrences are found, surveys would continue until all 20 stands have been examined. When new occurrences of either species are found, the following detailed plot data would be recorded. For Frullania selwyniana, all bryophyte species would be identified and recorded as well as ocular estimates of cover for all bryophyte species in a 0.5 m high strip around the entire tree bole. For Trichocolea tomentella, all bryophyte species would be identified and recorded as well as ocular estimates of cover for all bryophyte species in a 50cm x 50cm quadrat around the patch of Trichocolea tomentella. Other environmental parameters that would be recorded at each positive detection site would include water chemistry (conductivity, pH, and absorbance) and shade. Bryophytes must be identified to genus and species. For each positive detection site, a GPS point (in UTM NAD 83) would be recorded and a digital photo taken. Evaluation Criteria Proposals for this project would be evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria: 1. Qualifications and experience of individual or firm. List names, qualifications, education and experience of individuals to be used on this contract. You must list all individuals and the position they will be occupying. The following should be addressed for each individual: ?Knowledge of bryophyte taxonomy, identification, and classification. ?Experience in identifying rare bryophytes in general and Frullania selwyniana and Trichocolea tomentella, specifically, in the northern Lake States ?Experience in searching for and identifying rare bryophytes and their associated microhabitats in the northern Lake States ?Experience in using GPS personal navigation systems to record features. ?Experience in aerial photo interpretation, delineations and thorough field documentation. ?Experience in bryophyte specimen preparation and handling. ?Extent of education in bryology. 2. Contract Experience. List contracts for bryophyte surveys performed for the Forest Service and/or other clients within the last 5-10 years (show most recent experience first). Note examples of new locations and species discovered. Include the following information in this order: ?Agency ?State ?Name of contractor and completion date (Was individual the contractor or sub-contractor? Was contract completed by due date? If not, explain why and when it was completed.) ?Size of project (acres) ?Contact person (name and phone) 3. Quality Control. Describe procedures to maintain quality control. Include, but not limited to, items below: ?If supervising employees, describe how they will be supervised and how work will be inspected. ?Describe the accuracy of the GPS to be used in the survey. ?Describe quality control associated with specimen identification ?Describe quality control associated with ensuring thorough walk through coverage of study stands.