A longer goose-neck trailer is needed on Apalachee WMA to safely transport various equipment…

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission awarded a contract valued at $26,462.80 on July 23, 2026, for the procurement of specialized transportation equipment. The contract is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2027. The primary deliverable is a gooseneck trailer (Model 25GN-30D5A) measuring 102 by 28 feet with an additional 5-foot section, featuring dual-wheel tandem axles and 5-foot double-hinged, spring-assisted flip-over ramps. The trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating of 25,900 pounds and is designed to safely transport various equipment combinations across the Apalachee Wildlife Management Area and other wildlife management areas throughout the state.

The contract scope includes supplementary equipment modifications to support the trailer's operational requirements. These modifications consist of an upgrade to 16 tires in the 17.5 LRH specification and a custom winch plate not offered by the manufacturer. The equipment is intended to facilitate the safe transport of heavy equipment, such as tractors equipped with rotary cutters, to remote locations within Florida's wildlife management areas. The contract represents a capital equipment acquisition to enhance the Commission's operational capabilities in managing and maintaining its wildlife resources across multiple geographical locations throughout the state.