B14_261001SiteQuest_12363N26Q4248.pdf

Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC

Request for Information/Sources Sought Site Questions on October 1, 2026

12363N26Q4248

Any answers or attachments provided are based upon the best information available at the time of the visit, are drafts and are subject to change.

Q1.) Is there decommissioning of a road?

A1.) Yes, based on draft information posted on sam.gov; 0.59 miles of existing Temporary Road Use Permit (TRUP) roads post-hauling. Road needs to be completed by December 31, 2030.

Q2.) What is the status of Landing Unit 5?

A2.) There is an active sale (BMW timber sale). The 6210 B road is not currently available for use. The combination of P705 Liebmann Ranch and P705-F Liebmann Ranch F roads to the City of Bozeman Upper Landing are the only option. The use of the Moser road was not explored as experienced from our last IRSC, less landings were utilized.

Q3.) What is the size, period of performance of the project, and two burning seasons, would slash be flown in on Liebmann or Liebmann Road and what is status of Moser Road?

A3.) The project is approximately 151 acres to be completed within two years. Project may be split into two seasons but could also be completed in one season. The period of performance is two years. We would like to receive input from contractors on period of performance. Moser is the only other landing. The expansion would be placed on Forest Service land.

Q4.) What is the status of using the Water Treatment (Road) as service, 979 Bozeman Creek Road aka Sourdough Road?

A4.). Contractor will need to discuss with the City of Bozeman for the Water Treatment (Road). The 979 Bozeman Creek Road beyond the trailhead is not available for the project and marked ‘Use Prohibited’. In addition, the Service Landing area was proposed by the FS and identified on the draft Logging Plan Map that was provided for the tour.

Q5.) What is the status of the intact option?

A5.) Use prohibited.

Q6.) Is camping for crews available?

A6.) On Forest Service land, yes, possibly, and the contractor will need to discuss it with the District Ranger. Lands that are non- Forest Service, the contractor will need to discuss with that specific landowner/entity as this is separate from the Forest Service.

Q7.) Are there other landing locations?

A7.) As stated before, less landings were identified because those landings were not utilized in the previous IRSC, and there are 27% less acres on this project, as well as less volume per acre. Other potential landings may be considered prior to solicitation being issued. Competing contract (timber contract) will need to be reviewed as Contract Area Boundaries cannot cross over.

Q8.) What is the status of the cruise?

A8.) A draft cruise report will be provided.

Q9.) Why is the non-saw not flown out?

A9.) The only product that has mandatory removal as “Included Timber” is sawtimber. Due to the value of nonsawtimber, the location of the nearest mill, industry feedback, as well as the small amount in this project, it is not being included for removal.

Q10.) How were the spacing requirements developed and what are they?

A10.) Prescriptions are developed by the certified silviculturist, and contractors need to refer to Appendix B as they may vary.

Q11.) Why is tree measurement being used rather than weight scaled and volume?

A11.) The project is by the acre in CCFs with only saw logs, no biomass and non-saw being defined in Appendix B. Feedback from the previous helicopter stewardship IRSC showed a preference of using the tree measurement method to provide flexibility on product delivery locations so material would not have to be scaled.

Q12.) There was a question on whether hand cutting versus machines can be used (for felling)?

A12.) NEPA will need to be reviewed as NEPA was analyzed for hand cutting and not the use of machines. The older Forest Plan is being utilized for this project.

Q13.) As there is a mountain bike trail on this project. Will the trail be closed to the public?

A13.) Possibly and if so, the District will take the lead on notice to the public. The Leverich Trail as well as the area where the trees will be flown over will be closed to the public via a closure order for safety.

At the TRUP Road Site Q14.) In spreading out the brush, both sides?

A14.) Yes, spread out brush on both sides.

Q15.) Is seeding available for the TRUP Road?

A15.) See Appendix B, page 28 CT6.601# for seeding information. Does not state seeding is provided to the contractor.

Q16.) Discussion regarding burning of the piles behind the TRUP Road and rehab for the piles.

A16.). Appendix B, BT6.7 on page 13 discusses slash disposal. Please specify.

At parking lot of the mountain bike trail Q17.) Regarding long butt /pistol butt, would this be allowed in the unit? For economic reasons will this be allowed?

A17.) Appendix A and B of the contract specifies that whole trees (all portions of the tree) will be required to be flown to the landing.

Once at the landing, merchantable logs will be required to be decked and removed, and all other material will be required to be piled.

See Appendix B, AT.2 for utilization standards and see CT6.7# for slash piling specifications.

Q18.) What happens if the (mountain bike) trail is damaged?

A18.) If the trail is damaged by logging operation, per protection of improvements (in the solicitation), the contractor will be responsible for restoring back to before damage conditions.

Q19.) Are contractors allowed to use dirt bikes to set chokers and set trees on nonmotorized single track trail?

A19.) The Ranger District is currently discussing this as a potential option, but they have not yet decided at this time.

Q20.) Do we have biomass cruise estimate of volume for the sale?

A20.) Yes, we can provide the Cruise Report if folks would like to review it. It’s on the WT5 report, which is the last page in the Draft Cruise Report, attached. It is split into biomass groups, but we did make the assumption/estimate that the total amount would be reduced by 15% due to breakage. So, an assumption was made that 15% of the total estimated biomass of 4245.2 Tons (WT5 report) will be breakage and not flown to the landing, which results in the FS biomass estimate to be 3608.4 Tons”.

October 1, 2026 Sign-In Sheet