Attach D working in bear habitat.pdf

This attachment file provides guidelines for working in bear habitat as part of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's call-when-needed heavy equipment and services contract (DNRC-IFB-2027-1258BG). The document establishes safety and operational protocols that contractors must follow when conducting work in areas designated as bear habitat across the five regional units in northwestern Montana: Kalispell, Libby, Plains, Stillwater, and Swan. These guidelines are mandatory requirements for all bidders and selected contractors performing tasks such as fire line construction, prescribed burn support, watershed restoration, road maintenance and construction, and facility maintenance within or near sensitive wildlife areas. Contractors must review and comply with these bear habitat protocols as a condition of contract award and performance throughout the 24-month contract period from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028.

The bear habitat guidelines represent critical operational requirements that directly impact how contractors execute their work scope, including equipment operation, crew safety procedures, and project scheduling considerations. Contractors must incorporate these protocols into their work plans and demonstrate their understanding and commitment to compliance during the bidding process. Failure to adhere to bear habitat guidelines could result in work stoppages, contract modifications, or other enforcement actions. These requirements protect both contractor personnel and wildlife while ensuring compliance with Montana state wildlife regulations and federal environmental standards applicable to trust lands managed by DNRC.