Attachemnt 1 - MRWMA Unit 1.pdf

This is a geographical map and supporting documentation for a tree clearing service contract issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for work at the Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project involves removing Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees measuring 18 inches and taller across approximately 4,262.5 acres, comprising 3,965.1 acres of grasslands and 297.4 acres of woodlands. Primary removal methods include mulching, with cutting and piling permitted for trees exceeding 20 feet in height with diameter at breast height greater than 6 inches. The solicitation opened on January 8, 2026, with a mandatory bidders' conference scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area; attendance is required for bid submission eligibility. Bids are due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with intent to award on February 20, 2026. The contract will commence March 9, 2026, and conclude June 30, 2027.

The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks. Compensation is based on per-acre pricing established through the cost sheet. Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre rates, with materials required to be removed by contract completion. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones when all other factors are equal. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability with a $2,000,000 general aggregate, and Commercial Automobile Liability with a $1,000,000 combined single limit. The project includes environmental restrictions protecting Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat. Completed work areas must be at least 200 acres in size and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact, and a 200-foot boundary treatment is required.