Attachment 4 - MRWMA Unit 5.pdf

Attachment 4 is a geographical map document supporting a tree clearing service contract solicitation issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for the Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. The map illustrates Unit 5 of the Merritt Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which encompasses 462.7 total acres distributed across grasslands (339.4 acres), woodlands (101.3 acres), fuels reduction areas (3.6 acres), and a 200-foot boundary treatment zone (22.4 acres). The project requires removal of Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees measuring 18 inches and taller across approximately 4,262.5 acres, with primary removal via mulching and alternative cutting and piling methods permitted for larger trees exceeding 20 feet in height with diameters greater than 6 inches at breast height. A mandatory solicitation conference is scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area, with conference attendance required for bid eligibility. Bids are due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with contract award anticipated February 20, 2026, and contract performance scheduled from March 9, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Pricing will be determined on a per-acre basis with bidders submitting cost sheets for evaluation. Contractors may reduce their per-acre thinning rates in exchange for merchantable timber rights, provided all materials are removed by contract completion. The State reserves award to the lowest responsible bidder and may conduct reference and credit checks. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones when all other evaluation factors are equal. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance including Workers' Compensation coverage, Commercial General Liability with a $2,000,000 general aggregate limit, and Commercial Automobile Liability with a $1,000,000 combined single limit. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact, with completed work areas requiring a minimum 200-acre size and NGPC staff inspection prior to payment authorization. The project includes environmental restrictions protecting Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat.