Attachment 7 - MRWMA Unit 4 Fuels Reduction.pdf

This is a project map attachment 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 project involves the removal of 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 and 6 inches in diameter at breast height. The solicitation opened 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; conference attendance is required for bid eligibility. The response deadline is February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with an intended award date of February 20, 2026. The contract term extends from March 9, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with work to be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder based on per-acre pricing, with contractors permitted to exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre thinning rates. Completed work areas must be at least 200 acres and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance 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 a 200-foot boundary treatment and fuel reduction efforts in designated areas. Environmental restrictions protect Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones if all other factors are equal. No specific budget range is disclosed; no incumbent information is provided.