Summary of Attachment 7 - MRWMA Unit 4 Fuels Reduction

Attachment 7 is a geographic information system (GIS) map document prepared by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) depicting the fuels reduction areas within Wildlife Management Area Unit 4 at Merritt Reservoir in Cherry County, Nebraska. The map illustrates the designated tree clearing zones across the property, with reference points including Boardman Creek and State Highway 97. The visualization identifies specific areas targeted for Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper removal as part of the broader tree clearing service contract. The project encompasses approximately 4,262.5 acres, with 3,965.1 acres designated as grasslands and 297.4 acres as woodlands requiring treatment. Work must commence by March 9, 2026, and be completed by June 30, 2027. A mandatory solicitation conference is scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area, with proposals due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. An award decision is anticipated by February 20, 2026.

Contract compensation will be structured on a per-acre pricing basis submitted by bidders, with the State awarding to the lowest responsible bidder. Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre thinning rates, with all materials required to be removed by the contract completion date. Completed work areas must meet a minimum threshold of 200 acres and undergo NGPC staff inspection prior to payment authorization. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability with a $2,000,000 general aggregate limit, and Commercial Automobile Liability with a $1,000,000 combined single limit. Environmental restrictions apply to protect Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact. A preference may be granted to resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones if all other evaluation factors are equal.