Attachment 8 - MRWMA Unit 5 Fuels Reduction.pdf

This is a fuels reduction project map attachment from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for Unit 5 of the Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area tree clearing contract. The project encompasses approximately 4,262.5 acres in Cherry County, Nebraska, including 3,965.1 acres of grasslands and 297.4 acres of woodlands designated for Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper tree removal (18 inches and taller). Removal methods include mulching as the primary approach, with cutting and piling permitted for trees exceeding 20 feet in height and 6-inch diameter at breast height. The contract term runs from March 9, 2026, through June 30, 2027. 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; attendance is required for bid eligibility. Bids are due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with an intent to award on February 20, 2026. The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks.

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. Pricing is based on per-acre rates submitted on a cost sheet, with contractors able to exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre thinning rates provided materials are removed by project completion. Completed work areas must meet a minimum of 200 acres and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. The project includes a 200-foot boundary treatment and fuel reduction efforts across designated areas, with environmental protections for 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. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones if all other factors are equal.