Attachment 8 - MRWMA Unit 5 Fuels Reduction.pdf

Attachment 8 is a geographic information system (GIS) map document prepared for the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) depicting Unit 5 Fuels Reduction Areas at the Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area. The map illustrates designated fuels reduction zones in relation to State Highway 97 and Mercure Road in Cherry County, Nebraska. This attachment supports the NGPC's solicitation for tree clearing services, which requires 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. 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 attendance required for bid eligibility. The solicitation opened January 8, 2026, with a response deadline of February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The contract term spans March 9, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with an intended award date of February 20, 2026.

Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre thinning rates, provided all materials are removed by contract completion. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact, and completed work areas must meet a minimum threshold of 200 acres and receive NGPC staff inspection prior to payment authorization. Contract valuation is based on per-acre pricing submitted on the cost sheet. 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. The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and may conduct reference and credit checks. Preference may be extended to resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones when all other factors are equal. Environmental restrictions apply to protect Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat, and a 200-foot boundary treatment is required as part of the project scope.