Attachment 8 - MRWMA Unit 5 Fuels Reduction.pdf

Attachment 8 is a geographic reference 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 project involves removing 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 with greater than 6-inch diameter at breast height. The solicitation opened on 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. The response deadline is February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with intent to award on February 20, 2026. The contract term runs from March 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with work to be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact.

Pricing will be determined on a per-acre basis, with bidders permitted to exchange merchantable timber for a decreased per-acre thinning rate, provided materials are removed by contract end. Completed work areas must meet a minimum 200-acre size requirement and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones when all other factors are equal. 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. The project includes environmental restrictions protecting Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat, with additional 200-foot boundary treatment requirements. No specific budget range is provided in the solicitation materials.