Calico Creek Prescribed Burning

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Damage Assessment and Restoration Division, is requesting quotations for prescribed burning services on approximately 400 acres (370 woodland and 30 grassland acres) at the Goedeker and Ladd properties near Calico Creek in De Soto, with quotations due September 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

The work supports upland forest restoration funded through natural resource damage settlement from lead mining impacts in the Big River watershed. Both properties carry Forest Management Plans (prepared by forester John Fleming, valid through September 2029) prescribing burning to mitigate undesirable woody growth in the understory, promote nutrient cycling, and improve understory flora biodiversity. The Goedeker property encompasses 284 forested acres (340 total), and the Ladd property encompasses 163 forested acres (203 total). Ecological Site descriptions include Chert Upland Woodland, Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland, and Shallow Dolomite Upland Glade/Woodland. Burning must occur during the nongrowing season (January 1 through March 31), with the initial burn anticipated in winter/spring 2027 and potential subsequent burns every 3 to 5 years based on vegetative response.

Contractors must meet minimum experience of two years leading prescribed or controlled burns on both woodland and grassland areas and demonstrate knowledge of ignition methods, weather assessment, firebreak installation, and GPS applications. Wildland Firefighter II certification is desirable but not required. Contractors must furnish all materials, labor, equipment, and supplies; comply with OSHA and NFPA standards; maintain liability insurance naming Missouri as additional insured; and submit post-burn reports within fourteen days detailing acres burned, habitat type, completion dates, and lessons learned.

The contract period runs from Notice of Award through one year, with department options to renew for four additional one-year periods. All pricing must be firm and fixed. A non-mandatory site tour was held August 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Invoices are payable within thirty calendar days of receipt.