Pinellas County is seeking a Forestry Consultant through Request for Proposal (RFP) 24-0360-RFP to manage the Cross Bar/Al Bar Ranch property, a 3,810.2-acre slash pine plantation located across multiple Florida counties. The primary objective is to contract a knowledgeable forester responsible for comprehensive ecosystem management and water resource protection. Key responsibilities include developing a Forestry Management Plan, conducting seasonal forestry health surveys, maintaining GIS/geodatabase maps, exploring potential revenue opportunities, and collaborating with the County's Land Manager and Ecological Consultant. The forester will evaluate current forestry management programs, identify areas of concern, and recommend improvement strategies. A mandatory pre-conference and site visit is scheduled for March 12, 2024, with questions due by March 15, 2024, and proposal submissions required by March 21, 2024. The contract term is five years, with options for four additional five-year extensions. The selected consultant will need to demonstrate expertise in forest management, ecosystem preservation, and the ability to work collaboratively with county officials.
The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The contract includes a unique compensation structure where the forester will receive 6% commission on timber sales and 8% on pine straw lease revenue. The property is currently utilized as a regional well field operated by Tampa Bay Water and involves managing a mixed-use Ecosystem Management Plan that balances water supply operations, silviculture, agricultural operations, and wildlife/habitat restoration. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the pricing proposal includes line items for annual forestry operations, Forestry Management Plan development, GIS mapping, and a Crop Maturity Program. The county reserves the right to negotiate with the most qualified firm and may concurrently contract with other companies if deemed in the best interest of the county. The project involves managing pine plantations established between 1994 and 2023, with various plantation types including Pine Slash (PSL) and Cooperative Pine Low Density (CPLL).