Herbicide project Highlandtown Wildlife Area.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is seeking a contractor to perform herbicide treatment for invasive species control at the Highlandtown Wildlife Area in Clinton County. The project involves treating 55 acres of upland fields divided into five units and 3,038.86 linear feet of woody corridors, with the objective of achieving 100% elimination of non-native invasive woody stems while preserving soft mast-producing trees. Contractors will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive treatment plan subject to DOW approval, with mandatory initial treatment and a required follow-up treatment within six weeks if the initial application is ineffective. The project has a defined timeline, with all treatments to be completed by June 30, 2026, and requires precise georeferenced mapping for treatment areas. Bidders are strongly encouraged to visit the site before submitting a proposal, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder on a total lot basis. The bid submission deadline is August 7, 2025, with the contract specifying detailed requirements for pesticide application, documentation, and post-work site visits to confirm treatment success.

The contract appears to have provisions encouraging participation from minority and diverse business enterprises, specifically referencing Ohio-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Executive Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) vendors. Contractors must comply with specific operational constraints, including performing no services outside the United States and maintaining all necessary business approvals and licenses. The contract is contingent on Ohio General Assembly appropriations, with payment processed within 30 calendar days after invoice receipt or service acceptance. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive scope of work suggests a substantial project involving detailed environmental management. Contractors will be required to submit detailed spray records, obtain necessary certifications, and participate in pre-work and post-work site visits to ensure full compliance with project specifications. The contract also mandates adherence to state ethics, election, and workers' compensation laws, with provisions for potential contract termination if these requirements are not met.