Land Clearing

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Parks & Recreation Division is seeking pre-qualified land clearing contractors to conduct invasive species removal across four recreational areas: Island Lake, Highland, Waterloo, and Algonac State Park. The project involves clearing approximately 74.7 acres of land to restore oak barrens and prairie landscapes by removing invasive species such as black locust, pine, black cherry, poplar, autumn olive, and honeysuckle. Mandatory pre-bid meetings are scheduled between September 22-24, 2025, with the final bid due on October 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. EST. Contractors must provide comprehensive documentation detailing proposed techniques, equipment, disposal methods, personnel qualifications, and prior relevant experience. The work is to be completed between October 15, 2025, and March 15, 2026, using methods including whole-tree chipping, firewood removal, and mowing with forestry equipment. Evaluation criteria will focus on technical capabilities, ecological restoration expertise, cost-efficiency, and ability to minimize ground disturbance while protecting native vegetation.

The procurement allows bidders to submit proposals for any combination of zones, with pricing structured on a lump sum basis for each treatment area. While no specific set-aside designations were mentioned, contractors must demonstrate strict adherence to environmental guidelines, including equipment cleaning to prevent invasive species spread and maintaining public safety. The State reserves the right to award the contract in full or partially, with bids remaining valid for 30 days from the submission date. Individual zone sizes range from 6.2 to 15.7 acres, and contractors may receive potential discounts for being awarded multiple zones. Pricing must comprehensively cover labor, equipment, travel, and supply costs, with a particular focus on preventing oak wilt transmission. Although specific budget ranges were not explicitly stated, the contract is structured as a fixed-price agreement with zone-specific pricing options. Successful bidders will be expected to provide detailed project management plans, staff qualifications, potential subcontractor information, and documentation of previous similar land restoration projects.