Nye-Holman State Forest Compartment 4 Invasives Project

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is soliciting quotes for invasive plant eradication across 61 acres in Compartment 4 of Nye-Holman State Forest in Tolland, Connecticut, under ITB DEEP037957CM, with bids due July 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM. A pre-bid site meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Nye-Holman Archery Range Trail parking lot.

Contractors must be licensed herbicide applicators capable of achieving a minimum 95% control of invasive plants—primarily Japanese barberry and multiflora rose—across three treatment intensity zones: 40 acres of high-density, 14 acres of moderate-density, and 7 acres of low-density treatment. Methods include foliar application, cut stump treatment, and basal bark application. Imazapyr products are prohibited. Contractors must traverse the forest on foot or UTV and submit separate pricing for each intensity zone. The initial treatment is scheduled for summer/fall of 2026, with mandatory follow-up treatment in spring/summer of 2027.

Environmental and species protections add compliance burden: the Wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a state-listed Special Concern species, requires mandatory worker training on identification and restricts vehicle broadcast treatments during the active turtle period of May 15–September 15, with a 100-foot buffer from streams. Spot treatment methods are prioritized to minimize impact on native vegetation. Contractors must post daily signs on affected trails and carry general liability insurance.

Quoted prices must be all-inclusive, covering labor, materials, transportation, equipment, permits, licenses, insurance, and all associated costs. Payment terms follow Free On Board Destination. No estimated contract value is stated. No set-asides apply. Questions should be directed to James Halleran, Forester 1, at 475-213-0975 or DEEP, 166 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford Springs, CT 06438.