P2025101 Lake Earl Wildlife Area Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is soliciting bids for a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing) at the Lake Earl Wildlife Area (LEWA) in Del Norte County. The procurement covers a four-year and ten-month permit for grazing on approximately 297 acres across six pastures, with primary objectives including optimizing foraging habitat for Aleutian Canada Goose and Roosevelt Elk, managing invasive species, and reducing fuel load for fire resiliency. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 11:00am, with proposals due by May 23, 2025, at 5:00pm. The proposed permit term will run from July 1, 2025, to April 30, 2030, with grazing permitted from June 1 to January 31 annually. Bidders must demonstrate at least five years of experience in wildlife-friendly grazing practices on public or conservation easement lands, with the ability to respond to emergencies within two hours. The evaluation will utilize a 105-point scoring system, assessing statement of qualifications, proposals addressing specific goals, reference letters, disclosure statements, and proposed fee.

There are no specific set-aside designations mentioned for this procurement. Only cattle may be grazed, and bidders must adhere to strict stubble height requirements throughout different periods of the year. The annual fee will be calculated by multiplying the proposed fee per acre by 297 acres, with payment due by June 15 each year for the preceding grazing period. Comprehensive insurance coverage is required, including commercial general liability, automobile liability, and workers' compensation, with the State of California listed as an additional insured. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the annual fee structure and the extensive requirements suggest this is a moderate-value contract focused on ecological management. The permittee will be responsible for maintaining the ecological integrity of the state property, preventing overgrazing, and following specific environmental and grazing management guidelines outlined in the permit documentation.