Pilot 24/25 Timber Sale

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service is seeking sealed bids for a timber sale located on the City of Williston Airport in Levy County, Florida. The procurement involves a third-row operator select thinning of approximately 245 acres of a 16-year-old slash pine plantation, divided into four units. The timber sale requires removing every third row of trees, with operator select thinning in remaining rows, targeting trees that are diseased, deformed, defective, forked, and suppressed. The estimated pine pulpwood/mulchwood volume to be removed is 5,800 tons, with the goal of achieving a target basal area of 40-50 square feet per acre. Bidders must be escorted while inspecting the sale area, and a site tour is scheduled (date to be determined), with interested parties required to contact Michael Edwards at (352) 710-4011 for complete bid information. The bid submission deadline is June 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM EDT, with bids to be opened at 15019 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601. The Florida Forest Service reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any irregularities in the received bids.

The procurement does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are mentioned in the documentation. The solicitation does not provide a specific award value or budget range, though the estimated timber volume of 5,800 tons suggests a substantial commercial opportunity for timber harvesting contractors. The sale is being conducted on an airport facility, which may require specialized access and operational considerations. Potential bidders will need to demonstrate expertise in selective timber thinning, understanding of forest management practices, and the capability to harvest and remove timber efficiently and safely. The sale documents emphasize the importance of careful tree selection and maintaining the overall health and productivity of the pine plantation. Interested parties should carefully review the attached maps and be prepared to coordinate closely with Florida Forest Service representatives during the site inspection and bidding process.