Professional Services for the Design of a Habitat Restoration Plan for the Kohl Park Wildlife Enhancements Project

Milwaukee County Parks is seeking professional consulting services to develop a Habitat Restoration Plan (HRP) for the Kohl Park Wildlife Enhancements Project located in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. The project encompasses 231.9 acres, including 98.5 acres of natural areas and 133.4 acres of former agricultural fields to be converted to natural habitats. The selected consultant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive restoration plan focusing on enhancing prairie, forest, wetland, and shrubland habitats for focal wildlife species, including breeding birds, frogs, and snakes. Key deliverables include 60% and 90% draft plans, and a final HRP by October 2026, with specific requirements for hydrology assessments, wetland delineations, and detailed design documents. The RFP was issued on September 16, 2025, with a pre-proposal meeting scheduled for September 30, 2025, and proposals due on October 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Vendors must demonstrate at least five years of experience in wildlife habitat restoration, native plant community management, and federally funded project reporting, with expertise in site surveys, species identification, and ecological restoration management.

The project has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 8%, requiring consultants to commit a portion of compensation to a certified DBE firm. The total project budget is $130,670, funded through a DNR EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Grant, with initial funding covering Phase 1 of the project. Proposers must be certified through the Wisconsin Unified Certification Program (UCP) and comply with strict guidelines for DBE participation, including submitting written contracts within 7 days of the Notice-to-Proceed and entering monthly payment information into the County's online reporting system. The project will be implemented in two phases, with potential future funding contingent on additional grant approvals. Contractors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 per accident), and Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions Insurance ($2,000,000 per occurrence). The ultimate goal is to create a 1,000+ acre habitat block, which would be the largest in the entire Area of Concern, emphasizing adaptive management and long-term ecological restoration.