Timber Sale- Hidden Springs State Forest 2026 Harvest

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is soliciting sealed bids for a timber sale at Hidden Springs State Forest in Shelby County, with bids due June 29, 2026. The scope involves commercial harvest of approximately 67 acres of mature mixed upland hardwood timber — white oak, black oak, hickory, black walnut, and other upland hardwoods — comprising approximately 478 marked trees totaling an estimated 163,200 board feet (Doyle scale) in Section 13, Township 10 North, Range 4 East, located 0.35 miles north of 2300 E 600 North Road in Shelbyville, Illinois.

Vendors must hold a current Illinois Timber Buyer's license. All work must commence as soon as possible following contract execution in 2026 and be completed within the first two years of the contract unless weather or other agreed-upon circumstances extend the timeline. The contract term is 24 months from execution.

The pricing structure requires a lump sum bid for removal of the approximately 478 trees. At contract execution, vendors must submit 50 percent of the lump sum payment plus a 10 percent performance deposit, with the balance due prior to beginning work. All payments must be submitted as bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, or money orders payable to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and deposited into the Forestry Development Fund. Penalties apply for cutting undesignated trees at triple the average price paid per tree plus $200 per tree, and charges of $200 per occurrence for excessive damage to undesignated merchantable trees.

Vendors must provide all equipment and personnel, comply with state and OSHA regulations, and adhere to comprehensive forest management best practices including equipment cleaning, protective measures for wildlife and natural resources, erosion control, and operational restrictions during firearm deer seasons and when visitors are present. Vendors must comply with 34 mandatory Illinois State certifications under 30 ILCS 500/50-90, with annual recertification required by January 1 of each fiscal year for contracts exceeding one year in duration.