Timber Sale - Sand Ridge State Forest Management 2025 Harvest

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is soliciting bids for a Timber Sale at Sand Ridge State Forest, located in Mason County, with a focus on harvesting approximately 160 acres of mature red and white pine plantation. This procurement opportunity, identified by the contract ID 67d35ddd57d966af7508fde4, seeks an Illinois Licensed Timber Buyer to commercially harvest an estimated 12,000 trees (approximately 1.5 million board feet) of pine trees 14 inches in diameter and above. The primary objectives include forest regeneration, wildlife habitat restoration, and fuel load reduction, with specifications requiring vendors to leave 17 Class 1 red or white pine trees per acre. The contract will commence upon execution and terminate 24 months after signing, with work expected to begin in 2025. The proposal is due by April 11, 2025, and will be awarded to the highest bidder, with payment to be made directly to IDNR.

The contract is exclusively available to Illinois Licensed Timber Buyers, with no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises mentioned in the documentation. Vendors must provide all necessary equipment, materials, and personnel to complete the harvest, and financial requirements include submitting 50% of the total payment plus a 10% performance deposit at contract execution, with the remaining balance due prior to beginning work. Payment must be made via bank draft, cashier's check, certified check, or money order, which will be deposited into the Forestry Development Fund. Strict penalties are in place for unauthorized tree cutting (triple the average price per tree plus $200) and excessive tree damage ($200 per occurrence). While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive timber sale involves a substantial volume of timber and requires significant operational capabilities from the selected vendor. The procurement documents, including a detailed harvest map and standard terms and conditions, provide comprehensive guidance for potential bidders.