Tree Clearing at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area

The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission is soliciting a service contract for comprehensive tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project requires removing eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, and scattered ponderosa pine across approximately 216.6 acres through mulching and cutting/piling methods. Contractors must be capable of dividing work into units of at least 50 acres, with 50 percent completion required in the first year and 50 percent in the second year. A mandatory solicitation conference is scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the project location (88079 State Highway 97, Valentine, NE). Written questions are due by January 28, 2026, with state responses to be posted by February 4, 2026. Electronic solicitation responses must be submitted via ShareFile by February 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. The state plans to post an Intent to Award by February 20, 2026, with contract finalization by March 4, 2026, and award by March 5, 2026.

The contract will run from execution through June 30, 2027, with potential extension by mutual agreement. Bidders may negotiate reduced per-acre thinning rates in exchange for removing and utilizing merchantable timber, subject to specific removal conditions. The contract requires compliance with standard state contractual provisions, including civil rights laws, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and specific insurance coverage, including $2,000,000 Commercial General Liability, statutory Workers' Compensation, and $1,000,000 Commercial Automobile Liability. Work is restricted to dry or frozen ground conditions and limited by specific timeframes to avoid interference with campground operations and events like the Nebraska Star Party. The project is subject to legislative appropriation of funds, with no advance payments permitted. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, contractors must be registered with the Nebraska Secretary of State and meet all state contractual requirements. Although the cost sheet shows placeholder values, the total project area encompasses 216.6 acres across grasslands and wetlands, with potential for cost offsets through marketable material removal.