Tree Clearing at Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) is soliciting proposals for a tree clearing service contract at the Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County. The procurement involves removing Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees 18 inches and taller across approximately 4,262.5 acres, including 3,965.1 acres of grasslands and 297.4 acres of woodlands. Primary removal methods include mulching, with cutting and piling permitted for trees over 20 feet tall with greater than 6-inch diameter at breast height. The project also includes fuel reduction efforts in designated areas and a 200-foot boundary treatment. A mandatory solicitation conference is scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area, and attendance is required for bid submission. The solicitation opened on January 8, 2026, with a response deadline of February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The contract will run from March 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with an intent to award on February 20, 2026.

The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones if all other factors are equal. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability with a $2,000,000 general aggregate, and Commercial Automobile Liability with a $1,000,000 combined single limit. The project includes specific environmental restrictions protecting Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat. Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for a decreased per-acre thinning rate, with materials to be removed by the contract end. Completed work areas must be at least 200 acres in size and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. While no specific budget range is provided, the cost sheet indicates per-acre pricing will be the basis for contract valuation, with work to be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact.