Wagner Taylor Dam Rd-Schoolcraft County-Opening Mastication

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for forest opening mastication services in Schoolcraft County, with the project focusing on approximately 150 acres of wildlife grassland openings along Wagner Taylor Dam Road. The primary objective is to restore and enhance habitat areas for wildlife species including sharp-tailed grouse, white-tailed deer, and other upland dependent species. Contractors will be required to sever trees at the base, leaving stems less than 1 foot in height, and maintain 90% coverage of each block while preserving oak trees. The RFP was released on April 21, 2025, with proposal submissions due by May 2, 2025, and the contract period spanning from July 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025. Specific work must be completed between July 15, 2025, and September 10, 2025, with bidders encouraged to inspect the sites prior to submission. Evaluation will likely focus on per-acre pricing, technical capability, and adherence to detailed mastication specifications.

The procurement is funded by PR Habitat Fish and Game monies, with no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor types mentioned in the document. Contractors must be capable of mastication services, with the ability to process standing saplings greater than 1 inch in diameter using appropriate equipment. Payment terms include electronic funds transfer with net 45-day terms, and invoices must be submitted no later than September 20, 2025, to ensure payment before the end of the state's fiscal year. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the project's scope of 150 acres suggests a substantial contract value. Contractors will be responsible for all debris removal and must meet precise technical specifications for vegetation management. The procurement is specifically targeting Shiawassee County, with the work to be performed in Schoolcraft County, indicating a localized, specialized habitat management initiative.