42244IFB26-Lake George Timber Sale

The St. Johns River Water Management District is soliciting sealed bids for a timber sale covering approximately 170 acres within the Lake George Conservation Area in Putnam County, Florida, specifically in Section 38, Township 13 South, Range 27 East. The harvest involves a clearcut of 22 acres of natural sand pine and a two-phase thinning across 148 acres of mature slash pine, with 120.8 acres designated for marked thinning using blue paint at eye level to identify trees for harvest and 27.2 acres for logger-select thinning that follows existing cut rows to achieve a residual basal area of 50 square feet per acre. The estimated timber volume includes 2,484 tons of pine pulpwood, 1,347 tons of chip-n-saw, and 72 tons of sawtimber, though these figures are not guaranteed. Harvest operations must comply with the Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual and Florida Forestry Wildlife Best Management Practices for State Imperiled Species, including a 660-foot buffer around eagle nests during nesting season and strict prohibitions against discharging pollutants. All work must be completed under the supervision of an SFI-certified crew leader, such as a Florida Master Logger, with full site restoration required upon completion. Bids are evaluated solely on the highest total price offered, with non-price factors serving only as eligibility criteria. Offerors must be responsive, responsible, and fully compliant with legal and procedural requirements, including the absence of collusion, fraud, or prior defaults, and must provide an IRS W-9, Florida Sunbiz registration, and certifications regarding human trafficking, E-Verify compliance, and no business operations in Cuba or Syria or participation in the boycott of Israel. A $5,000 non-refundable security deposit and a 20% advance payment tied to the estimated sale value are required prior to commencement. Contractors must carry general liability insurance with an A.M. Best rating of A:V or higher, naming the District as additional insured, and are responsible for road maintenance, site access, timber removal, and adherence to environmental regulations including the Endangered Species Act. Performance must meet a 50% harvest milestone within nine months, with potential extensions for excessive rainfall, and all work must conclude within the contract period. Proposals must be submitted by May 22, 2026, via DemandStar or Central Bidding in PDF format or delivered in person