Hand Tree Pruning, Kootenai aNational Forest

The contract involves hand pruning Western White Pine trees within approximately 135 acres across seven units in the Fortine Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest, Montana. The primary objective is to prevent and reduce blister rust infection through selective pruning and slash treatment. Work areas are clearly delineated by natural features such as previously clear-cut zones now stocked with saplings or mature tree stands, as well as roads, with no boundary flagging provided. All pruning must be done manually using hand pruners or lopping shears; the use of chainsaws for pruning is prohibited. The performance period for this contract is scheduled from June to September 2010. It is a small business set-aside under the USDA Forest Service, managed by the Department of Agriculture, with the solicitation number AG-024C-S-10-0007. The place of performance is Fortine, Montana, and the contracting office is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The designated point of contact for this opportunity is Michael J. Allred. This effort supports forest health initiatives aimed at sustaining the Western White Pine population in the region.