Post-Fire Reforestation and Recovery Services

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking to create a pool of qualified contractors through a Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) for post-fire reforestation initiatives on lands affected by wildfires in eastern Washington. This effort is part of DNR's broader Post-Fire Recovery Program, which aims to not only rehabilitate the natural environment following wildfires but also to mitigate subsequent risks, such as flooding and debris flow. By adopting climate-informed strategies, the program seeks to enhance forest regeneration and establish enduring collaborations with competent contractors to support the recovery of diverse landowner communities including tribes, nonprofit organizations, industrial and non-industrial landowners, local governments, and other state agencies. Contractors engaged under this initiative will undertake a range of responsibilities aimed at restoring and preparing affected sites. These tasks include planting tree seedlings or woody plants, preparing sites through erosion control and vegetation management, executing pile burning of leftover woody materials, and organizing planting units. They will also need to manage and inspect planting quality, support seed collection through cone scouting, and handle the collection, processing, and storage of native plant seeds. Additionally, contractors will be involved in refrigerated storage of seedlings and developing comprehensive restoration plans for sites impacted by wildfire. The contract is set to run from April 14, 2025, to June 30, 2027, and will span various counties in eastern Washington such as Asotin, Benton, Chelan, and Spokane, among others. The estimated contract value ranges from $5 million to $15 million, highlighting the significant investment in ecological restoration efforts.