Whaleback and Huckleberry Meadow Enhancement 2026-27 Slash/Pile Project

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is soliciting bids for the Whaleback and Huckleberry Meadow Enhancement 2026-27 Slash/Pile Project. The selected contractor will provide all labor, equipment, and tools to perform pre-commercial thinning, brush cutting, and treatment of slash for up to 124 acres within Whaleback Unit 2 on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands. The primary objective is to increase early seral stage vegetation and promote biodiversity, specifically targeting huckleberry patches and aspen stands. All work must be performed using hand tools, such as chainsaws and loppers, and must be completed by June 30, 2027, with all final invoices submitted by July 31, 2027. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who meets the minimum qualification of having been in business for at least three years. Payment is based on the number of completed acres, with no upfront funding provided. Contractors must adhere to strict environmental and seasonal restrictions, including the prohibition of 4x4 vehicles in riparian habitats and a work stoppage during the General West Cascade Any Legal Weapon Elk Season from November 4 to November 13, 2026. Compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, and federal labor standards, including the Davis-Bacon Act for applicable construction contracts, is required. Bids are due by November 2, 2026, and must include the required cover sheet, reference check form, submittal form, and COBID certification.