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 project involves pre-commercial thinning, brush cutting, and slash treatment on up to 124 acres within Whaleback Unit 2, located in the Stella Landscape Restoration Project Area of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The primary objective is to enhance meadow biodiversity and increase early seral stage vegetation by thinning small diameter conifer trees using hand tools only. All resulting slash must be piled and covered with 4-mil polyethylene plastic for future burning. The contract is awarded to the responsible bidder with the lowest responsive bid, following a pass/fail evaluation of minimum qualifications. Work must be completed by July 31, 2027, though performance is subject to significant seasonal constraints, including a total work stoppage during the General West Cascade Any Legal Weapon Elk Season from November 4 to November 13, 2026, and expected winter access closures from December 2026 through mid-May 2027. Additionally, contractors must adhere to Industrial Fire Precaution Levels and potential fire season restrictions. Payment is based on the number of completed acres, with no upfront funds provided and invoicing permitted no more frequently than once per month. The contractor is required to comply with various state and federal regulations, including the Davis-Bacon Act for prevailing wages, equal employment opportunity standards, and specific Oregon Revised Statutes. Bids were due by November 2, 2026, and must include a bid cover sheet, reference check form, bid submittal form, and COBID certification.