USDA-Forest Service Region 9 Marking and Cruising BPA Call. Otter Timber Marking/Cruising on Ottawa National Forest

Summary (Newest Update)

Background This contract opportunity is issued by the USDA Forest Service, specifically targeting holders of the Region 9 Timber Mark and Cruise Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The purpose of this non-personal services contract is to conduct timber marking and cruising in the Otter timber sale area located within the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. The overarching mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Work Details The contractor will be responsible for applying silvicultural treatments aimed at regenerating and restoring healthy even-aged aspen/birch stands. Specific tasks include: - Retaining remnant long-lived conifer species that are healthy and can tolerate environmental changes. - Accepting native pathogens in retained trees to create unique habitat niches for cavity-nesting birds, insects, and mammals. - Maintaining ecological processes around riparian areas within the sale area. - Achieving an acceptable stocking level of approximately 3200 seedlings per acre for native species. - Avoiding tree removal in poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock areas. - Considering 100% of spruce and balsam volume for salvage due to signs of decline, along with 15% of hardwood volume due to overstocked conditions and 60% of aspen volume due to age. - Following specific marking guides that include clearcutting with reserves and single tree selection methods while retaining certain tree species unless necessary for logging operations. Place of Performance The work will be performed in the Otter timber sale area within the Ottawa National Forest located in Michigan.