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FY 2023 Homochitto National Forest Precommercial Thinning
Period of Performance : 8/1/23 - 12/29/23
Project Title
FY 2023 Homochitto National Forest Pre-Commercial Thinning of Longleaf and Natural Loblolly Pine plantations
Background
Homochitto NF is requesting contract action for a Manual Precommerical Thinning work. Work will be completed on 368 acres within the forest boundary
In stands planted to longleaf pine, the task objective is to remove woody competition from competing with the crown of the desired leave trees. All loblolly pine, sweet gum, and red maple should be felled; Leave trees should be chosen based on species – first longleaf, pine, then shortleaf pine, then Mast hardwoods (oak, hickory, dogwood, tulip poplar etc).
In natural pine/hardwood stands where longleaf pine has not been planted, leave trees should be chosen by species; first longleaf pine, then mast hardwoods, then shortleaf pine.
With the spacing being designed by the Contracting Representivie.
This contract requires the release of longleaf and shortleaf pine seedlings and saplings, and natural loblolly stands that are related to work in accordance with the attached terms and specifications. The release will take place in plantations that also have natural seedlings and saplings interspersed with those that were planted. Therefore, the distribution of trees in the plantation is not always uniform. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supplies, tools, transportation, and supervision to perform all work necessary to perform manual TSI and release as specified.
All specified stems will be cut. Release will be accomplished by small-engine powered chainsaws, brush cutters or chainsaw-like tools or a combination thereof. Slash work will be minimal and shall also be accomplished by the same tools and may require some dragging of slash.
All roads leading to treatment units should be accessible with four-wheel drive vehicle. However, during periods of wet weather, longer walkins,1/2 mile or greater, may be required. Areas to be treated will mostly be found along or within 250 feet of Forest Service roads or trails, temporary roads, wildlife openings, landlines, wildland urban interface (WUI) lines, and utility corridors.
Objective
The objective of this contract/order is to treat stands where woody vegetation is competing with longleaf and shortleaf pine and thin out natural loblolly pine and hardwood. This project will be a major step in the improvement of RCW habitat and associated ecosystems focusing on vegetation control to ensure the optimal conditions for RCW foraging, flights, and nesting.
The contractor will furnish all labor, supplies, tools, transportation, and supervision necessary for Precommercial Thinning. The Government will furnish no materials, labor, or equipment unless specifically identified in the Government-Furnished Property Clause.
