The intent of this request is to obtain a contract to perform hazardous fuels reduction work on approximately _68.4__ acres located at 24674 White Tail Ridge, Hermosa, SD 57744(see attached map). The goal of the completed project is to mitigate the threat of wildfire through thinning. There will be an obligation for the contractor to devote individual attention per landowner, which may consist of determining areas of special concerns (privacy buffers and exclusion areas). During the cutting phase of the project, all current and prior insect infested trees within the area will be removed. Damaged and dead hardwood trees will be treated within the project. Salvage rights will be granted to the contractor to offset project costs. All material to be removed for biomass utilization will be at no cost to the landowner or SDWF. All material to be left on the project site must be justified in the submitted proposal. All slash not removed from the property will be treated by the contractor according to one of the following methods: chipping; mulching; grinding; piling and burning. Vendor must specify thinning slash disposal method in the submitted proposal. It is required that all work adhere to the State of South Dakota’s Best Management Practices to minimize environmental impact. Equipment use and access to the project site will be the discretion of SDWF and landowner. THINNING SPECIFICATIONS The desired treatment will include the thinning of ponderosa pine, spruce, cedar, and juniper trees 10-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) and smaller to achieve an average spacing of 25 feet between trees (trunks). o To obtain the desired spacing and to promote forest health, broken tops, split tops, and otherwise unhealthy trees will be targeted first. o In a multi-aged stand, ponderosa pines 4-inch DBH and smaller will be referred to as replacement trees. Replacement trees will be thinned to achieve a 25-foot spacing between other replacement trees. o Treatment of spruce will result in scattered groups of 5 to 15 trees with approximately 25-foot spacing between groups. Stumps will be cut level with terrain, as low as possible within reason, based on rocks and equipment limitations. Ponderosa pine, spruce, cedar, and juniper will be limbed up to a minimum of 6 feet above ground level, not to exceed 1/3rd of the total tree height. Felled trees and limbs (thinning slash) and other previously downed material will be removed, chipped, or piled. o Heavily decayed downed material and/or old greyed logs may be excluded. Due to endangered species habitat, dead standing snags will not be removed unless directed to do so by South Dakota Wildland Fire (SDWF) staff. Existing handpiles must be removed, chipped, masticated, or burned. Existing machine piles are not included in the scope of work unless authorized by SDWF staff. Hardwood trees will not be cut. Trees within a manicured lawn will not be included in the project. Trees near structures, propane tanks, or powerlines that require excessive cost, specialized equipment, or excessive time are not included in the project. Individual tree selection is not permitted. It is recommended to create fresh slash every 4-6 weeks during periods of pine engraver beetle (IPS) activity
