Statement of Work - Timber Stand Improvement Sally Bull Hollow Unit

STATEMENT OF WORK

Timber Stand Improvement
Ozark Plateau NWR
9014 E. 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74129

PR Number: 0044060796

1. General:

1.1 In General

This timber stand improvement project (tree thinning) is intended to restore a 35-acre portion of the Sally Bull Hollow Unit of Ozark Plateau National Wildlife (Refuge) that displays overcrowded forest conditions to a more open upland woodland condition historically present on refuge. The timber stand improvement activities will include selective mechanical (i.e., chainsaws, brush saws, compact track loader, etc.) tree thinning to help achieve a more open woodland condition in the 35-acre project area.

1.2 Purpose/End Application:

The Refuge’s primary objective is the restoration of a densely forested area on the refuge to a more open woodland condition historically believed to occur in the Ozark Highlands ecoregion prior to fire suppression and other anthropomorphic effects. Refuge management will include the use of prescribed fire through the timber to maintain a desired species community that is tolerant of fire about one year after the selective tree thinning aspect of the restoration project. The project will improve landscape resiliency, improve wildfire response, and support ecologically sustainable management. Habitat improvements will provide benefits to federally listed bats that use refuge caves, migratory songbirds, gamebirds, pollinators, and other local fauna.

1.3 Contractor Qualifications:

Contractor qualifications and certifications, as required by law, are required for this contract. Contractors are requested to provide a technical approach based on experience doing similar work.

1.4 Other:

It is highly recommended by Refuge staff all contractors perform a site visit prior to submitting a quotation. Site visits must be scheduled in advance by contacting Richard Stark (Fish and Wildlife Biologist) at [email protected]. Work is extensive and will require cutting by hand in certain areas due to inaccessibility of equipment and habitat protection.

2. Place of Performance and Period of Performance

2.1 Place of Performance:

Work will be completed on the Sally Bull Hollow Unit of Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge (Figure 1). The Refuge Unit is in Adair County in eastern Oklahoma – 10 miles southeast of Stilwell, OK.
The project area is on a portion of the refuge not open to the public. Initial site visits need to be coordinated with the Refuge and adjacent landowner (details provided prior to commencement of work). Initial access will need to be guided by refuge staff.