Yucca Pens and 41 Tract Forestry Mulching

Background
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive pricing for the forestry mulching of dense vegetation within the 41 Tract and Yucca Pens Unit Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Charlotte and Lee Counties. This initiative aims to improve wildlife habitat by reducing vegetation height and density, facilitating better application of prescribed burning.

The FWC administers various programs including habitat and species conservation, freshwater fisheries management, law enforcement, marine fisheries management, hunting and game management, and fish and wildlife research.

Work Details
The contractor will perform selective forestry mulching of dense saw palmetto and wax myrtle vegetation across approximately 16,000 acres. The work includes:
1. Mechanical treatment of vegetation less than or equal to 6 inches in diameter to a height of 4 inches or lower.
2. Shredding/mulching all treated vegetation while minimizing ground disturbance.
3. Maintaining a 100-foot buffer from property boundary firebreaks and a 50-foot buffer from internal firebreaks.
4. Providing all labor, materials, equipment, supplies, and vehicles necessary for mechanical treatment operations.
5. Weekly submission of maps indicating treated areas with corresponding billable acres.
6. Compliance with environmental protection measures to avoid damage to threatened plants and wildlife.

Period of Performance
The contract will be effective for one year upon issuance of the Purchase Order, with project completion required by June 20, 2025. The FWC reserves the right to renew the contract on a yearly basis for up to two additional years based on satisfactory performance.

Place of Performance
The work will be conducted in the Babcock/Webb and Yucca Pens Unit Wildlife Management Area located in Charlotte and Lee Counties, Florida.