This is a service / maintenance or supply contract in Ellsworth, Maine. Contact the soliciting agency for additional information.

The City of Ellsworth is seeking proposals to create an updated management plan for its Branch Lake Public Forest. With its recently expanded footprint, the Public Forest encompasses 802.6 acres (Tax Map 65, Lot 1, Map 74, Lot 2, Map 82, Lot 40, and Map 73, Lot 11) bounded by Branch Lake (the City's public water supply) and extending to the current public access point off Rt 1A. Objectives: With reference to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) policies, standards and technical requirements, the plan should address the following objectives for this property: a) water quality and soil protection, b) wildlife habitat protection and enhancement, c) insect and disease control, d) biodiversity and control of invasives, e) fire protection, and f) recreational and aesthetic improvements. Timber harvesting is not a priority but may be utilized in timber stand improvement operations and wildlife habitat management. Deliverables: The plan will be informed by consultation with the City Planner, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and the Arbor Commission. It will address the background and history of the sites that currently compose the Public Forest (e.g. previous timber harvesting, existing management plan and practices, resource concerns and objectives) and will inventory present conditions (including shorefront/riparian/wetland areas and other critical habitats, species of particular significance, soils, etc.). The inventory should involve a formal timber cruise, according to specifications required by the NRCS for Conservation Planning Activities. Descriptions and analysis of stands/habitats should lead to recommended management practices, specifications and schedules. Documentation in the form of maps (including land use/stands, soils, topography and hydrology) and other data should be appended. Timeframe: Beginning January 2025 for completion no later than October 1, 2025. Qualifications: The Technical Service Provider should be a licensed forester with demonstrated experience in creating forest management plans, ideally with attention to Natural Resources Conservation Service standards. Required Proposal Components: a) clarification of qualifications b) explanation of experience and its relevance to the requested plan c) description of process and schedule d) description of plan contents, and e) itemized price proposal The City of Ellsworth may also request references and/or an interview. Queries and Contact Information: Any questions regarding the project specifications should be submitted in writing to Matt Williams, City Planner (mwilliams@ellsworthmaine.gov) and Teresa Davis, City of Ellsworth Arbor Commission member (tld7246@gmail.com) by 5 p.m. on December 27. Answers to questions will be posted to the city website by noon on December 31st.