Mt Jumbo Forest Restoration/Fuels Reduction Project

Background
The City of Missoula is seeking qualified contractors for the Mount Jumbo Forest Restoration and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project. This project aims to restore forest conditions and reduce hazardous fuels across 53 acres in Marshall Canyon on the City’s Mt. Jumbo Preserve, which is managed for native vegetation, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The project is funded by a Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Forest Action Plan Grant.

Work Details
The contractor will provide forestry services including: hand thinning, pruning, and slash burning across 53 acres. Specific tasks include:
- Removing Douglas-fir and Ponderosa pine trees that are 10 inches DBH and less.
- Creating a minimum 30-foot crown spacing between leave trees.
- Retaining all snags greater than 10 inches DBH unless they pose a safety hazard.
- Preparing the area for future broadcast burning for understory restoration.

The project area consists of two treatment units (Units 13 & 14) with detailed specifications on tree removal, thinning treatments, and habitat restoration objectives.

Period of Performance
The project work is expected to begin immediately after contractor selection and must be completed by April 30, 2026.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed at the Mount Jumbo Preserve located in Marshall Canyon, approximately 4 miles east of downtown Missoula, Montana.

Bidder Requirements
Contractors must demonstrate experience in forest fuel reduction work with references from at least three comparable projects completed within the last five years. They must also comply with local licensing requirements and carry liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Additionally, contractors must ensure compliance with the Montana Prevailing Wage Act for any work exceeding $25,000.