Watkins Glen State Park Tree of Heaven Management

Background
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Finger Lakes Region, is seeking quotes for the management of Tree-of-Heaven at Watkins Glen State Park. The park, located in the village of Watkins Glen just south of Seneca Lake, spans 778 acres and features a 400-foot-deep gorge with scenic views and trails that attract over 1.3 million visitors annually.

The park faces ecological threats from invasive species, particularly the Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and the potential spread of the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). This contract aims to mitigate these risks through targeted removal and treatment strategies.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Chemically treat populations of Tree-of-Heaven using herbicide containing Glyphosate through various methods including hack-and-squirt, cut stump, basal bark, and foliar spray based on tree size and location. Specifics include:
- Up to 800 inches DBH via hack-and-squirt application for trees greater than 6 inches DBH not in high-use areas.
- Up to 275 inches DBH via cut stump application for trees in high-use areas or posing safety risks.
- Up to 2.5 acres via foliar application for trees under ~6 feet tall not in high-use areas.
- Up to 1,150 inches DBH via basal bark application for remaining trees.

2. Chemically treat pre-selected Tree-of-Heaven with Dinotefuran via trunk injection as trap trees to attract Spotted Lanternflies.

Period of Performance
The work is scheduled to take place between July 1st and August 31st, 2026.

Place of Performance
Watkins Glen State Park, located at 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen NY 14891.

Bidder Requirements
Contractors must possess a valid New York State Herbicide Applicator License throughout the contract duration. Additionally, contractors are required to document good faith efforts to include MWBE/SDVOB vendors where subcontracting opportunities exist.