The Lake County Forest Preserve is seeking up to two (2) full time crews to meet the specifications as described in Attachment B, Specifications to complete the Small Invasive Tree & Shrub Control 2023 projects. The Projects are: NORTH EASTERN FOREST PRESERVES and SOUTH EASTERN FOREST PRESERVES. Contractors can provide bids for one or both projects.

The scope of the work of this project shall include all labor and equipment to complete control of small stems of invasive trees and shrubs at multiple locations throughout Lake County Illinois. Work shall include the control of small, invasive trees and shrubs through a variety of techniques including mechanical removal, hand cutting and application of herbicide to the stump, basal bark treatments or wick herbicide, or foliar application depending on which technique is most appropriate for the site, species to be controlled, and the threat of non-target mortality or herbicide damage to nearby native species: in particular, endangered or threatened plant species. Stacking remaining woody debris into brush piles and ignition will be included in some locations and seasonal windows. The Contractor shall provide all necessary equipment and tools including vehicles and gas for travel.

Each Project described in SECTION 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS shall be a unit price contract whereby the units are personnel hours for hand cutting and herbicide application.  The Contractor shall only bill for hours spent on site implementing small, invasive woody stem control.  All other costs are incidental to hourly rates, including but not limited to travel, maintenance of equipment, use of an ATV/UTV and time to mix chemicals before traveling to the project site.  The Contractor shall provide all chemicals and adjuvants necessary for proper chemical mixes.  Water is generally not available on site.  It should be noted that some project areas represent the most remote areas of the site, and in some instances, may require walking long distances through deep water and dense vegetation.