Y -- Bitterroot National Forest Trail Construction Prospectus

The Bitterroot National Forest, Sula Ranger District, is advertising a Pre-Solicitation Prospectus for trail construction to establish trail tread in three separate locations along the Continenal Divide National Scenic Trail #9 at pack and saddle standards. Relocation #1 is located adjacent to Gibbons Pass, within ten (10) miles of Chief Joseph Pass and US 43. The project location runs north to where the new trail connects to an existing trail tread: Total of 8,998 linear feet. Obliteration of existing trail tread is required at this site. Relocations #2 and #3 are located west of Schultz Saddle, along Forest Road 725, in relatively close proximity to each other. These two project sites lie in old cutting units and the goal is to establish trail tread and tie existing segments of trail tread together. Access for Relocations #2 and #3 is very distant (estimate of 50 miles) from Relocation #1. Moving any construction equipment via Forest road system between project sites is required as there is no option for ?roading? equipment along the existing trail tread. Road conditions will not be guaranteed free of downed timber as the access road and trail project sites were burned in 2000. Access may require clearing downed trees to reach work sites and is incidental. Moderate sideslope, heavy beargrass, and rocky ridgetop location. Elevation ranges from 6,500-7500 feet so access is limited prior to June 15. Non-wilderness location, suitable for motorized trail construction equipment but limited to 60-inch track width. No switchback construction. Blasting not required. A seasonal road restriction for a portion of the access route (October 15 and December 1) will restrict operating season to prior to October 15. The major work items include: 911and 912, 11,650 linear feet; 912, leadoff ditch: 100 linear feet; 912, rolling dips: 100 each; 954, obliteration: 700 linear feet. A Pre-Solicitation Site Visit is not scheduled; however, prospective bidders/quoters are encouraged to visit the project on their own prior to winter conditions closing the area. For any questions on directions or maps, contact Nick Hazelbaker at (406) 821-1218.