F -- Tree Planting- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts, Helena NF

INTRODUCTION. This prospectus provides initial information on a hand tree planting solicitation for bid that may be advertised in the Winter of 2002/2003, for work in the Spring of 2003 on the Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts. Since these areas will most likely be inaccessible during the advertising period, and some of the areas are located behind road closure gates, the following information is being made available in order that on-the-ground conditions can be observed in advance of the proposed advertising period.PRE-SOLICITATION SHOWING. A prebid showing will not be held; however, prospective bidders are encouraged to visit the sites on their own between October 25th and November 11th. Unit maps will be made available. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Donna Hawkins at the Lincoln Ranger Station at 406-362-4265 or Jack Kendley/Keith Leatherman at the Helena Ranger District at 406-449-5490. DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF WORK. The solicitation may include approximately 620 acres of hand tree planting on the Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts, to include approximately 200 acres in the Atlanta-Wagner area, approximately 170 acres in the Cave Gulch Fire Area and approximately 250 acres in the Maudlow-Toston Fire Area. Harvest units in the Maudlow-Toston Fire Area will continue to be harvested throughout the winter; hence, specific units to be planted will be dependent on harvest progress Maps are available upon request. THE BID PACKAGE FOR THIS PROJECT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL NEXT WINTER/SPRING. PLEASE REQUEST BID PACKAGES AT THAT TIME.