In Patoka River Nwr Timber Stand Improvement

The contractor will furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, supplies (except herbicide provided by the Refuge), herbicide reporting, and transportation to perform TSI on the BEL, Bruce, Grosheart, and Hughes tracts. Work includes selecting desirable planted hardwood and bald cypress trees, then felling or double-girdling competing trees (willow, cottonwood, sweetgum, maple) on all four sides of each selected tree, and applying undiluted triclopyr herbicide to the cambium layer of cut stumps or girdled areas. The contractor must release at least 30 desirable trees per acre where more than 30 exist, or all remaining planted hardwoods and bald cypress where fewer than 30 remain. A record of herbicide applied must be turned in to Refuge staff upon completion. Prior to starting work, the contractor must meet with Refuge staff to review the project and objectives. Work is permitted 7:30 am to 4:00 pm CDT Monday through Friday (weekends with permission), excluding Federal holidays, and must be completed between October 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.