Beaver Island/Buckhorn Island Invasive Removals

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is seeking a Contractor for invasive species plant control at Buckhorn Island and Beaver Island State Parks located within the Niagara Region. This project involves one (1) treatment consisting of mechanical cutting and chemical applications (cut-stump method) to the following woody invasive species: common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and privet (Ligustrum spp.).

The method of treatment in the attached Scope of Work shall be used at both park treatment areas. Maps of treatment areas in both parks are provided with the Scope of Work.

Cut Stump Application

The Cut Stump Application method is to be used through the project areas in both parks. The Contractor shall provide and apply herbicide (registered herbicides with the active ingredients of triclopyr and/or glyphosate) directly to the stems of target species that have been freshly cut using loppers, clippers, chainsaws, brush saws or other hand tools (i.e., no tractors or riding mowers). Herbicide shall be applied according to the product label, in an approved concentration on the cut stump or stem using targeted means of application (i.e., dabbers, handheld spray bottle, paintbrush). Cut stump applications will occur between December 6 – March 31. OPRHP can work with Contractor to ensure they are comfortable in determining/identification of invasive species.

Buckhorn Island State Park Project Area

• Project area covers 23 acres
• All mapped occurrences of target species should be treated within the entire project area.
• Based on recent mapping, OPRHP estimates all target species combined have an approximate cover density of 25% as shown in Exhibit A.
• The mapping in Exhibit A is to be used as a reference to the approximate locations of invasive species polygons and points within the project area.

The project area is accessible from a utility right of way south of the project area and from East-West Park Road, and along the right-of-way of East-West Park Road on the north of the project area.

Cut Stump Treatment – December 7, 2026 – March 31, 2027

• The Contractor shall cut and treat all target invasive species using registered herbicides with the active ingredients of triclopyr and/or glyphosate using the cut stump application method for all target invasive species, being careful not to hit non-target species.
• The Contractor will mechanically chip any freshly cut woody debris within 50 feet of the project boundary (approximately 8 acres), or as directed by OPRHP, and dispose of any generated wood chips at an off-site location.
• The Contractor is responsible for providing this dumping location.
• Cut debris within the project area but outside of the 50-foot buffer may be chipped at the Contractor's discretion.
• Any unchipped cut material outside the buffer shall be piled in dry or seasonally saturated portions of the wetland and adjacent area to create wildlife shelter and habitat.
• The brush piles shall be no more than 12 feet long, 8 feet wide and 6 feet high and spaced at least 25 feet apart, per NYSDEC Article 24 permit.

Responses must be submitted on this RFQ document, or the quote may be deemed non-responsive and disqualified from consideration. Submit e-mail responses to Jillian.Harris@parks.ny.gov. If the quote exceeds $15,000, fill out and return the additional forms provided within this RFQ document to the Designated Contact by the due date and time indicated.

In the sole discretion of OPRHP, award of this RFQ will be made to a responsive, responsible and qualified bidder who offers the lowest quote meeting all specifications as outlined in this RFQ.

**Minimum Bidder Qualification:** Must Have Certified DEC Applicators in Cat. 2 or 3A. Minimum qualifications will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

All RFQ responses must be valid for at least 90 days.

Service term: One Time Service, Start Date: 12/7/2026, End Date: 03/31/2027.

The work under this RFQ has been determined to be a public work pursuant to Article 8 (Construction) of the New York Labor Law which requires prevailing wages to be paid. PRC# 2026030525. A Certificate of Registration with the Bureau of Public Work and Prevailing Wage Enforcement must be submitted at the time of bid if applicable.

**Insurance:** Commercial General Liability with Each Occurrence limit $1,000,000.00 and General Aggregate $2,000,000.00; Comprehensive Business Automobile Liability of at least $1,000,000 each accident; Workers' Compensation and Disability Benefits Insurance.