Forestry and Parks - Request for Proposal - Permanent Sample Plot Measurements

The Province maintains a network of permanent sample plots (PSPs) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta to monitor the growth, health and mortality of trees, which collectively sum to stand-level volume growth or decline. This data is fundamental to the calculation of the sustainable timber supply, through building timber volume vs. time relationships directly, or supplying the core data for more sophisticated forest growth models. PSP data is also extensively used in calibrating inventory assessments, and for research in forest biometrics, wildlife habitat, climate, disease, and insect dynamics. To ensure the integrity of the PSP program is maintained over the next three years, the Province requires the measurement of plots within the following work areas in accordance with the GOA PSP Manual as amended from time to time: Work area Approximate number of plots Cynthia 8 Wandering River 12 Calling Lake 11 Smith 2 Swan Hills 62 Blue Ridge 15 Whitecourt 27 Groat Creek 13 Fox Creek 2 Little Smoky 4 Slave Lake 8 Redearth Creek 15 Tall Cree 10 Meander River – Steen River 19 High Level 16 Keg River 6 Manning 23 Dixonville 12 Worsley 20 Grande Prairie 43 Several additional new plot establishments may be requested by the department in each working area. Measurements of the areas above should proceed in the order listed. In order to maximize the value of the department’s annual measurement budget, plots must be measured every year up to the budget available. The successful Proponent shall supply personnel to fulfill three (3) key roles: • Project Manager • Crew Lead(s) • Field Surveyor(s) The same person may fulfill multiple roles; however, for safety a minimum of two (2) field personnel (a crew lead and a field surveyor) per crew is mandatory. Refer to RFP for additional details.