Forestry and Parks - Request for Proposal - EDSON WILDFIRE RECLAMATION of EWF035-2023 and WCU001-2023

Alberta Forestry and Parks, in its mandate to prevent and suppress wildfires within the Province is required to reclaim disturbed forest land caused by wildfire suppression operations. These sites were essential for effective wildfire operations and include fireguards, creek crossings, pipeline crossings, and helipads. Wildfire reclamation is required to prevent or reduce the potential of soil erosion and ensure soil stabilization on or near the fire line. Reclamation of disturbances also promotes the recovery of the disturbed land base for wildlife habitat (i.e. caribou) and vegetative growth. Due to soil conditions, the reclamation work must be done when the ground conditions are in a frozen state. This RFP consists of two (2) wildfires; EWF035 is located northeast of the hamlet of Peers, Alberta, at N53 50.2100 W115 47.00. WCU001 is located north of Wildwood, Alberta. The small portion of work required is located at N53 38.3510 W115 08.2574. EWF035 is 19,672 hectares in size. During suppression efforts, there was approximately 99 km of fireguard constructed. This involves heavy equipment pushing ground vegetation (shrubs, grasses, and trees) aside to expose mineral soil and restrict/slow wildfire progression. To assist ground crews; 11 stream/culvert crossings, 7 pipeline crossings and 12 helipads were built and will require reclamation as well. WCU001 has only 6 km of fireguard remaining to be reclaimed. There are also 2 helipads that will require reclamation as well. Reclamation with mechanical equipment is required to recover the land base to a near natural state. The fireguard travels through mainly spruce and pine stands, taking advantage of natural clearings when possible. Reclaiming the fireguard will require pulling back the topsoil, woody debris, and any displaced trees onto the grubbed fire guard. The trees are to be broken up mechanically or manually slashed so to be made to lie flat to the ground. Leaning or damaged trees that cannot be reached mechanically without causing significant additional damage to the forest, will be manually felled and/or bucked to lie flat to the ground.