Forestry and Parks - Request for Proposal - Basset Fire Reclamation

Forestry Division of Alberta’s Ministry of Forestry and Parks, in its mandate to prevent and suppress wildfires within the province is required under existing legislation (Appendix A) to reclaim disturbed forest land caused by GOA wildfire suppression operations. This reclamation is aimed at reducing subsequent wildfire hazard, preventing, or reducing the potential of soil erosion and ensure soil stabilization and to promote the vegetative recovery of the disturbed land base to help ensure ecosystem health and biodiversity. In the suppression of HWF-058, these disturbances were essential for effective wildfire operations. a) Basset Complex consists of one fire: HWF058-23 Start Date: 2023/06/04 Location: 01-04-106-03W6 Fireguards, and associated stream crossing and pipeline crossings were necessary to create fuel breaks, provide anchors for ignition activities and to create safe zones. Reclamation will consist of using mechanical labour to pull back the soil and restoring the natural contour, then pulling in all the pushed over and damaged trees, woody debris, and shrubs. These trees are to be broken up, and the debris will be dispersed evenly over the fire guard so to lie flat to the ground. Those trees that cannot be made to lie flat to the ground by mechanical means will have to be manually slashed by chainsaw in order to be made flat. All locations where cut, and fill occurred must be re-contoured to the natural landform. Work must conform to Part 2 of the Forest and Prairie Protection regulations and must be done during frozen ground conditions. This fire started June 4th 2023 and continued to burn through the 2023/2024 winter. This fire was not deemed extinguished until summer of 2024. Sections of guard may not require reclamation due to burn over, logging operations or mitigate damage to areas with high regeneration. b) All fireguards, associated stream crossing and pipeline crossings, helipads created for access, excavated water holes (bell holes) provided water sources on the line are to be reclaimed to replicate natural disturbance and return the ecosystem to a natural state. Sections of the fireguards were created when the ground had not fully thawed or was unsuitable for guard construction (detailed on map) and may require use of predetermined access roads to be reclaimed. Winter operations took place during the 2023/2024 winter where new guard and wind rows were established that will require rolling back. (view map) All work must be completed as per specifications identified in the reclamation plan. (Attached) Contractor must provide sufficient facilities to house staff working in remote locations. Once work is deemed completed by the contractor, a final flight with contract manager will take place prior to project sign off. c) An on-site foreman who will report to contract manager directly with bi-weekly progress reports. Contractor is required to apply for all applicable land use authorizations and follow appropriate procedures in regard to constructing a temporary work camp. d) The contractor may benefit from consultation with local forest companies (Tolko, West Fraser, La Crete Sawmills) for access and collaboration if utilizing pre established haul roads.