Fall 2026 Herbicide Release

The County of Tuolumne is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to conduct chemical herbicide release work related to the Master Stewardship Agreement the County has with the USDA, Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest, on behalf of the Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions (YSS) Collaborative.

The County intends to select Contractors that meet the specifications of this Solicitation based on best value.

The Fall 2026 Herbicide Release Project consists of chemical herbicide release work to be conducted in accordance with the specifications and alternatives approved in the Rim Fire Restoration and Reforestation Record of Decisions (ROD). The work will be conducted on approximately 973 acres within the Rim Fire burn scar in Tuolumne County an d will not exceed the maximum gallons of herbicide.

The units included in this project consist of planted seedlings that, at the time of planting Spring 2025 and 2026, did not have sufficient competing vegetation or targeted species present to warrant release treatment. As a result, release work was not necessary or appropriate at that time. These units have since developed sufficient competing vegetation and/or targeted species around the planted seedlings and now require release treatment to reduce competition and support the establishment and growth of the planted seedlings.

Herbicide application shall commence no later than the date of contract execution and shall be completed no later than October 31, 2026, or upon the occurrence of the first significant rain event that prevents further application, or upon senescence of deciduous vegetation, whichever occurs first.

In January 2018, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors approved a Master Stewardship Agreement with the USDA, Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest on behalf of the YSS Collaborative, giving the County authority over the next 10 years to work with the Forest Service to conduct landscape restoration activities on the Stanislaus National Forest within the boundaries of Tuolumne County. In July 2024, this agreement was extended an additional 10 years until 2038.

The Supplemental Project Agreements developed under the Master Stewardship Agreement are for the purpose of protecting, enhancing and restoring forest and watershed health and bringing economic opportunities to the local area. Tuolumne County is using the collaborative group YSS and its sub-partners inside YSS to assist with Forest Health Projects.

It is the County's intent to subcontract out program administration and project management. Yosemite River's Alliance (YRA), formerly Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), has been sub-contracted by the County for program administration and project management. YRA will supervise Contractors and oversee the work being done on the projects issued to any Contractor.