Phragmites Mowing at Farmington Bay and Ogden Bay Wildlife Management Area

The Division of Wildlife Resources is looking for qualified contractors with equipment that can mow herbicide treated Phragmites along ditches, roadways, and dikes on our Waterfowl Management Areas. This work will require specialized equipment that can effectively mow Phragmites in a wetland environment. The use of track hoe mounted “Brushhound” or “Brush hog” type flail mower or mulching attachments will be required. No rotary mower attachments are allowed. The minimum size track hoe used for this job will be a 315. The standard for mowing Phragmites will be 95% of existing material will be detached from the ground at a maximum height from the ground of 6 inches. The standard cut length of stem will be 80% of stem pieces no longer than 8 inches in length. Random grab samples will be conducted by DWR personnel and ocular estimates will be used to determine if the minimum standard has been successfully completed. Sampling will occur at the beginning and throughout the work to determine if the standards are being met or if a new course of action and technique is required so adjustments can be made by the contractor. Mowing will occur on the toe of dikes, whereas the track hoe can sit on dike, reaching out anywhere from 10-18 feet, depending on the size of the Phragmites patch. Some mowing will also occur along ditches and waterways where machinery can sit on the side of the ditch, on dry ground. We currently have 87,585 linear feet (60,460 at Ogden Bay, 27,125 at Farmington Bay) that can be mowed (see maps). Dependent on the bids received, we will mow the maximum amount according to our budget. The bid will be awarded based on the price per 1000 feet. Some areas will require mowing on both sides of the dike and/or ditch while other areas will require mowing on 1 side of the dike and/or ditch. Some mowing will occur in areas that were previously mowed the year before, resulting in much less growth, making these particular areas easier and faster to mow. In addition, not all linear footage mapped will require continuous mowing. However, the awarded contractor will be paid based on linear footage covered while driving machinery.

Division 32 -

Exterior Improvements, Operation and Maintenance of Exterior Improvements, Irrigation, Planting Irrigation, Planting, Planting Preparation, Soil Preparation, Landscape Grading.