Pope County WRP Easements Tree Removal

Updated with the addition of file attachment S01 12FPC124Q0009 Additional Questions and Answers 12 MAR 24

Updated with the addition of file attachment S01 12FPC124Q0009 Questions and Answers 6 MAR 24

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Minnesota State Office has a need for tree removal on 10 Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easements in Pope County. Total Brush Management Quantity is 949.6 acres, covering 10 individual parcels. Not all acres have brush on them. Length of contract is <2 years ending December 31st, 2025. NRCS holds conservation easements on private land- those easements are enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

These grassland easements have been previously restored to native prairie vegetation; both grasses and broad-leaved plants are present on the easements. Scattered woody vegetation has sprouted on these easements and NRCS would like that scattered woody vegetation killed, cut and shredded with a follow up spot foliar herbicide application to catch resprouting trees. Existing density of trees varies across the various properties but is generally considered light density.

The objective of tree & brush control & removal is to kill and cut invasive and undesirable woody vegetation from the defined areas within the easement. Species to be cut & controlled primarily include:

Cottonwood, Boxelder, Green Ash, Russian Olive, Buckthorn & Red Cedar. Other tree species may be present and may be removed at the discretion of NRCS. However, target species do not generally include willows and Redosier Dogwood unless specifically noted.