HI-KONA FOREST NWR-UNGULATE CONTROL

HI-KONA FOREST NWR-UNGULATE CONTROL For Market research purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation announcement. The removal of feral ungulates (feral cattle, sheep, and pigs) from two fenced management units of the Kona Forest Unit (KFU) of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The desired result is complete removal of all ungulates from the two units, which total 1,851 acres and 1,908 acres, respectively, within 4 years.

Section 1.02 Project Location and Description The Refuge is located approximately 26 road miles (23 miles paved, 3.5 miles unpaved) south of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, mauka of State Highway 11 (Figure 1). Driving time is approximately 1 hour from Kailua-Kona. There are three fenced units within the refuge, and the project will take place in the two upper (higher elevation) units (Figure 2). There are an estimated 150-200 cattle in the two units (3,759 acres), with most found in the middle unit (Unit 2).

There are fewer than 50 sheep, currently only in the upper unit (Unit 1). There is no current estimate for the number of feral pigs present in both units. The combined animal population is having a serious impact on forest regeneration by browsing and damaging existing vegetation, preventing natural regeneration, contributing to soil erosion, spreading invasive weeds, and creating mosquito breeding habitat. Prospective contractors shall submit bids and an overview of their qualifications to accomplish the following:

a) Complete removal of cattle and sheep from both units within 18 months of Notice to Proceed (NTP) b) Complete removal of feral pigs from both units within 4 years years of NTP (contract may include a 6 month extension based on performance) c) Maintain fences to ensure timely removal is not disrupted by animals moving into the refuge. d) Install snares at a density of 1 per acre in each unit (3700 snares combined total for Units 1 and 2) and complete a minimum of two snare checks (one each year) to collect mortality data.

Over the course of the project, the contractor will provide labor, materials, and equipment unless otherwise noted or agreed upon by the refuge (Table 1). The Refuge goal is for maximum control eradication within both units and the contractor must provide data to demonstrate success. The contractor will provide data (age/sex/GPS location) and a photo documentation of animals dispatched or captured during their work on the Refuge. The Refuge will carry-out ungulate surveys and use baited game cameras to confirm removal efforts are successful.