1. Bidder shall be familiar with the project area and local conditions affecting the work including project site and surrounding area, means of access, potential obstacles, and vegetation composition. Constructive knowledge of the project area by visiting the site is strongly recommended prior to preparing a bid. A map of the areas is included in this quote document. The Forest Preserve will not be responsible for any change in anticipated profits resulting from such failure or neglect. 2. This management project is primarily for the cutting and baling of grass hay. Annual haying shall be done after August 15. A second cutting must be approved by the Forest Preserve. The contractor shall only hay the areas indicated by the Forest Preserve. If the contractor fails to adhere to the hay area maps and directives, the contractor shall be considered out of compliance. If the contractor has a challenge remaining in compliance with the Hay Management project, they must contact the project manager at the Forest Preserve immediately 3. Bales may remain on-site for a maximum of 30 days. If bales are left on site more than 30 days, the contractor shall be considered out of compliance. Bales left on site shall be considered abandoned and property of the Forest Preserve. If the contractor has a challenge remaining in compliance with the Hay Management project as described in the quote documents, they must contact the project manager at the Forest Preserve immediately. 4. All the designated hay management areas must be hayed or mowed at least once per year, after August 15. Areas with small woody vegetation that are unable to be hayed, shall be brush mowed to a height of 6 inches to 9 inches in height. 5. The tractor, mower deck, rake and other equipment used in the hay management areas shall be washed with a soapy solution until clean before being brought onto Forest Preserve property to reduce the introduction of undesirable seeds, diseases, and plant materials. Mower blades must be sharp enough to cut vegetation cleanly. 6. Work shall not be done when wet soil conditions cause rutting to occur. Any ruts greater than 3” deep must be leveled. 7. Contractor may not conduct seeding, nutrient, or pesticide applications in the management area, except as approved in advance by a Forest Preserve representative.
