Roadside Vegetation Control for Wildfire Prevention
The Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is seeking to establish a pre-qualified contractor pool for roadside vegetation control in support of wildfire mitigation. Our goal is to reduce wildfire risks by managing vegetation along prioritized roadways and adjacent areas within Wasco County.
Background
Wasco County has secured funding for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG). This grant supports ongoing efforts in wildfire planning, mitigation, and response to reduce wildfire risks in vulnerable rural communities in central Wasco County. Past droughts and wildfires have prompted local fire districts, community members, state and federal agencies, and NGOs to form a partnership focused on reducing wildfire risks. Over the next several years (through 2029 under the current grant), the Wasco County SWCD will work with local landowners, partner agencies, and rural fire protection districts to clear vegetation within up to 100-foot buffers on 20-25 miles of roadways each year, creating roadside defensible space. The project must adhere to specific requirements to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Project areas are identified through a multi-agency Local Advisory Working Group that prioritizes roadside segments and work areas based on risk, access, and landowner participation. This work supports vegetation control on privately owned lands participating in the CWDG program, within and adjacent to prioritized work areas. Projects proceed only with landowner participation, and SWCD’s role is to coordinate funding and facilitate implementation.
Project Details
Scope of Work:
• Clearing and trimming of trees and brush within a specified distance from roadways, up 100’.
• Slash will be managed or disposed of in accordance with the project prescription and landowner direction.
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding environmental protection and safety.
• Coordinating with SWCD and relevant fire, land management, or technical partners on project timing, access, and safety considerations.
• Each project will include a site-specific prescription developed through the Local Advisory Working Group prioritization process and landowner participation.
Requirements:
• Experience in wildfire prevention and vegetation management.
• Valid licenses and insurance.
• Ability to provide references from previous similar projects.
• Compliance with all relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• See sample contract for more details.
How to apply to be placed on the list
Please submit a description of your experience, qualifications, available equipment, time and materials rates, and references to shilah.olson@or.nacdnet.net or deliver to:
Wasco County SWCD – Attention: Shilah Olson
2325 River Road, Suite 3, The Dalles, OR 97058
Subject line: CWDG Vegetation Control Contractor Qualifications
Applications must be received by Monday, August 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM to be considered for inclusion in the pre-qualified pool. Contractors must be willing to use the standard SWCD contract without modification if awarded work. Responsibility of bidders and proposers will be determined pursuant to ORS 279B.110. After review, applicants will be notified of their status and, if qualified, will receive project-specific solicitations as work areas are prioritized. Additional opportunities to join the pool may be offered at later dates depending on project needs.
Selection Process:
Qualified contractors will be invited to submit proposals when a project is ready for implementation. Small projects can be awarded under different methods. Any procurement of goods or services not exceeding $25,000 may be awarded in any manner deemed practical or convenient by the contracting agency, including by direct selection or award. Procurement of goods or services between $25,000 and $250,000 may be awarded after the agency seeks at least three informally solicited competitive proposals from prospective contractors. Formal requests for proposals may be issued to the pool for larger or more complex projects, or when preferred by the agency, regardless of dollar amount. Project size and scope will vary based on landowner participation, site-specific conditions, and the Local Advisory Working Group’s prioritization and bundling strategy. Scoring criteria will be provided for each solicitation.
We look forward to receiving your application and working together to enhance wildfire safety in Wasco County.
Sincerely,
Shilah Olson
Wasco County SWCD District Manager
shilah.olson@or.nacdnet.net