Siuslaw Model Forest Bridge Installation Invitation to Bid

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties are the owners and managers of the Siuslaw Model Forest (SMF), a 142-acre NYC watershed demonstration and recreation site.

The Siuslaw Model Forest, 6055 Route 23, Acra, NY, is split roughly in half by the Sawmill Creek. The South-Southeastern portion of the property has two access points along NY 23. There is a stewardship entrance formally used as a log landing as well as a main entrance to the parking lot and donor residence. The North-Northwestern acreage is not accessible by road, RoW or CCE-owned property. There are stable trails, demonstrations, and woodland stewardship projects throughout the entire property that staff, visitors and vehicles must cross the Sawmill Creek to access.

A sizeable stretch of the Sawmill Creek runs through Siuslaw but is largely inaccessible. It is mostly flanked by steep banks with fluctuating stability due to high energy flows. The one relatively stable area for crossing was established as a ford connecting the main forest road, but is unpredictable and is not a feasible option for pedestrians.

To provide both vehicular and pedestrian access across Sawmill Creek, a 50-foot, steel frame hinged portable bridge will be installed to span the ford crossing. The structure will be a permanent demonstration of a temporary bridge used during logging operations.

This project involves the permanent installation of the bridge (weighs 36,000 pounds), which is currently stored at Cannonsville Lumber. Plans are to bury large stackable rock as footers across the road on either side of the stream to set the bridge on. Installation of the bridge will require sourcing and placing (excavate and bury) the rock base footers and setting, leveling and securing the bridge.

This project would occur between July 1 and September 30, 2024 to comply with NYS DEC timing restrictions for work in a trout stream. A stream disturbance permit application has been submitted to NYS DEC and compliance with DEC stream crossing rules and regulations apply.

Bids are invited for:

Transportation of the bridge from Cannonsville Lumber (199 Old Route 10. Deposit, NY 13754) to the Agroforestry Resource Center and Siulsaw Model Forest (6055 Route 23, Acra, NY, 12405).
Installation of the bridge (described above)
Both Transportation and Installation of the bridge.

* If the bridge is transported separately the bridge may need to be hauled approximately 0.5 miles over the existing forest road to reach the crossing.

To qualify for bidding, interested parties must schedule a meeting and/or showing of the work site by July 1 and submit bids by July 8. Please contact Samantha Goff to schedule a bid showing by email or phone at sag334@cornell.edu 518-622-9820 x100.

Note: Please see the attached sample contract below with the complete details and insurance requirements.