Organization Overview:

The Nature Conservancy of Canada(NCC) is a leading national land conservation organization committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the species they sustain.  Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected more than 15 million hectares of ecologically significant land across Canada. With a central office in Toronto and regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Darkwoods is a 63,000 hectare Conservation Area on the shore of Kootenay Lake owned and managed out of the NCC office in Nelson, BC. These private timber lands were previously managed under an intensive forestry and harvesting regime and NCC is now working to restore ecological values and reduce risk of wildfires. 

Project Overview:

NCC is seeking a qualified contractor to support conservation land management with a small crew to perform basic silviculture and road clearing activities. Darkwoods has over 100 km of gravel logging roads and several bridges that require annual maintenance and clearing to maintain safe access for the public and forestry activities. NCC is also working to reduce wildfire risk by thinning previously harvested stands and burning slash piles. 

Project Objectives:

1. Keep Darkwoods roads clear of debris for safe travel 
2. Reduce wildfire risk in selected areas

Scope of Work:

NCC is seeking a company to provide equipment and crew to complete the following tasks in Darkwoods between June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027. The contractor is responsible for all equipment and supplies including chainsaws, brush saws, gas, trucks, safety equipment etc. 

Under the direction of the NCC Darkwoods manager, the selected proponent responsibilities are:

1. Clear Darkwoods roads of overhanging brush, blowdown and debris once the snow melts.  See map below for all roads that may require some maintenance. Crew of two people should be equipped with a 4WD truck, chainsaws and brush saws. Initial road clearing and minor repairs (estimated 5 – 10 days) to be completed June 1 – July 1.
2. Identify and mark any safety or road maintenance issues that may impact safe public access to Darkwoods
3. Complete post harvest cleanup of a partial cutblock – thinning advanced regeneration and piling slash in fall/winter. In southeast corner of Darkwoods near Creston. Larger crews can be used to complete this work.
4. Burn slash piles when venting is good as needed fall/winter. In southeast corner of Darkwoods near Creston and close to Tye. Larger crews can be used to complete this work.
5. Juvenile spacing of saplings under 15cm diameter.  In southeast corner of Darkwoods near Creston and close to Tye. Larger crews can be used to complete this work.
6. Be available to respond to safety or environmental issues as required (e.g. available to put up a road closure sign or lock a gate on short notice)

Bids and questions can be submitted directly to adrian.leslie@natureconservancy.ca