Springdale approves USFS-funded invasive‑tree removal on Trees Ranch, selects Summit Forests as contractor

The Springdale Town Council on July 9 approved a cost‑sharing agreement with Perunawe Canyon LLC (owner of Trees Ranch) and moved to select Summit Forests Incorporated as the contractor to perform an invasive‑vegetation removal project funded by a Landscape Scale Restoration Grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

Tom Dansey (town staff) told the council the grant will fund large‑scale removal of Russian olive and tamarisk along the Virgin River and tributaries. The Trees Ranch property on the East Fork has not been treated previously and contains dense invasive stands; the project agreement memorializes access for town contractors and the ranch owners’ commitment to provide approximately half the grant match in cash and the remainder as in‑kind labor, though exact split may vary.

Scope and methods: The staff report quantified about 90 treated acres on Perunawe (Tree’s) Ranch where density is high. Springdale‑area treatments are more dispersed and will be carried out by Utah Conservation Corps crews on a time‑based contract rather than an acreage basis. For very remote, dense areas the project may use lop‑and‑scatter methods; staff said chipping or cutting/stacking will be used in more accessible locations and that lop‑and‑scatter will be managed to avoid placing material near water and to minimize resprout risk.

Staff noted federal park vegetation crews have treated infestations within Zion National Park, and the grant cannot be used to treat federal property; the town has coordinated with the park but will not perform federally funded work on park land.

Contractor selection: The town issued an RFP and received a single proposal from Summit Forests (Ashland, Oregon). Staff and technical reviewers — including representatives from Forestry, Fire and State Lands — evaluated the proposal, checked references and recommended Summit Forests based on experience, training, equipment and cost alignment with the grant budget. Council authorized staff to prepare a formal contract with Summit Forests; work is expected to begin Sept. 1.

Actions: Council moved to approve the cost‑share contract with Perunawe Canyon LLC and directed the mayor to sign; the motion passed. Council then voted to proceed with a formal contract with Summit Forests as the selected contractor; that motion also passed.

Staff emphasized safety plans, spill plans, remote communications and training submitted by the contractor, and confirmed that methods in Springdale would avoid creating regrowth risks and would place cut material away from the river to prevent debris dams.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contracts with Perunawe Canyon LLC and Summit Forests, schedule conservation‑crew work in Springdale (using the Utah Conservation Corps for dispersed urban treatments), and begin contractor work at Perunawe Ranch on or about Sept. 1.