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County awards forest labor and aerial herbicide contracts for Coos County Forest Lands
Summary
The board awarded a forest labor contract to RideChaser Inc. at a low bid of $40.49 per hour and approved an aerial herbicide application contract (Pacific Ag Services Northwest LLC) for treatment of about 258 acres; the public raised concerns about glyphosate use and alternatives such as goats or mechanical methods.
Commissioners awarded multiple forest-management contracts after a competitive solicitation. Staff reported RideChaser Inc. submitted the low bid for approximately 3,700 hours of forest labor at $40.49 per hour and recommended awarding a separate aerial-herbicide application contract for about 258 acres.
During public comment, residents questioned use of glyphosate and urged exploring alternatives, including cost-share planting and different management techniques. Commissioners approved the contracts after discussion about scope, replanting timelines and cost-effectiveness; staff said planting contracts would be handled separately and the forest-labor agreement can perform tasks including brush control, fence work and limited slash burning.
