VALLEY – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting sealed bids for two separate annual cattle grazing permits to assist with habitat management on the Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges for the 2019 season.  One cooperator will be selected for each refuge.  The permits may be extended yearly for up to four additional grazing periods, not to exceed the 2023 grazing season.

Cattle grazing is used as a prescriptive management tool to maintain healthy and diverse habitats, which includes reducing the amount of invasive species within the refuge.

Selected operators will work under a Cooperative Agriculture Agreement (CCA) as a

Cooperators will be selected through an open, transparent and competitive process where applicants will be scored and ranked based on a combination of a competitive bids, reference checks, and relevant experience.

Potential bidders are required attend an onsite briefing and inspection tour of the refuge you plan to bid on.

January 3, 2019- 9 a.m. at the Alamosa Refuge Visitor Center (9383 El Rancho Lane, Alamosa) 

January 3, 2019-1 p.m. at the Monte Vista Refuge Office (6120 S Hwy 15, Monte Vista)   

No additional inspections will be accommodated. 

The bid packages with detailed information can be obtained at Refuge Offices, electronically at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/alamosa/ or https://www.fws.gov/refuge/monte_vista/ or by emailing; [email protected]

The Refuge must receive sealed bids by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2019:

MAIL:

SLVNWR Complex

Attn:  2019 Cattle Grazing

9383 El Rancho Lane

Alamosa, CO 81101.

EMAIL: [email protected] with subject line “2019 Cattle Grazing”

Sealed bids will be opened on January 28, 2019 and successful operators will be notified by January 30, 2019.

For more information on Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges grazing contact Suzanne Beauchaine at (719) 589-4021 Ext. 1003.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information, visit http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/. Connect with our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USFWSMountainPrairie, follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSMtnPrairie, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/.