Contractors' Page

Contractor Information for Tree Removal and Prescribed Fire Projects in the
Middle Niobrara Biologically Unique Landscape

Our program works with landowners to improve habitat for at-risk species on private lands. One major objective is to reduce the amount of encroaching eastern red cedar in prairies and in pine and deciduous woodlands in the Niobrara Valley. Two practices that landowners frequently use are mechanical tree removal and prescribed fire. Although some landowners do these practices on their own, others need to hire a contractor to perform this work. The information on this page is for mechanical tree removal and prescribed fire contractors who are interested in working with landowners involved in our program.

About Our Projects

Contractor Performance Expectations

Mechanical Tree Removal

Sample Bid Package
    Bid Specifications
    Bid Map
    Bid Form

Contractor List
(to be added to the list call Clayton Stalling, 402-370-3374 for the new website administrator contact info.)

Prescribed Fire

Bid Package will include summary sheet, bid form, and burn plan with map

Contractor List
(to be added to the list call Clayton Stalling, 402-370-3374 for the new website administrator contact info.)

Volunteer Fire Departments

VFDs use prescribed fire for training and income

Volunteer Fire Department RxBurn

Some proactive VFDs are using prescribed fire to provide training and experience to their crews in non-emergency fire situations, provide a needed service to their community, decrease the number of emergency calls, and raise funds for their department.

In the Niobrara Valley the Stuart and Johnstown VFDs are among those who are engaging with their local communities to create a safe and healthy environment for people, wildlife, and ecosystems. Click here to read about how one fire department in a neighboring state has successfully used prescribed fire!

Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire is an effective, inexpensive method of controlling woody encroachment on prairies, setting back cool-season non-native grasses, and rejuvenating shrubs for wildlife.

Several cost-share programs are available to landowners to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners for prescribed fire.

Mechanical Tree Removal

In many places in the Niobrara Valley eastern redcedar encroachment has become too established to fight with prescribed fire alone. Once trees are taller than about six feet they are harder to kill with fire alone.

A number of methods of mechanical removal are effective in handling larger trees. Ranging from bobcats with shears to self-propelled saws to shredders and mulchers, there are a variety of tools available to address cedar control.