ANN & SANDY CROSS CONSERVATION AREA ~ REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: GRAZING PROGRAM

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The Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is seeking proposals from persons interested in conducting an exclusive winter/spring grazing program on lands managed by the Conservation Area.
The Conservation Area's Board of Directors (the "Cross Board") supervises the management of 4,800 acres of rolling foothills land donated by Ann and Sandy Cross. In addition to its mandate of protecting natural habitat for native species, the area offers conservation education programs that foster awareness, appreciation and action.
Recently, the Cross Board received a report on the physical development and stewardship of the lands comprising the Conservation Area. The Cross Board is currently seeking proposals from persons interested in conducting a grazing program on the Conservation Area. The grazing program will assist the Cross Board in managing weed control and reducing risk of wildfire, as well as facilitate the improved health of the grasslands.
The design of the program, including the area to be grazed, herd size, the portion of the year when grazing occurs, term, capital investment for building repair and fencing (both new and by way of repairs) should be in the proposal. A draft copy of the contract, which will be revised to reflect the terms and conditions in the awarded proposal, is available by contacting the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area and the final contract will include the terms and conditions contained in the Proposal submitted by the successful proponent.
Proposals will be evaluated and selected based upon the following criteria and weighting:
1.The Grazing Plan submitted..............25%
2.Experience of the Proponent.............25%
3.Proponent's knowledge of grazing management................25%
4.Compensation offered..............25%
Interested persons can receive additional information from and access to the applicable lands for review/inspection through Reg Rempel by contacting: 403-931-3111 or rrempel@crossconservation.org.
Interested persons must submit their proposal by September 15th, 2011. The Board of Directors of the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and its evaluation and decision shall be final.
Please contact either Reg Rempel or e-mail info@crossconservation.org PRIOR to submitting a proposal to receive the full Request For Proposals with details on the items all proposals must address, including: area to be grazed, seasonality, term, grazing management, animal management, cattle feeding, hazardous materials, insurance and assignment.

Further information on the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area can be found at: www.crossconservation.org.