Request for Proposals: Forest Management Plan, Holt Research Forest - Arrowsic, ME.

BACKGROUND

Maine TREE was founded in 1989 by dedicated timberland owners, forest product producers, tree farmers, and others interested in Maine's forest. We provide Maine people with accurate information about the state’s forest resources by delivering programs that increase the public’s awareness of Maine’s forests. Our mission is to educate and advocate for the sustainable use of the forest and the ecological, economic, and social health of Maine’s forest community. 

Maine TREE owns and manages Holt Research Forest (HRF), a site of continuous ecological

monitoring since 1983. Located on the island town of Arrowsic, Maine, this 350-acre research

forest serves a large population of Maine woodland owners whose red oak-white pine forest

ecosystems are underrepresented in scientific research. As a demonstration site for

sustainable, active management, HRF provides regional landowners with valuable information regarding the impacts of management practices on forest composition and growth, economic value, sustained health, and habitat for their properties.

Map of Holt Research Forest. The study grid is divided into 40 one-hectare blocks, each labeled with a number-letter code.

The property is part of the Maine Tree Farm Program and is protected by a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy. Our research emphasizes two major goals: to monitor long-term changes in the forest’s plant and animal populations, and to document the effect of forest management on these populations.

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN STANDARDS and SCOPE OF WORK

In 2016, Maine TREE was awarded funding to develop a comprehensive 10-year forest management plan. Now, in 2026, Maine TREE is updating the HRF Forest Management Plan (2027-2037). The plan will define, integrate, and coordinate the research, stewardship, and education and outreach activities that take place on site, and serve as an educational tool. It will address current forest conditions and the numerous non-timber values in detail, and include a timber inventory, in-depth stand descriptions, property history, wildlife habitat information, timber harvest, and forest stand improvement recommendations. Commercial timber harvesting was conducted in 1988 and 2020. Additionally, the plan will meet the comprehensive WoodsWISE Resilience Program standards of the Maine Forest Service. A complete timber inventory is currently being completed on approximately 100 acres of the forest’s study grid. The forester should plan to conduct a timber inventory on the remaining 200 forested acres.

In addition to performing the work required to meet the WoodsWISE Resilience Program standards, the forester will need to review and incorporate pertinent aspects of the HRF research plan, the American Tree Farm System Standards of Sustainability, and the conservation easement. The forester will attend at least one 2-hour meeting with Maine TREE’s HRF Advisory Committee in Arrowsic to obtain their input. The forester will also attend at least one 2-hour meeting with Maine TREE’s Research Manager to discuss integration of research goals and forest management/timber harvest recommendations.

PROPOSAL CONTENTS

1. A brief narrative description of your approach to the project, methods used, and experience with similar projects.

2. A proposed schedule for conducting the plan, including field work, and report preparation (including one draft for review and comment by the HRF Advisory Committee).

3. Statement that the plan can be completed by March 1, 2027.

4. Please provide a full financial overview, including the total cost of the project.

5. Sample copy of a plan that meets the WoodsWISE Resilience Program standards.

6. Contact information for 3 references.

TIMELINE

July, 2026 Request for Proposals

August 17, 2026 Proposals due to Maine TREE Research Manager

September 1, 2026 Consultant selected and contract signed

December 14, 2026 Draft plan sent to HRF Advisory Committee

March 1, 2027 Final plan due; all work completed

PROJECT OVERSIGHT

Maine TREE’s Research Manager, Paulina Murray, will oversee the project in consultation with the Holt Research Forest Advisory Committee. Questions regarding the property itself should be directed to Paulina Murray (paulina@mainetree.org). 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All proposal materials must be submitted via email by 5 pm on Monday, August 17, 2026, to Paulina Murray, Research Manager (paulina@mainetree.org).