UMRNWFR Seeks Reed Canary Grass Hay Harvest to Assist with Habitat Management

The La Crosse District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge will be accepting
bids for reed canary grass hay harvest on approximately 40 acres in two designated areas on the Refuge.
The two haying units are located in Houston County, MN (Root River Tract vicinity; 25 acres, 1 unit) and
Vernon County, WI (near Stoddard; 15 acres, 1 unit). Haying operations and all bale and equipment removal
is to be completed from late August thru November 30, 2024. Bidding will be per ton and per field.
Yearly hay removal reduces the buildup of dead material that can accumulate and prevent growth of native
vegetation. In addition, late summer and early fall removal of reed canary grass can provide short vegetation
heights in the early growing season. These conditions are favored by wildlife such as waterfowl and
shorebirds for foraging in spring.
Individuals will be selected based on receipt of a sealed high bid. All bids must be received no later than
August 20, 2024.
Please contact Tim Miller at 608-779-2385 or Tim_a_miller@fws.gov to obtain a haying bid package which
will provide detailed information of the program, bidding requirements and expectations of the haying
permittee.