Calling all contractors! Do you have the equipment and ability to follow of a scope of work for planting trees, restoring a prairie, or building a wetland? Do you own a tractor, spraying/tiling implements, chainsaws, or excavation equipment and have an interest in completing smaller to medium sized jobs?
Then let us introduce you to the Ohio Resource Connection (ORC). The ORC is a repository of contractors and forestry/wildlife professionals who are available for hire to conduct habitat work for private landowners. These contractors in the ORC are firms or individuals, whose activities range from bush hogging vegetation, removing invasive plant species, planting seed and licensed herbicide applicators and excavation firms to private foresters and wildlife biologists.
To explain, landowners of rural properties are sometimes interested in enhancing the habitat on their property to benefit wildlife. Many of these landowners are enrolled in conservation programs with the federal government that require certain activities take place and they are in need of assistance to accomplish these habitat management goals. Conservation programs have been receiving increased funding and there will be a growing need for contractors to do this work as landowners become less apt to own or operate their own equipment. They can turn to the ORC to see if there is a contractor listed that can be hired to assist in their specific needs. Some of these government programs actually assist with the labor/equipment costs.
Conversely, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) owns several public hunting areas in Seneca and surrounding Counties and they are looking for local contractors to conduct various management activities (as mentioned above) on those properties. In other words, the ODNR is looking for contractors to sign up as vendors on the ORC. Additionally, several other public entities in Seneca and surrounding counties also may be in need of contractors who are able to do this work and the ORC would be a vehicle for advertising your services.
The ORC is supported by various groups such as the ODNR (Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife), Society of American Foresters, and the Nature Conservancy. Not only are we promoting ORC to landowners who may be in need of assistance in woodland and wildlife habitat management but also to firms or individuals who may wish to become a vendor listed in the ORC. There is a nominal fee for registering as a contractor in the ORC. However, the benefits of being connected will be a much bigger benefit for contractors, landowners, and public agencies alike.
Contact Rick Hassinger or check the links below for more information.
Rick Hassinger
rhassinger@conservesenecacounty.com
(419) 447-7073.