Subject:  Expression of Interest for Tree Canada Planting Project

Tree Canada is looking for landowners interested in having trees planted on their properties for our National Greening Program (NGP), a program which supports large-scale tree planting projects in five regions across Canada: British Colombia (including YT, NT, NU), Prairies (AB, MB, SK), Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes (NB, NS, PE, NL). The program aims to support landowners in their tree planting project where there is a need for forest rehabilitation, afforestation or ecosystem restoration.

Project timeline:

Tree Canada is preparing for its planting operations in 2021. This request for proposals is for two planting seasons: spring or fall 2021. The size of a project can vary, ranging from 10 to 80 acres for 8,000 to 65,000 trees.

Who we are looking for:

Landowners interested in Tree Canada’s National Greening Program.

Our requirements:

• As part of this request for expression of interest, Tree Canada is seeking landowners who wish to plant trees on their properties. It is not necessary at this stage that the landowner has already selected a contractor, but it is an advantage if it has already been done. Tree Canada will assist successful landowners in selecting a contractor for the project if one is not yet identified.

• Tree Canada and its partners are proud to support regreening projects across the country. Contributions to Tree Canada are made with the expectation of creating a lasting impact and therefore we require those who actually own the proposed lands (“the landowners”) to sign an agreement that guarantees they will keep the lands forested for a minimum number of years (length of contract negotiable).

• A site must be submitted with the online proposal form. The site cannot be part of a timber license.

• The successful landowner and contractor will be required to sign an agreement by February 28, 2021 with Tree Canada / Arbres Canada.

• Areas of high environmental value and/or subjected to naturally-caused disturbances, and rehabilitation of sites, will receive the highest priority.

• Spring planting must be completed by June 15, 2021 and fall planting must be completed by September 30, 2021.

• The program depends on sponsor contributions, which may be received over the course of the year. As a result, it is beneficial to know if projects can expand. In your proposal, please indicate the maximum number of trees that could be planted on the project.

• Information on seedling stock quality, origin of stock and what seed zone it belongs to must be provided. Type of planting stock (i.e. bareroot, plugs) will also be considered in the review of the bids.

• Site preparation should be included in the price quote, however if site preparation is not required please provide a detailed explanation.

• The contractor is required to look after all shipments of the planting stock to the planting sites, provide proper handling and storage and return empty containers.

• The contractor is required to provide a digital map/shapefile/GPS points of the proposed expected project boundary upon submission of the proposal as well as a final version after planting.

• Project payment will be facilitated by the report of a third party auditor (Registered Professional Forester or otherwise qualified) at time of planting for planting numbers and quality. The projects will be revisited by a Tree Canada hired professional to conduct survival assessments 1, 2 and 5 years after planting.

• The contractor’s ability to provided added value to the project (i.e. video footage of the planting by drone or professional videographer) should be clearly detailed, as this will be considered in the review of the proposals.

• The contractor will supply complete insurance coverage from their provider in the amount of minimum $1,000,000.

• The contractor will be expected to provide a detailed tree planting summary, in the form of a final report supplied by Tree Canada, following the operations including number of trees planted, breakdown of species planted, and dates trees were planted.

If you are interested in having a National Greening Program planting on your land, submit the online proposal no later than February 15, 2021 at 8 p.m. (EST).

Please note that the price is only one of several factors to be considered. We will review the proposals and advise you accordingly. The lowest bid may not necessarily be accepted.

If you have any questions please contact Amber Brant (+1-613-567-5545 ext. 224;  abrant@treecanada.ca).