The planned cutting of about 52 acres of pine trees in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest could begin next month. 

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which owns the forest located in the middle of the Island, put the controversial project out to bid on Monday and expects to award a contract in early February. 

The state is required to remove about 175 acres of pine from the forest as part of a 2001 permit where the agency expanded its fire breaks. Many of the white pines in the forest grew from a now defunct initiative to have lumber plantations on the Island.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has said the plan will also help restore a sandplain grassland habitat, for which there are few left in the world, and cut down on the risk of a major fire in the forest.

“This work will improve the long-term health of the forest that is home to one of the highest concentrations of rare species in the state,” the agency said in an announcement. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Task Force and local community as this work progresses.”

The plan has been met with some resistance from Islanders. Many have argued that the pines are healthy and create a special place on the Island, different from much of the pitch pine and scrub oak found elsewhere.

The initial tree cutting is planned for two parcels in the southeast corner of the forest. One is 40 acres and another is 12. Prospective bidders have until Jan. 30 to submit bids, and the state estimates it will award a contract on Feb. 9. 

According to bid documents, the work is expected to take about two months. The state eventually will need to submit a plan for the remaining acres, after shrinking the initial phase due to public feedback. 

The state estimates that the cutting will produce about 2,600 tons of wood chips, and there are efforts underway to ensure some of the wood goes to local sawmill owners. The contractor picked will be required to distribute at least 25 per cent of the total board feet to local users, and some sawlogs must be given to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).