Description
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering a five‑year lease of approximately 84.38 acres of agricultural land within the Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area (Cox Addition). The lease will be awarded to the highest‑priced responsive and responsible bidder, with the lessee responsible for all farming operations, lease‑hold tax payments, insurance, and compliance with environmental and pest‑management requirements. The contract runs from March 1 2027 through February 28 2032, with firm‑price requirements for 90 days after bid opening.
• Lease of 84.38 acre, renewable‑free term of 5 years (2027‑2032)
• Award based on highest lease payment per acre (estimated $168/acre)
• Lessee must manage all farming activities, maintain required insurance, and pay lease‑hold taxes annually
• Mandatory pre‑bid conference (non‑mandatory attendance) on Oct 27 2026; questions due by Nov 3 2026
• Submission deadline Nov 25 2026, with electronic and paper options