Description
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering a five‑year lease of approximately 90.92 acres at Black Crown Marsh State Natural Area for agricultural farming services. The lease is revenue‑generating, with an estimated annual value to the State of $13,638 (based on $150 per acre) and to the lessee of roughly $55‑$77 k per year, depending on crop year. The lessee must provide insurance, pay lease‑hold taxes, submit annual chemical, fertilizer, and seed reports, and comply with strict restrictions on prohibited chemicals and land‑use practices. The contract is open‑market, highest‑priced responsive bid will be selected, and the bid must be submitted by mid‑November 2026.
• Lease of 90.92 acres for crop years 2027‑2031 (five separate lease years).
• Mandatory pre‑bid conference (non‑mandatory attendance) on Oct 20 2026; questions due by Oct 27 2026.
• Requirements include liability insurance, annual rent pre‑payment or irrevocable letter of credit, tax receipts, and detailed reporting (chemical, fertilizer, seed, soil testing).
• No subcontracting allowed; lease cannot be renewed after the five‑year term.