27AL2459 Moraine Hills State Park Farm Lease SS

This contract awards a five‑year, revenue‑generating agricultural lease of approximately 30.2 acres at Moraine Hills State Park to a single local farmer, Spencer Herchenbach, under a sole‑source procurement exception for parcels ≤ 50 acres. The lease provides the state with an estimated $18,120 in annual revenue while the vendor receives an estimated $127,245.90 over the term. All farm operations—including labor, equipment, seed, fertilizer, and insurance—are the responsibility of the lessee, supporting the DNR’s mission of sustainable land use and habitat improvement. • Lease term: 03/01/2027 – 02/28/2032 (5 years) • Total estimated contract value: $145,365.90 (state revenue $18,120; vendor revenue $127,245.90) • Sole‑source justification based on Illinois Admin Code allowing lease of ≤ 50 acres without competition.