Attachments A-K~20.pdf

Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area

25AL2165

12/10 /2024 IDNR AG Lease

N

Site Boundary Crop Field

Attachment A

12/10 /2024 IDNR AG Lease

N

Site Boundary Crop Field

12/10 /2024 IDNR AG Lease

N

Site Boundary Crop Field

AGRICULTURAL/WILDLIFE & HABITAT LAND LEASE

Lease Requirements

Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area

25AL2165

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (NO DOUBLE CROPPING) If field conditions do not allow for the designated crop (see cropping plan) to be planted by the counties crop insurance final planting date (as determined by the USDA Risk Management Agency *), due to weather, the tenant shall be allowed to plant an alternative crop or may be left idle with written approval from the Site Superintendent, District Wildlife Biologist, and Agricultural Lease Program Manager. In the event a field is left idle, the tenant shall pay the agreed upon per acre lease amount. Fields shall resume scheduled planting the following year. All other cropping plan changes shall require a formal amendment to the lease.

*https://www.rma.usda.gov/RMALocal/Ilinois

If field conditions do not allow for sunflowers to be planted by May 10th due to weather or the planting fails the tenant shall be allowed to plant an alternative crop with written approval from the Site Superintendent, District Wildlife Biologist, and Agricultural Lease Program Manager, to ensure the field is planted to a suitable crop for dove season.

The list below includes those actions required as part of the lease in addition to lease payments.

Required Action List

Field Number Action Crop Year

Acres Applied

Is IDNR providing materials?

(Y/N)

IDNR

materials to be provided (if applicable)

All

Lessee shall not use any neonicotinoid treated soybean seed with Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Clothianidin, Acetamiprid, Thiacloprid, Dinotefuran or Nitempyram insecticides

2025 - 2029 All NA NA

All The use of Dicamba is not allowed. 2025 - 2029 All NA NA

All

Lessee MUST follow and adhere to label directions when applying Atrazine herbicide or their equivalent

2025 - 2029 All NA NA

Cover Crop Fields

Plant a minimum one species from the approved seed list on designated fields as indicated on the cropping plan.

• Approved seeding methods; pre-harvest aerial or broadcast (highboy), drill or broadcast post-harvest.

2025 - 2029 Designated Cover Crop

Fields

No, but tenant can write off the cost of

Planting and termination

No, but tenant can write off the cost of

Planting and termination

Attachment B

Field Number Action Crop Year

Acres Applied

Is IDNR providing materials?

(Y/N)

IDNR

materials to be provided (if applicable)

• Cannot terminate prior to March 15, cannot roller crimp past May,15.

IDNR may require the Lessee under this cropping plan to leave all or a certain portion of the crops in the field standing without being harvested. If Lessee fails to comply with this requirement, IDNR will receive the rent per acre from the Lessee as set forth in Section

2.1.2 for each acre that the Lessee harvested in violation of the cropping plan. Non-adherence to cropping plan instructions may be cause for termination of the farm lease.

Previously planted

Field# Acres 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030

31532‐42 10.40 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

31532‐59 11.90 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

31532‐74 11.60 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

31532‐76 3.70 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

31532‐81 9.40 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

31532‐85 8.00 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

31532‐87 4.10 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

31551‐47 15.10 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

32348‐03 11.60 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

32348‐39 11.50 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

31531‐32 20.10 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

31532‐43 2.80 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

31532‐78 2.50 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

31532‐82 2.00 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

31552‐41 15.00 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

32348‐46 9.30 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

32348‐18 4.70 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

32348‐36 3.50 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

32348‐52 11.00 CORN

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐COVER

CROP

CORN‐COVER

CROP

SOYBEAN‐

COVER CROP

32348‐88 6.00 CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN CORN SOYBEAN

Total Acres 174.20

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030

0.00 56.00 0.00 56.00 0.00 0.00

56.00 0.00 56.00 0.00 56.00 0.00

0.00 118.20 0.00 118.20 0.00 0.00

118.20 0.00 118.20 0.00 118.20 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

174.20 174.20 174.20 174.20 174.20 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

174.20 174.20 174.20 174.20 174.20 0.00

Total Leased Acres 174.20 174.20 174.20 174.20 174.20

Total Cover Crop Acres 118.20 118.20 118.20 118.20 118.2

% Cover Crop 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68

Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area 25AL2165

See associated map for field locations Year

Total Acres

Non‐Leased

Acrers

Cover Crop Percentages

Total Leased Acres

Total Non‐Leased Acres

SOYBEAN‐COVER CROP

Yearly Totals

Crop

Leased

Acres

CORN

SOYBEAN

CORN‐COVER CROP

Attachment C Acceptable Services

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Acceptable Services V.23.4

ACCEPTABLE SERVICES IN LIEU OF CASH PAYMENTS

All lease items are an example and are non-inclusive items (items MUST be approved by the Site Superintendent, District Wildlife Biologist and Agricultural Lease Program Manager) to be used by the Lessee on/or for the benefit of the lease site.

The following service items (labor) are considered acceptable as the Department’s lease payment if provided directly by the Lessee, using equipment listed on the equipment list (Attachment G) contained within the prospective Lessee’s bid packet. The Comprehensive Environmental Review Process (CERP) must be utilized for any management activity that could potentially affect threatened & endangered species-natural areas and nature preserves, wetlands, cultural resources and other management activity that affects soil disturbance, water flow including quality and air quality. Refer to the Department’s CERP manual for applicable exemptions and procedures (will be provided to the awarded Lessee upon request). If the Lessee is requested to perform any of the acceptable services listed below, the Lessee shall be reimbursed in accordance with the University of Illinois established rates located at http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/manage/machinery/. Lessee shall receive prior Agency approval for acceptable service projects which may exceed an accumulative total of 10% of the lease value or $10,000.

Application of Chemicals - purchased by the site for control of noxious, exotic and invasive weeds, vegetation control, brush and general agricultural purposes. The Lessee shall provide a copy of his current valid state applicators license to Site Manager.

Clearing Projects- renovation of wildlife management lands by removing brush or trees.

Construction and Maintenance - of field access roads for wildlife management purposes.

Installation or Maintenance of Culverts - for field access roads, water management and hunter parking lots. (Lessee must obtain all applicable permits are acquired from State, county or township jurisdictions.)

Fertilizer & Agriculture Lime Application - on food plots, sunflower fields, waterfowl management fields, grass & legume and other wildlife management plantings.

Field Tillage, Preparation & Planting Services - provided for wildlife food, legume and grass plantings.

Labor - for boundary fencing, to install boundary “No Hunting” signs and regulations signs, controlling noxious weeds or brush, for repair and maintenance of water control for wetland management programs (i.e., tubes, gates, emergency pump rental), brush-pile construction, fire and hunter access trails, removal of fences on or along crop fields, tree planting and direct seeding preparation and planting.

Mowing - for specific wildlife management purposes; access, vegetation control, hunting strips and field renovation.

Minor Hazard Removal – removal of stumps, foundations or equipment.

Repair and Maintenance of Drainage Structures - (terraces, waterways, water control structures, trenches, etc.)

http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/manage/machinery/

Attachment C Acceptable Services

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Acceptable Services V.23.4

Hauling Rock and/or Spreading of Rock - purchased by the Agency.

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) - TSI labor provided by the Lessee to benefit wildlife management objectives as prescribed in the wildlife management plan (will be provided to awarded Lessee upon request).

Wetland Developments - labor required to construct wetlands and ponds planned and approved through the site’s annual plan of work process.

Attachment D Irrevocable Letter of Credit “Sample”

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Rate of Chemical and Fertilizer Forms V.23.4

State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Realty & Capital Planning/Concession & Leasing One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702

RE: Irrevocable Letter of Credit Number:

Date:

Expiration Date:

Gentlemen:

We hereby establish in your favor our Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. for the following specific payment:

1. The sum of \ cash rent.

2. Up to the sum of for Real Estate Taxes, penalties and interest.

We hereby authorize you to draw on us for the account of up to an amount of with an expiration date of December 31, 2024, for the 2024 CASH RENT and an estimated amount of with an expiration date of February 15, 2026 for the 2024 REAL ESTATE TAXES due and payable in 2025.

Available by your draft(s) at sight accompanied by the following documents:

1. Your signed statement certifying "The amount drawn represents sums owed by

2. Draft(s) drawn under this credit must be marked:

Drawn under the Bank Letter of Credit No. dated , 202 .

We hereby agree with you that all draft(s) drawn under and in compliance with the terms of this credit will be duly honored on delivery of documents as specified if presented at this office on or before December 31, 2024, for the 2024 CASH RENT and payments on or before February 15, 2026 for the 2024 REAL ESTATE TAXES due and payable in 2025.

Sincerely, Attachment E Rate of Chemical and Fertilizer Application Forms

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Rate of Chemical and Fertilizer Forms V.23.4

Agricultural Chemical Application Report

Date of Application

Product Trade Name

Application Rate Crop Treated Location where product was used/Field Number

Name and Address of applicator and (if applicable) supervisor

Attachment E Rate of Chemical and Fertilizer Application Forms

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Rate of Chemical and Fertilizer Forms V.23.4

Agricultural Fertilizer Application Report

Soil Test Results Date of Application Field Number where applied

Application Rate Per Acre

Fertilizer/Lime Applied

Attachment F Agriculture Seed Application Report

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Agriculture Seed Application Report V.23.4

Field Number where applied

Seed Brand and Variety #

Attachment G Equipment List

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Equipment List V.23.4

YEAR MAKE MODEL QUANTITY

Attachment H Agronomy Handbook

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Agronomy Handbook V.23.4

The Agronomy Handbook can be accessed at the following web address:

http://extension.cropsci.illinois.edu/handbook/.

Relevant information from the Handbook related to soil levels is also attached here in “Attachment H”.

http://extension.cropsci.illinois.edu/handbook/

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Agronomy Handbook

IDNR Ag Lease - Min Soil Test Levels for Ag Fields

Soil pH Maintenance Levels – 6.2 goal, 6.0 – 6.5 acceptable

Phosphorus (P) Maintenance Levels

Soil P Supplying Regions

Units High Medium Low

Minimum Soil Level 30 40 45 lbs/ac

Recommended Levels Corn/Beans 40 45 50 lbs/ac

Recommended Levels Wheat/Oats 60 67.5 75 lbs/ac

Potassium (K) Maintenance Levels

Soil K Exchange Capacity Regions

Units High (>12 mEq) Low (<12 mEq)

Minimum Soil Level 300 260 lbs/ac

Above with No Addition 400 360 lbs/ac

Levels >100 lb. above Min Replace Yield K Replace Yield K lbs/ac

Levels Below Minimum Replace Yield K + Build to Min

• Adjustments needed based on location and timing of sampling. See Attachments.

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Agronomy Handbook

Phosphorus (P) Maintenance Levels

Illinois Agronomy Handbook (Ch 8, 100)

Minimum soil test levels required to produce optimal crop yields vary depending on the crop to be grown and the soil’s P-supplying power. Near maximal yields of corn and soybeans are obtained when levels of available P are maintained at 30, 40, and 45 pounds per acre for soils in the high, medium, and low P-supplying regions, respectively. Since these are minimal values, to ensure soil P availability will not restrict crop yield it is recommended that soil test results be built up to 40, 45, and 50 pounds per acre for soils in the high, medium, and low P-supplying regions, respectively. This is a practical approach because P is not easily lost from the soil, other than through crop removal or soil erosion. To compensate for the higher P requirements of wheat and oats, it is suggested that 1.5 times the amount of expected P removal be applied prior to seeding these crops.

When soil test levels are between the minimum and 20 pounds above the minimum (40 to 60, 45 to 65, and 50 to 70 for the high, medium, and low P-supplying regions, respectively), apply enough to replace expected removal by the crop. When soil test levels are below the desired values (40, 45, and 50 for the high, medium, and low P-supplying regions, respectively), it is suggested that enough fertilizer be added to build the test to the desired goal and to replace what the crop will remove (as described in the previous paragraph). At this test level, the yield of the crop will be affected by the amount of P applied that year.

On average, Illinois soils require 9 pounds of P2 O5 per acre to increase the P1 soil test by 1 pound. The recommended rate of buildup for P is thus nine times the difference between the soil test goal and the actual soil test value. For a typical 4-year buildup program, divide the rate by 4 to determine the annual rate. Because the 9-pound rate is an average for Illinois soils, some soils will fail to reach the desired goal in 4 years with P2 O5 applied at this rate, and others will exceed the goal.

Potassium (K) Maintenance Levels

State of Illinois IFB Contract: Agronomy Handbook V.23.4

Illinois Agronomy Handbook (Ch 8, 103)

Soils with a CEC less than 12 milliequivalents per 100 grams are classified as having low capacity, while soils with values equal to or greater than 12 milliequivalents per 100 grams are considered to have high capacity. Tests on soil samples that are taken before May 1 or after September 30 should be adjusted downward as follows: subtract 30 for the dark-colored soils in central and northern Illinois; subtract 45 for the light-colored soils in central and northern Illinois and for fine-textured bottomland soils; subtract 60 for the medium- and light-colored soils in southern Illinois.

Minimum soil test levels required to produce optimal crop yields vary depending on the crop to be grown and the soil’s CEC. As with P, the only significant loss of soil-applied K is through crop removal or soil erosion, so to ensure that K availability will not limit crop yields it is recommended that soil test levels be slightly higher than that required for maximum yield. For corn and soybean, it is recommended to have 260 and 300 pounds of exchangeable K per acre for soils in the low and high CEC regions, respectively.

No K additions are suggested if test levels are above 360 and 400 for the low and high CEC regions, unless crops that remove large amounts of K (such as alfalfa or corn silage) are being grown. When soil test levels are between the minimum and 100 pounds above the minimum (260 to 360 and 300 to 400 for the low and high capacity, respectively), apply enough to replace what the crop to be grown is expected to remove using values from Table 8.6. When soil test levels are below the desired values (260 and 300 for the low and high capacity, respectively), it is suggested that enough fertilizer be added to build the test to the desired goal and to replace what the crop will remove (as described in the previous paragraph). On average most Illinois soils require 4 pounds of K2 O per acre to increase the K exchangeable soil test by 1 pound. The recommended rate of buildup for K is thus 4 times the difference between the soil test goal and the actual soil test value. For a typical 4-year buildup program, divide the rate by 4 to determine the annual rate.

N 25AL2165

Soil Sample Locations

6/12/2024 IDNR AG Lease

Soil Sample Locations Site

Boundary Crop Field

Attachment I

Soil Sample Locations

6/12/2024 IDNR AG Lease

Soil Sample Locations Site

Boundary Crop Field

Soil Sample Locations

6/12/2024 IDNR AG Lease

Soil Sample Locations Site

Boundary Crop Field

Soil Sample Locations

6/12/2024 IDNR AG Lease

Soil Sample Locations Site

Boundary Crop Field

IDNR Tenant Farmer

We are excited to announce that IDNR has received a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Regional Conservation Partners Program (RCPP) grant to work and improve soil health on IDNR properties. This is part of The Conservation Fund’s RCPP, the Working Lands, Water and Wildlife RCPP.

Our goal is to work with you to implement cover crops on IDNR farm leases. IDNR Tenants may apply for RCPP payments through your local NRCS office. We intend to help cover the remaining costs associated with this new addition to the farming rotation by allowing ag lease work off item(s) to assist in the additional costs of buying seed, planting, and terminating (if necessary).

Currently, we are only targeting certain parks within the state. Enrolled Tenants will have RCPP Land Management funds (similar to Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program | NRCS (usda.gov) or EQIP) or leasing agreements with NRCS if they agree to implement a cover crop practice. After the RCPP cost share agreement is completed, future IDNR agricultural lease contracts will stipulate the tenant be responsible to continue to use cover crops in their rotation, with the costs offset by the reduced inputs needed to make the soil productive.

While future IDNR agricultural leases will require cover crops, we hope to begin implementing a cover crop system to current tenant’s with minimal impact on their operation. By planting and terminating the cover crops through RCPP until the contracts are renewed, would allow cost share to jumpstart the program.

This will allow IDNR to start and build soil health and invest in our own lands while setting up demonstration sites and giving producers a chance to learn how to use such a rotation with reduced risk to themselves.

If you are interested in learning more or participating, please contact:

Bob Caveny Farm Program Manager – Game Farms, Agricultural Leases, Controlled Pheasant Hunting, Dog Trials Illinois Department of Natural Resources 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702 Office: 217-782-5719 Bob.Caveny@Illinois.gov

Or

Mike Chandler Program Manager - Agriculture/Wildlife & Habitat Lease Management Il Department of Natural Resources One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, Illinois 62702

(217) 785-8773 Mike.Chandler@Illinois.gov

Attachment J mailto:Bob.Caveny@Illinois.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS-CPA-1200B Natural Resources Conservation Service October 2021

Instructions for NRCS-CPA-1200, Conservation Program Application This form is used to apply for program assistance.

Field Name Instruction Applicant (Decision Maker)

Enter the name of the decision maker who is authorized to make decisions pertaining to the application and whose name will be displayed on the NRCS contract or agreement documents if selected for funding.

Application Date Enter the date of application submission.

Address/Email Enter mailing address and email address for communication with the decision maker.

Location where assistance is requested

Enter the location of the land where assistance is requested, which may include County and State, farm and tract numbers, etc.

Telephone Enter the telephone number where decision maker may be contacted.

To receive text message(s) Enter a primary and/or secondary mobile number if you would like to receive text messages. This is optional.

Assistance Requested Describe the type of assistance needed. Provide details of what you seek to accomplish through this application.

Question 1 Mark ‘Yes’ if you have records established with FSA. If answering ‘No’, NRCS will assist you with determining which records must be established to continue processing your application.

Note: All persons or legal entities listed in question 3 will also need records with FSA for NRCS to determine eligibility.

Question 2 Select the conservation program(s) you are applying to participate in. It may be necessary to sign a new application if you decide to change your program selection(s).

Question 2a (optional) Enter the program enrollment type(s) applying to participate in. For example:

• Enter CSP-Renewal if applying to renew a CSP contract.

• Enter EQIP-CIC if applying for an EQIP conservation incentive contract

• For ACEP-WRE, enter “Permanent Easement”, “30-Year Easement”, or “30-Year Contract with

Tribes”

• For RCPP, activity type includes: Land Management, Rental, US Held Easements. The RCPP project name may be entered if known.

Note: Do not use this form for the following programs: ACEP-ALE or RCPP Entity Held Easements, Supplemental Agreements, or Watershed Activities. To apply for one of these programs, follow this link or contact NRCS for additional information.

Question 3 Provide the legal identity of each party seeking participation through this application. Indicate whether each applicant is an individual or an entity and enter the legal name and last four digits of tax identification number.

Question 3a For each applicant that is a legal entity, documentation of sufficient signature authority is required for anyone signing on behalf of the entity.

Question 3b (optional) If applicable, mark the appropriate box(s) for each applicant meeting one or more of the definitions for the historically underserved categories below. Applicants that mark Veteran Farmer or Rancher must also provide the date of discharge.

Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher – The term “Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher” means a participant:

• With direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than the current indexed value in each of the previous two years, and

• Who has a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four, or less than 50 percent of county median household income in each of the previous two years.

A legal entity or joint operation can be a Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher only if all individual members independently qualify. A Self-Determination Tool is available to the public and may be completed on-line or printed and completed hardcopy at: https://lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/

Beginning Farmer or Rancher – The term “Beginning Farmer or Rancher” means a participant who:

• Has not operated a farm or ranch, or who has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years. This requirement applies to all members of a legal entity, and

• Who will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch.

In the case of a contract with an individual, individually or with the immediate family, material and substantial participation requires that the individual provide substantial day-to-day labor and management of the farm or ranch, consistent with the practices in the county or State where the farm is located.

In the case of a contract made with a legal entity, all members must materially and substantially

Attachment J https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/alphabetical/ https://lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/ participate in the operation of the farm or ranch. Material and substantial participation requires that the members provide some amount of the management, or labor and management necessary for day-to-day activities, such that if the members did not provide these inputs, operation of the farm or ranch would be seriously impaired.

Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher – The term “Socially Disadvantaged” means an individual or entity who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. For an entity, at least 50 percent ownership in the farm business must be held by socially disadvantaged individuals. A socially disadvantaged group is a group whose members have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

These groups consist of the following:

• American Indians or Alaskan Natives

• Asians

• Blacks or African Americans

• Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders

• Hispanics.

Note: Gender alone is not a covered group for the purposes of NRCS conservation programs. The term entities reflect a broad interpretation to include partnerships, couples, legal entities, etc.

Veteran Farmer or Rancher – The term "Veteran Farmer or Rancher" means a producer who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve component thereof; was released from service under conditions other than dishonorable; and:

• has not operated a farm or ranch, or has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years; or

• who first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-year period.

A legal entity or joint operation can be a Veteran Farmer or Rancher only if all individual members independently qualify.

Question 4 Enter information regarding the land being offered for enrollment in a conservation program.

Question 4a Check the applicable box(s) identifying the type of land included in the application.

Question 4b Check the applicable box(s) that support the documented control for the land being offered for enrollment in a conservation program.

Note: A deed or evidence of ownership is required for all ACEP-WRE and RCPP easement applications.

Question 4c Mark ‘Yes’ if the land in this application is currently enrolled in another USDA conservation program under an active contract or agreement and list the program(s) in the space provided.

Otherwise, mark ‘No’.

Question 4d Check the applicable box acknowledging organic status of the operation. Mark ‘N/A’ if this application is for an operation not in organic-related production. Certification in any of these categories is to assist with planning and will not automatically result in the application being considered in any initiatives made available for organic-related production.

• Certified Organic Producer must maintain organic certification for the life of the contract.

• Transition Organic Producer must self-certify that agree to develop and implement an Organic System Plan (OSP).

• Organic Producers selling less than $5,000 per year will need to self-certify that agree to develop and implement an Organic System Plan (OSP).

Note: Applicants must specifically request to participate in an organic initiative.

Question 4e Enter the predominant crop type(s) produced by the operation.

Question 4f Enter the predominant livestock type(s) produced by the operation.

Note: If this application is selected for funding, it is the responsibility of the participants under a program contract or agreement to provide accurate information to support all items addressed in this application at the request of NRCS. False certifications are subject to criminal and civil fraud statutes. Each participant listed for share of the payment must provide an SF-1199A, Direct Deposit Form to proceed with contract execution. All participants that certify land control or certify eligibility as Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher, Beginning Farmer or Rancher, or Veteran Farmer or Rancher, will provide all records necessary to justify their claim as requested by a NRCS representative.

STATE OF ILLINOIS

REFERENCES AND ACCEPTABLE SERVICES

C.2. REFERENCES

Financial Institution Reference: Bidder must provide one reference letter from a financial institution attesting to the Bidders financial ability to perform the contract. If the bidder cannot obtain a letter prior to the bid due date and time, the bidder may provide a letter signed by the Bidder authorizing IDNR to contact the financial institution to attest to the Lessee financial ability. The letter must be on official letterhead and contain the name of the institution and contact information. The contract cannot be awarded until the requested document has been received.

C.3. ACCEPTABLE SERVICES IN LIEU OF CASH PAYMENTS

All lease items are an example and are non-inclusive items (items MUST be approved by the Site Superintendent, District Wildlife Biologist and Agricultural Lease Program Manager) to be used by the Lessee on/or for the benefit of the lease site. The following service items (labor) are considered acceptable as the Department’s lease payment if provided directly by the Lessee, using equipment listed on the equipment list (Attachment G) contained within the prospective Lessee’s bid packet. The Comprehensive Environmental Review Process (CERP) must be utilized for any management activity that could potentially affect threatened and endangered species – natural areas and nature preserves, wetlands, cultural resources and other management activity that affects soil disturbance, water flow, including quality and air quality. Refer to the Department’s CERP manual for applicable exemptions and procedures (will be provided to the awarded Lessee upon request). If the Lessee is requested to perform any of the acceptable services listed below, the Lessee shall be reimbursed in accordance with the University of Illinois established rates located at http://farmdoc.illinois.edu/manage/machinery/. Lessee shall receive prior Agency approval for acceptable service projects which may exceed an accumulative total of 10% of the lease value or $10,000.

Any proposal for items should be submitted in writing for consideration not less than 10 working days prior to initiation of the work whenever possible. In the case of priority or emergency work, telephonic or in person consideration may be appropriate.

Attachment K http://farmdoc.illinois.edu/manage/machinery/