Little Big Econ State Forest.pdf

This map document is a product of the Florida Forest Service depicting the Little Big Econ State Forest in Geneva, Florida, a 1,415-acre property managed for the Snow Hill Tract Grazing Area. The procurement seeks a qualified beef producer to lease the grazing land for cattle operations under a five-year agreement with one potential one-year renewal option. The current stocking rate is set at 250 animal units, subject to annual review and adjustment prior to payment processing. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for January 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST, with written inquiries required by February 3, 2026. Bids must be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST to the Florida Forest Service at 3125 Conner Boulevard, MS C-25, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. The anticipated notice of award is March 10, 2026, with a contract start date of April 1, 2026.

Minimum qualifications require bidders to operate an existing beef production operation of at least 1,500 acres in Florida with a demonstrated 10-year successful track record, enrollment in the Cow/Calf Best Management Practices Program, and current membership in the Florida Cattleman's Association. Evaluation is based on Business Experience and Qualifications (50 points), a Five-Year Grazing and Land Stewardship Plan (100 points), three reference letters (no points), and bid price (50 points). The lease payment will be calculated at a rate per allowable animal unit, with potential cost-share consideration for reasonable repairs outside normal operational maintenance. Bidders must obtain Commercial General Liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and Automobile Liability insurance with $300,000 minimum limits. The lessee bears responsibility for maintaining perimeter and cross-fencing, constructing and maintaining gates and cattle gaps, and managing associated costs. The lease area comprises 777.3 acres of pasture, 540.5 acres of dome swamp and hydric hammocks, 54.5 acres of scrub, and miscellaneous infrastructure, and is closed to the general public, though may accommodate Special Opportunity Hunts for the Operation Outdoor Freedom program.