27AL2340 Pyramid State Park - Denmark Unit Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is soliciting bids for agricultural farming services on state-owned property within Pyramid State Park's Denmark Unit (27AL2340), with proposals due November 4, 2026, and a pre-bid conference scheduled for October 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM Central Time via WebEx.

The lease encompasses approximately 119.6 acres across nine field parcels designated for hay production and idle land management during the 2027–2031 contract term. The lessee must follow a detailed cropping plan specifying hay production schedules for individual fields, with some fields limited to single annual cuttings between July 1 and August 1, others permitted for alternate-year haying, and a limited number eligible for multiple cuttings. Double cropping, neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed, and Dicamba herbicide are prohibited. Lessees must maintain minimum stubble heights of 10 inches, remove all bales within seven days of bailing, and implement vendor-applied maintenance fertilization per University of Illinois Agronomy Handbook standards. The lessee bears responsibility for controlling invasive species and conducting field flushing prior to the first cutting to minimize wildlife mortality. Acceptable services may substitute for cash rent payments, reimbursed at University of Illinois or Iowa State University Extension custom rate surveys, including chemical and fertilizer applications, clearing and construction projects, field preparation and planting, mowing, drainage structure maintenance, and timber stand improvement activities. A letter of irrevocable credit is required to secure cash rent payments and real estate tax obligations. The lessee must provide current equipment lists and comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Review Process for management activities affecting threatened and endangered species, wetlands, and cultural resources.

Property tax liability for the lease site ranges from approximately $1,177 to $2,445 annually based on recent assessments. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the highest bid meeting all IFB requirements. Bidders must complete Illinois Vendor Disclosure Forms A and either maintain active Illinois Procurement Gateway registration or submit detailed financial disclosures and certifications covering non-discrimination, tax compliance, environmental violations, bid rigging, drug-free workplace standards, Iran sanctions compliance, and debarment history. Bidders may claim Illinois Business Preference or Domestic Product Preference with appropriate supporting documentation.