27AL2460 Hackmatack N. W. R. -Moraine Hills Farm Lease SS

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is proceeding with a sole-source award of agricultural lease 27AL2460 at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge—Moraine Hills Farm to Ryan Gieseke, with a public hearing on October 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via WebEx and written comments or hearing requests due by 4:00 p.m. that same day; contract award is anticipated October 21, 2026. This is a sole-source procurement under Illinois Administrative Code Title 17, Chapter 1, Part 150, Section 150.20(c)(3), which permits negotiated leases of 50 acres or less without competitive bidding.

The lease encompasses approximately 24.70 acres at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge in McHenry County and is revenue-generating, funded through other sources rather than state or federal appropriations. The lessee must provide all labor, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and insurance for farming operations conducted in accordance with Illinois Department of Natural Resources requirements. Agricultural practices must support wildlife populations and recreational opportunities through improved soil health, reduced erosion, enhanced water quality, and minimized chemical impacts.

The contract runs from March 1, 2027 through February 28, 2032 with no renewal options. The estimated total contract value is $116,421.98 over the five-year term, of which the state receives $12,350.00 ($100.00 per acre annually) and the vendor receives $97,502.27. Ryan Gieseke was selected based on demonstrated capability as a local farmer; he completed two consecutive four-year lease agreements with the site (2019–2023 and 2023–2027), each valued at $12,350.00. The Chief Procurement Office will make a final determination on the sole-source method following the hearing. Interested parties may submit written comments or oral testimony for or against the award; written comments carry equal weight to oral testimony.