27AL2545 Black Crown Marsh State Natural Area Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is soliciting bids for agricultural farming services on approximately 90.92 acres at Black Crown Marsh State Natural Area within Moraine Hills State Park, with bids due November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and a mandatory pre-submission conference on October 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

The property spans McHenry and Lake Counties. The contract term runs March 1, 2027 through February 28, 2032, with no renewal options. Pricing is submitted on a per-acre basis for each of the five years at 90.92 acres per year, with award determined by total contract value. The state will award to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the highest price.

The lessee must conduct farming operations while adhering to conservation agriculture practices designed to improve soil health, minimize erosion, enhance water quality, and reduce chemical impacts. The required cropping plan alternates corn and soybean production across designated fields with six acres designated for cover crops annually. Neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed and dicamba products are prohibited. The lessee must obtain prior approval for pesticide and herbicide use, submit detailed chemical and seed application documentation by December 15 annually, maintain minimum soil test levels per the Illinois Agronomy Handbook, and notify the Site Superintendent before fieldwork activities.

The lessee provides all labor, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and insurance. General Commercial Liability of $1 million per occurrence and Auto Liability of $1 million per occurrence are required. The lessee is responsible for all leasehold property taxes and must guarantee annual lease payment through prepayment or irrevocable letter of credit. Hay and straw bales must be removed by December 31 each year. No subcontracting is permitted except for cover crop planting or termination and hay or straw baling.

Vendors must submit Vendor Disclosure or active IPG registration, the Offer to the State of Illinois form, the contract, an equipment list, and applicable utilization plans. Questions are due seven days after the pre-submission conference. Bids must remain firm for 90 days. A $15 administrative fee applies to contracts of $1,000 or more. The pre-submission conference is offered in person at Moraine Hills State Park Site Office, 1510 S. River Road, McHenry, Illinois 60051, or via WebEx. Contact: Melanie Dodd, Melanie.N.Dodd@Illinois.gov, 217/524-1308.