Agriculture Lease Opportunities

Example of an agricultural parcel at Carolina South Shore Management Area
Example of an agricultural parcel at Carolina Management Area

DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) owns numerous parcels of land that were acquired for the benefit of wildlife conservation and passive outdoor recreation for the public. Agriculture is one of several management practices DFW uses. It provides multiple benefits for wildlife and the local economy by enhancing forage and cover for wildlife for hunting opportunities and supporting farmland access for growing and harvesting agricultural products. DFW oversees farming activities on leased sites to ensure the effects are consistent with management objectives. These leases are designed to meet the needs of wildlife, the farmer, the community, and DEM.

Available Parcels:

In general, the successful offeror pays a per acre fee to the Department each year to plant and harvest annual crops between March 1 and the indicated lease end date of each year. The successful offeror is required to plant and/or leave standing a small portion of crops for wildlife habitat. The successful offeror is also required to plant a cover crop of winter rye immediately following the harvest of the principal crop. General public use of the property shall be permitted throughout the lease period, and agricultural use may not hinder or otherwise prevent these activities.

Contract Terms

The contract period will begin approximately March 15 for September 15 each year for five years. Leases have one option to renew for an additional three (3) years, dependent upon management needs at the Premises and the lessee’s record of compliance with the terms and conditions, to be determined by DEM at the expiration of the first term upon request from the lessee.

Insurance Requirements

In accordance with this solicitation, or as outlined in Section 13.19 of the General Conditions of Purchase, found at  and General Conditions - Addendum A, the following insurance coverage shall be required of the awarded vendor(s):

  • Liability - combined single limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 general aggregate and $1,000,000 products/completed operations aggregate.
Aerial boundary map of agricultural lease at SSMA Fields 4 and 5

General Lease Requirements for South Shore Management Area – Cheeseman Unit, Fields 4 and 5

  • Allowable Crops: Corn or hay may be planted in one or both fields at the LESSEE’s discretion. If corn is planted: it must be harvested by September 15th annually. If the Lessee intends to plant corn, they must use a variety that will reach maturity in time to ensure harvest AND cover crop planting by September 15th annually. A 30-ft radius (60ft full diameter) of corn must be left unharvested and standing surrounding the two hunting goose blinds on all sides. If hay is planted: Final cutting of hay for the season must occur before September 1st annually, and a 30-ft radius (60-ft full diameter) of hay must be left unharvested around the goose blind(s) on all sides.
  • In the event principal crop will be corn and for whatever reason it will not be planted in a given season, the LESSEE shall notify the LESSOR in writing by June 1st, annually, and shall plant a cover crop of rye at a rate of 150 lbs/acre throughout the entire leased area no later than July 15th, annually, and leave it unharvested. The wildlife food plot as described in part d) of this section shall still be planted as indicated.
  • Cover Crop: If corn is planted: Following harvest, a cover crop of winter rye must be planted by September 15th, annually, at a rate of 150 lbs/acre throughout the entire leased area that had been planted in corn. Failure to harvest crops AND plant appropriate cover crop by September 15th annually will result in the termination of this lease. If hay is planted: no cover crop is required.
  • Wildlife Food Plot: If field 5 will be planted in corn, two wildlife food plots of ~1 acre in size (75’ x 575’) will be located in Field #5 as depicted by Exhibit A (map attached). Food plots will consist of buckwheat at the rate of 60 lbs per acre and a seed producing sunflower at the rate of 50 lbs per acre. These plantings will be left standing, not harvested, for wildlife use. Attempting to plant principal crop (corn) within the boundaries of these food plots will result in termination of this lease. If Hay is planted in Field 5, no wildlife food plot is required.
  • The LESSEE shall follow appropriate agricultural and environmental Best Management Practices as determined by the RIDEM Division of Agriculture and/or the USDA.
  • The LESSEE shall comply with all regulations of the Rhode Island Pesticide Control Act of 1976 and all associated regulations.
  • No turf grass shall be permitted to be grown on the premises.
  • Failure to comply with any terms or conditions of the lease will result in termination.
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Questions?

Please send questions to DEM.AgLeaseInfo@dem.ri.gov.