Agriculture Lease Opportunities

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.

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 September 15 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

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 and consistent with State of Rhode Island’s Risk Management lease insurance requirements, selected lessees shall be expected to maintain general liability insurance of for bodily injuries of $1,000,000 for any one person, $2,000,000 per occurrence, and $100,000 for property damage for any one occurrence. 

Questions?

Please contact DEM.AgLeaseInfo@dem.ri.gov.