title
PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Department of Resource Management
Vendor: Timberland Ranch, Sauk Village, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the "Forest Preserves") to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Hay farming at the Plum Creek preserves
Contract Value: N/A
Contract Period: 8/1/2024 - 12/31/2024, with three (3) one-year extension options to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent or their designee
Estimated Fiscal Impact: Revenue generation of up to $3,400.00 over the initial term and three (3) one-year optional extensions
Accounts: Corporate Land Use Fees 51001.411366 (revenue generating)
Contract Number(s): #7400014316 issued under Project #24RM 108
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 6
Summary: The Forest Preserves has solicited a contract for hay farming at the Plum Creek preserves near Sauk Village in southeast Cook County. This property was historically used for agricultural purposes prior to acquisition by the Forest Preserves, and as such, does not exist in an ecologically natural state. The vendor will have use of the property for cutting and collection of hay. This practice allows the Forest Preserves to generate revenue, while at the same time providing habitat for grassland birds and preventing invasive plant species from overtaking fallow land. It is the Forest Preserves' intention to restore fallow land as capacity and funding allows, and these interim farming practices are a good method to keep lands in a more manageable condition until a restoration project can take place, thereby reducing future restoration costs. The contract term for hay cutting is a period of five (5) months, with three (3) one-year mutual renewal options to be exercised by the General Superintendent or their designee, which allows the Forest Preserves the option to discontinue fa...
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