Lease Solicitation: 216 acres in Benton & Linn Counties for Hay Production

Description

The City of Corvallis (“the City”) is seeking experienced, qualified farming entities interested in leasing approximately 216.3 acres of property located in the City of Corvallis Bald Hill Natural Area (BHNA), Orleans Natural Area (ONA), Berg Natural Area (BNA), and Owens Farm Natural Area (OFNA). Farming entities must be capable of managing and maintaining productive agricultural operations for acceptable hay crop production on these properties. The lease to be entered into will require the Lessee to manage areas adjacent to ditches, fence lines, roadways, driveways, multi-use trails, and natural areas for weeds in accordance with City standards.

It is the intent of the City to issue a lease agreement to the successful proposer for 15 years (an initial 5-year term with an option for two (2) five (5)-year extensions, beginning in 2025 and terminating at the end of 2039).

Optional Pre-Proposal Meeting and Site Visit: There will be an optional pre-proposal meeting and site visit held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 1310 SW Avery Park Drive, Corvallis, OR 97333.

A physical copy of the solicitation document is available for pick up or review at the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Administrative Office, 1310 SW Avery Park Drive, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, free of charge. A digital version of the solicitation document is also available free of charge; requests for this must be sent to Natalie Summerlin, Senior Administrative Specialist, Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department, 1310 SW Avery Park Drive, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, or via email at Natalie.Summerlin@corvallisoregon.gov. All who request a copy of the solicitation document will be required to provide contact information which at minimum must include an their name, email address and phone number. Any addenda will be emailed to the email address provided by the interested parties.

Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided in the solicitation document by Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.


Owner’s Short Term Vision for the Property

Maintaining or returning these farmlands to agricultural productivity is the short term goal, with hay as the designated crop.


Owner’s Long Term Vision for the Property

These farmlands are part of legally designated Natural Areas and will not be developed. These farmlands are anticipated to remain designated for hay farming using dry land methods.


Current Use

Portions of these natural areas have been leased for hay farming purposes to manage the fields for weed control and fire risk reduction.

The Owens Farm farmland has been leased to the current tenant since October, 2008. That lease expires on December 31, 2024. The tenant uses the property for grass seed production. The other properties have not been farmed in the last four (4) years but had been farmed for decades prior to then. There are no water rights nor irrigation located on the properties.


Soil Type / Quality

Silt Loam; good quality


Buildings and Structures Available for Farm Use

None.


Farm Equipment Available for Use, Sale or Lease

None.


Any Restrictions That Could Limit Agricultural Production

Land is public natural area farmland that is restricted to hay farming only. No water is available on the property and no irrigation or wells are allowed.


What are you doing as a landholder to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on your land and in your community?

The City of Corvallis supports and engages a changing population in a welcoming community that accommodates all income and cultural groups.


Locations of land listings on map are not necessarily exact. Many are located on the nearest town or city.
County: Benton

Farm Basics

Total Acreage: 532.4

Acreage Available to Landseeker: 216.3

Date Property is Available: January 1, 2025

Possible Business Arrangements: Lease for cash

Lease Rate / Price: Negotiable; bids must be submitted by January 7, 2025

Date when this listing was created: November 25, 2024

Farming Practices

Current Farming Practices: Dry Farming

Farming Practices Allowed: Dry Farming

Agriculture Types Suitable: Hay

Farm Details

Housing Available? No

Water Available? No

Property Fenced? No

Land Holder Interested in Mentoring Land Seeker? No


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