Bid for Lease of Big Marine Park Reserve Agricultural Land Owned by Washington County

Location:	Minnesota
Posted:	Jan 26, 2026
Due:	Feb 24, 2026
Agency:	Washington County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	89 - Subsistence (Food)
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Request for Bid

Lease of Big Marine Park Reserve

Agricultural Land Owned by

Washington County

RFB release date: January 26, 2026

Submission due date: February 24, 2026

Government Center | 14949 62nd Street North | P. O. Box 6 | Stillwater, MN 55082-0006

P: 651-430-6001 | F: 651-430-6017 | TTY: 651-430-6246

www.washingtoncountymn.gov

Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer

Lease of Agricultural Land Owned by Washington County

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1. Background Information ...................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2. County Authorized Representative...................................................................................................................... 3

1.3. Schedule............................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.4. Cropland Location ................................................................................................................................................ 4

2. Scope of Work .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

2.1. Cropland Specifications........................................................................................................................................ 5

2.2. New Requirements .............................................................................................................................................. 5

2.3. Lease Payments.................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.4. Soil samples.......................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.5. Specifications for Cropland in Big Marine Park Reserve ...................................................................................... 6

3. Bid Content .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

3.1. Appendix B – Bid Form......................................................................................................................................... 7

4. Bid Submittal ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

5. Bid Opening .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

5.1. Final Selection ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.2. Conditions of this Bid ........................................................................................................................................... 7

6. Questions ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Appendix A: Lease Agreement............................................................................................................................................. 9

Appendix A - Owners Rental Consent Form ...................................................................................................................... 14

Appendix B: Bid Form......................................................................................................................................................... 15

Appendix B: Bid Form – Big Marine Park Reserve ..................................................................................................... 16

Appendix C: Cropland Location Map and Soil Samples by Park and Parcel....................................................................... 17

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Lease of Agricultural Land Owned by Washington County

1. Introduction

The purpose of this Request for Bid (RFB) is for the leasing of Big Marine Park Reserve agricultural land

owned by Washington County (“County”). The County is seeking a five-year contract for the lease of

cropland in the designated area of Big Marine Park Reserve. The property for lease is listed on the

specification sheet and is outlined on the attached maps in Appendix C. Agreements are not let until the

Washington County Board of Commissioners awards the contract at a public meeting. These services will go

through the RFB solicitation process every five (5) years at minimum unless new land is acquired.

**The Big Marine Park Reserve Land is being re-bid due to a modification that was made to the cropland

specifications and a timing discrepancy related to Addendum 1 being viewed by all prospective bidders.**

1.1. Background Information

Washington County, Minnesota is the fifth most populous county in Minnesota with a diverse population,

including longtime residents, young professionals and families, and new immigrant communities. Over the

last 20 years, Washington County has experienced rapid growth from a rural, farming community to an

expanding urban area.  

The County was established in 1849 and has the powers, duties, and privileges granted counties by state

law, codified in Minn. Stat. § 373. The County serves an area of 423 square miles, with an estimated

population of 262,748. The County’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The County is

governed by a five-member County Board of Commissioners representing separate districts. In addition, the

offices of county attorney and sheriff are elected on a countywide basis.

The County offers a full range of services including property tax administration, law enforcement and

corrections, public works, parks, solid waste management, library, community health, county extension,

human resources, courts, and general administration. The County employs approximately 1,400 employees.

1.2. County Authorized Representative

The County Authorized Representative for this RFB is:

Dan MacSwain, 651-430-4323

dan.macswain@washingtoncountymn.gov

1.3. Schedule

Schedule

RFB Release Date

Questions Due

Addendum Release Date

Bid Due

Notification of Intent to Award

Commencement Date

Completion Date

Due Date

January 26, 2026

February 17, 2026

February 19, 2026

February 24, 2026

February 25, 2026

March 24, 2026

December 31, 2030

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Lease of Agricultural Land Owned by Washington County

1.4. Cropland Location

Total cropland

available for lease

is 74.4 acres.

1. Big Marine

Park Reserve

17495

Manning Trail

North

Marine on St.

Croix MN

55047

Farm #5635 –

74.4 acres

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Lease of Agricultural Land Owned by Washington County

2. Scope of Work

The successful bidder (“Tenant”) will perform all the functions below.

2.1. Cropland Specifications

- Farming of this land with the specified crop by location and parcel as set forth in this RFB.

- Proper stewardship of the land is expected to be performed throughout the lease by the Tenant. This

includes, but is not limited to, the removal of rocks, debris, and downed trees.

- Complete records of nutrient management (fertilizer and chemical use) and pest management must be

recorded and available upon public request.

- No neonicotinoid treated seed (active ingredients acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid,

thiamethoxam) may be used in the treated seed application or as a spray. Photo of one seed tag bag

must be provided via email to County Natural Resource Coordinator to validate prior to planting.

- The Tenant must have conversation with County Natural Resource Coordinator prior to planting season.

The land may not be placed in set aside or any other like programs.

- The County may hold an archery deer harvest in the fall to help control the deer population at each

park. Farming activities may still occur during this time, County will notify Tenant in advance.

- The County in partnership with the Tenant may participate in a cover crop program. Cover crops (oats or

wheat) will be installed by Tenant or a private contractor at times agreed upon by the County.

- Corn, cover crop (oats, rye or other suitable crop agreed upon by County, Washington Conservation

District (WCD) and Tenant can be installed in the spring, summer. It is up to the Tenant to check with

their crop insurance entity to make sure cover crops are acceptable. WCD can provide a USDA cover

crop guidance sheet if needed.

- Application of fertilizer, lime or animal manure may be applied with guidance from soil samples taken by

the Tenant, third party agronomist or WCD (reports included in Appendix C). Human waste applications

are not allowed.

2.2. New Requirements

- The County is seeking certification under the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program

(MAWQCP). To continue to meet MAWQCP certification, the following is required of tenant:

o No fall applications of Nitrogen Fertilizer (outside of incidental Nitrogen applied with fall

applications of Phosphorous).

o If Urea is broadcast, it should be incorporated within 3 days to a minimum depth of 3" or if

broadcast w/o incorporation it shall be done just prior to precipitation equal to at least1/4".

o All Nitrogen applications shall be at or below the University of Minnesota Recommendations.

o Tenant will utilize Conservation Tillage to maintain at least 30% residue.

o Nutrient management and pest management records will be reviewed on an annual basis with

WCD to ensure "standard" levels of management. Nutrient management will look at Nitrogen

and Phosphorus (rate, source, timing, and placement).

- The County does not require a tenant be MAWQCP certified in order to submit a bid.

2.3. Lease Payments

- One lease payment shall be made on or before the first day of December during said term of the lease.

2.4. Soil samples

- WCD collected soil samples in the fall of 2025. Test samples are included in this bid in Appendix C and

are organized by park location.

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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Bid Title:	Bid for Lease of Big Marine Park Reserve Agricultural Land Owned by Washington County
Category:	Washington County Public Works
Status:	Open

Bid for Lease of Big Marine Park Reserve Agricultural Land Owned by Washington County

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