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Lease for Town-owned Agricultural Lands
With Wildlife-protective ConditionsBy this lease agreement, the Town of Lincoln MA, by and through its Conservation Commission (the "Commission") agrees to lease the following parcels to Codman Community Farm ("Tenant") during the growing season(s) for 5 years: 1998 through 2002: [List of fields, acreage, and expected crop use.] Rates: nursery and row crops, $30.00/acre;
hay, $25.00/acre [waived for delayed-cut areas]; pasture, $25.00/acre.
- 1. The term of this lease agreement shall be from January 1 of the year first identified above through December 31 of the year last identified above.
- 2. Tenant and the Commission may mutually agree to alter the crop(s)/use(s) shown above. In case of such alteration, the rental rates for the new crop(s) shall apply.
- 3-5. [Boilerplate for insurance, etc.]
- 6. a. Tenant agrees to abide by the Commission's Pesticide Policy, its Farmland Rental Policy, Farmland/Wildlife Policy, Good Conservation Practices Policy, the attached special conditions and all amendments thereto and such other applicable policies, rules and regulations as the Commission may promulgate. Tenant's failure to abide by such policies, rules and regulations shall constitute cause for termination of this Agreement at the Commission's sole option.
- 6.b. Without limitation, Tenant's attention is particularly directed to his obligations; to refrain from using certain pesticides; to use pesticides and fertilizers according to the manufacturer's instructions; to maintain soil health; and to engage in regular soil testing and reporting to the Commission....
/s/ LINCOLN CONSERVATION COMMISSION
/s/ TENANT. I have read the documents identified in item #6 above.
Individually-tailored "Conditions" for each parcel are attached, such as the following:
Special Conditions for Farm Meadow
1. Failure to follow the requirements of the standard lease agreement and the following special conditions may result in the issuance of fines of up to $100.00 per day and/or termination of the lease.
2. Baseline soil tests for soil pH, soil fertility, and organic matter must be conducted and submitted to the Commission prior to the first year's use of the field. In addition, any other factors effecting the health of the field should be detailed in writing to the Commission. The Commission will review the results and work with CCF to develop a soil health improvement plan and sampling protocol to be undertaken during the term of the lease.
3. Prior to the growing season, annual plans shall be submitted identifying pesticides and fertilizers proposed for use, crops to be grown, and any proposed alterations to the field. Any changes to the annual plan shall be submitted in advance, in writing, for Commission approval.
4. A five-acre portion of the field is a delayed-cut area to allow for nesting grassland birds. This delayed cut area is to be staked by the Commission each year by May 15. First cut of hay in the five acre portion of field shall occur between July 20 (to allow for successful nesting of grassland birds) and August 20 (to prevent excessive encroachment of brush into the field).
5. Farm Meadow shall only be used for hay production; grazing, vegetable production or any other use is prohibited.
6. Any proposed re-seeding of the field must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Commission. The Commission may require that re-seeding of the delayed cut section of the field be done in sections to minimize disruption of nesting grassland bird habitat.
7. Any proposed compost or manure piles must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Commission. The location of these piles must be in areas which are not prone to runoff and will not impact adjacent wetland resource areas.
8. All stones removed from the field shall be deposited in a designated stone dump reviewed and approved in advance by the Commission.
9. Field edge maintenance shall be the responsibility of the Conservation Land Manager. Any proposed change to this policy shall be reviewed and approved in advance by the Commission.| Return to Wildlife-friendly Leasing home page |