Countryside Initiative Request for Proposals
Farm Lease Questions & Answers
All questions asked specific to the farm program and farm properties listed in the RFP will be publicly answered here.
The following questions & answers are for reference only and not intended to be official statements. Please read the Request for Proposals and Model Lease documents thoroughly to get full answers to the list below.
Keep in mind that nearly all activities that occur on the farms or that are related to the farms require approval from the park at some level.
UPDATED 8/13/2015
Edgar Picture Page
Schmidt-Foster Picture Page
Edgar FEMA Map
Edgar Maps
Schmidt Foster Maps
1. What are the utility sources for both properties?
Edgar
Water: Municipal
Sewer: Municipal
Electric: First energy or Illuminating Co.
Gas: Dominion
Water Heater: 40 gallon natural gas
Communications: delivery by vendor of lessee's choice or availability
Fire Suppression System
Schmidt Foster
Water: Cistern (4200 gallon concrete cistern installed Oct 2002); delivery by vendor of lessee's choice
Sewer: Septic (1000 gallon tank installed 2010)
Electric: First energy or Illuminating Co.
Heat: propane gas furnace installed 2006 (the previous lessee felt the heating costs were very high and this has been taken into consideration
and is reflected in the residential rent amount. This will be monitored.).
Propane: 500 gallon tank; delivery by vendor of lessee's choice
Water Heater: 40 gallon propane
Communications: delivery by vendor of lessee's choice or availability
RFP Correction: Schmidt Foster has a cistern for purchased and hauled water. The RFP noted it as well water based on appraisal document that was in error.
2. How much does trucked water to fill cistern cost? Can additional holding tanks be installed?
Each provider is different, but .03-.05/gal is average. Above ground tanks could easily be approved. In-ground tanks could be with proper approvals
and compliance.
3. Provide additional information about the Schmidt-Foster pond?
The pond is designated for agricultural use and can be used as such. It may require repairs and testing at the lessees expense.
The exact depth and dimensions are not known, although it is estimated to be 10-12 feet deep in places. It can be easily seen on the property as
well as via Google Earth, and is roughly an acre.
There are fish in the pond, like blue gill and bass.
4. Have soil and water tests been done?
No. There is an expectation that a potential lessee would want to perform soil tests prior to leasing to see what soil and water conditions are.
Soil type maps are available on the website. All associated fields have been fallow for many years and will require effort and resources to
bring back to health.
There were soil and water contaminant tests done on a property near Schmidt Foster related to a near-by restoration site. All test came back good.
5. Can the surrounding woods be used? Do those areas belong to the park? Are additional acreages available?
The wooded areas around the property are not included in the lease offering, except pathways to provide access to fields, as will be outlined in
the lease document. The lessee cannot use the wooded areas without express written permission from NPS. The lease offering only provides the
acreages and associated lands listed and shown. Most of the wooded areas around both properties belong to NPS, but other entities own nearby
property as well.
6. Where is the proposed bike trail relative to Schmidt-Foster? Will it have a negative impact on the farm?
The proposed mountain bike trail is directly behind the fields along the south border. It is unlikely to have a negative impact.
7. What about the 3+ acre field behind the Edgar farm?
If you choose to submit a proposal for the Edgar Farm you are only leasing the 9 acre field north of the house. The remaining 3+ field can be added
to the lease if an acceptable plan to gain regular access can be approved. The 3 potential ways a lessee can explore and propose to NPS for
access are: asking the neighbor for permission in writing to use their property for access; clear and stabilize a path along the east
border, which would require working with Valley View about guard rail; or to build a bridge across the creek. The latter would be a complicated,
expensive and time consuming alternative.
The plan for the development next door is not known at this time.
8. What about building a new barn or a bridge? How does that work? What are costs? What about hoop houses and high tunnels?
Any new structures will be the sole cost of the lessee. Generally, the cost would be the same as it would any construction project that is following
local building codes, with possibly more planning costs upfront. Structures must be built to local and NPS code and no work can begin until
the project receives written NPS approval. All structures require insurance, which is the lessees responsibility as well.
The project plans are submitted to the appropriate park staff by the lessee and a review process begins once the compliance package is sent to
the NPS and State Historic Preservation Office. All projects must consider natural and cultural resource impacts. The time these approvals
and projects take is related to the complexity of the project as well as many other factors. Planning building projects or large projects that
have ground disturbance should be planned a year or more in advance if possible.
Hoop houses and high tunnels are usually considered temporary structures and don't require extensive review, although a plan must still be submitted
to the park for approval.
9. What are the Insurance requirements?
These can be found in the sample lease document that is located on the website. Generally, all lessees are required to have general liability insurance
for their farm businesses, and property insurance for the structures and dwelling they are leasing.
10. Is the small house next to Edgar available?
No. The little blue tenant house is scheduled to be demolished and cannot be rehabilitated.
11. Why was the Edgar farm not leased in the previous attempts? What about that flooding? Why were the other fields removed from
the offering?
There were no plans proposed that were acceptable and compatible in the previous offerings of Edgar, except one proposal that was
considered, but that person chose to withdraw for personal reasons.
The 2 fields that were removed from the offering had a tendency to flood, and the previous access route to them has been removed by the local municipality. As
to the remaining fields in the offering, flood waters in the north field tend to recede quickly (within a few days or so if it does
flood), and the east field doesn't typically flood.
A FEMA flood map is linked above.
12. Were there other structures on the Edgar Farm in the past?
To our knowledge there was once a garage in the backyard.
13. Can modifications be made to the interiors of the house? What about for accessibility? Are floor plans available?
Yes, some modifications may be possible pending approval by NPS including those for accessibility. Floor plans are not available.
14. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the properties?
These responsibilities are outlined in more detail in the lease sample document. But generally, the park is typically responsible for
large system replacements like septic or roofs, and the lessee is responsible for regular upkeep, repairs and maintenance, like gutter
cleaning and leaking faucets.
15. What if the lessee decides to leave?
There is no penalty for leaving the program. See the lease for more information, including transferring the lease.
16. How is the rent calculated? What is the rent?
This is described in the lease. There are 2 components to the rent, a residential rent and a production rent. The residential rent is noted
for each property in the RFP.
17. What about activities other than farming?
Farming should be the primary activity, but other activities related to agriculture can be proposed as well like tours classes…. Non-farming
or related supplemental activities would require further review and consideration.
All income specific to the park property is part of the productive rent formula (See the lease).
18. How much time must be spent farming? How long should it take to be farming the entire property?
The program is not intended for hobby farms or backyard gardeners. The farm proposals should indicate a sound farm business plan. That will vary
by person and plan. The goal is to have a realistic plan that will use the entire property in the appropriate manner and capacity in a reasonable
but realistic time frame.
19. How can deer and other predators be managed?
Deer pressure in Cuyahoga Valley is heavy. Discharging firearms in a CVNP is not permitted nor is killing or trapping wildlife of any kind.
Deer are managed with fencing, as are coyotes, raccoon and predator birds (along with decoys). Good, effective fencing plans can be found via
OSU.
20. Can water be pumped from the creek or river for irrigation?
All irrigation plans that utilize those sources would need to be approved by NPS. EPA water rules would apply as well.
21. What about agriculture operations that produce alcohol? Would another winery be considered?
The park would consider a proposal for those types of businesses, including another winery.
22. Are there fencing restrictions?
Plans to install permanent fencing would need to be submitted and approved. Most agricultural fence styles can be considered.
23. How do I set up my farm business for tax purposes?
Consult you CPA or other tax professional for guidance. Generally, the business is solely your own. You can choose to be a sole proprietor, corporation
or other. The park may review this and secure approvals as required during the leasing process.
24. Would the park be open to new irrigation technology?
They would certainly listen to a proposed plan.
25. Is there a right of way under the power lines in the Schmidt Foster Fields?
See question # 39
26. The Schmidt Foster house needs flooring?
The flooring will be selected and installed by NPS prior to the new lessee moving in.
27. What about WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), interns, employees and volunteers?
A lessee MUST follow ALL Local State and Federal labor laws as they apply.
28. When is archaeology necessary?
Whenever there is ground disturbance the exceeds the normal plow zone in an agricultural field, or whenever there is ground disturbance in an area
not previously tested.
29. Do the Countryside Initiative Farms Cooperate?
Collectively, somewhat as their schedules allow. There are several farms who connect regularly.
30. Is there a commercial kitchen for the CI farmers to use?
Not at this time.
31. Are there grants available for farmers?
Not via NPS, but yes, there are grants available for farmers. USDA and other organizations post these opportunities as they arise. Countryside
shares the information with the farmers as we get it.
32. At Schmidt Foster is there water available in the barn? Are there outside spigots? Is the basement dry?
There is no water in the barn yet, a lessee could propose a plan to run a line pending park approval. There is one spigot outside the house. The
basement is generally dry.
33. Can trees be removed?
Not without approval, and only under certain conditions.
34. Do I have to live in the farm house? Can a farm manager live there? Can I rent the house or barn out?
Yes, you must reside in the house. A proposal that has a farm manager living in the house would be considered under the right circumstances. Subletting
is typically not approved.
Added 8/4/2015
35. Could you please provide us with a listing of all agricultural wells dug within 3-5 miles of the Edgar Property?
We do not have this information readily available but you can find it yourself via ODNR well logs. http://soilandwater.ohiodnr.gov/
36. Does the National Park permit water drilling on the farm sites? Could you please provide policy regarding this?
CVNP does not typically permit "new" well drilling, however an existing well could potentially be repaired with approval from NPS.
37. Is it permissible to run an independent electric or utility line to the field on the Edgar Property?
It may be possible with an approved plan and proper compliance.
38. Is the Schmidt Foster Farm cistern in working order? Is this ever fed by natural water? Please explain if so.
It was in working order last time it was occupied 4 years ago, so we assume it is still operating. CVNP would replace the unit if need be.
It is not fed by natural water sources.
39. Are there any third party right of ways (excepting the CVNP) / arrangements with utility companies made on or very
near the Schmidt-Foster farm?
There are utility right of ways on both properties. This gives the utility company the right to access their assets for repair and inspection.
It has not proven to be disruptive in other instances.
40. How often does the agricultural pond at Schmidt-Foster flood?
There is no confirmation that the pond floods over. It is not being actively monitored, so the specifics are unknown, it
could be that the overflow spillway/drain has failed, as no breaching the top has been noticed, but it may be that it floods
occasionally in Spring or after heavy rains.
41. Can you provide a list of EPA/NPS major policies and restrictions on resource management within the RFP properties?
The lessees are to adhere to all EPA and NPS resource management policies that are applicable. This is quite an extensive list, and can be
found online. http://www.nps.gov/applications/npspolicy/index.cfm http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations Generally, all proposed activities
are subject to review and approval by NPS and any other agency as appropriate (Ground disturbance, hydrology changes, construction, wildlife
management, IPM are just a few). Any activity that has a resource impact beyond the basic agriculture use of field crops and livestock
grazing would require review and approval, and would be required to adhere to all local, state and federal laws.
42. How many farmers' markets are initiative farms required to participate in? Can you explain a bit more about how Countryside
works with initiative farms to help them attend market(s)?
Initiative farmers are not required to participate in the farmers markets, they are however given priority over other vendors if they choose
to regularly participate. CI farms can ask for assistance with marketing, best practices and any technical guidance we can assist with.
Their expected community engagement is better explained in the RFP document, and by looking at each existing farm's current product and
marketing mix.
43.How do the grantmakers perceive the implementation of modernized farming techniques in regard to maintaining a pastoral,
classic farm setting? Is there a leaning or preference towards less modern-appearing farm plans?
The CI farms all use different management styles and technologies. Those who have sought grants have not been impeded by one or the other that
we've been made aware of.
Updated 8/5/2015
44. Is it possible to use the small valley in the south of the Schmidt-Foster Farm for collecting water for irrigation
by building a dam close to farm field?
Building a dam would, most likely, not be permitted.
45. If we submit our proposal early (mid or end of August) instead of your due date (middle of September), does it
get reviewed early? When the final decision will be made?
The review process is very formal and structured. The proposals will not be reviewed early even if they are turned in early. We unfortunately
can not say how long the reading and review process will take, much will depend on the total number of proposals submitted and the reviewers
schedules and availability, 30-60 days is a plausible time-frame for first selections, then there would be interviews and additional processes.
Updated 8/13/2015
46. In addition to the cistern are there wells on Schmidt Foster?
Yes. There is a hand-dug well that had previously been used for toilets and no potable uses. It is not currently functioning, but a lessee could
potentially have it inspected and repaired at their own expense.
47. Is water catchment allowed?
Yes. Rain barrels and catchment systems are permitted with an approved plan.
48. Can solar panels be used?
Yes, with an approved plan for placement. It is not likely they could be used to "replace" other utility, but more an addition to.
49. What is the timeline for approval on projects and improvements?
Projects that do not have ground disturbance are typically managed within a couple weeks to several months depending on the complexity of
the project. Ground disturbing activities typically require archaeological review, which is done annually, requiring these project timelines
to be at least a year long.
50. Will there be additional renovations to the Schmidt Foster house?
No. The flooring will be done and there is some minor paint and clean-up that needs to be completed, but no additional work is planned by
NPS. The lessee can propose aesthetic upgrades if they like.
51. Does the lessee need to use preferred vendors and contract work?
No. Private businesses not affiliated with NPS do not have to do this.
52. What about insurance?
This information can be found in the sample lease, but generally, you must carry property insurance and a Commercial General Liability policy.
And be insured to the appropriate level for your situation and as described in the lease.
53. Cab I construct a dam?
No.
54.What about foraging?
Foraging on NPS land for commercial use is not allowed. Picking a flower or berries for personal use is permitted. Foraging that harms trees or
includes ground disturbance in not allowed (mushroom hunting, digging up plants, branch cutting...).
55. Will there be any more farms offered?
Probably. Overtime peoples lives change as do their circumstances. Farmers may choose to leave the program for a variety of reasons. There are
few if any additional farmsteads available to rehabilitate, so we are assuming there will be 11 or 12 farms at any given time.
56. Who is on the selection panel?
The proposals are scored and the decision is made by National Park Service staff. Countryside acts in an advisory role.
57. Do I have to use all the property and buildings?
You are required to eventually farm all the fields in your lease to the full performance of your proposal and within the capacity of the land,
with conservation and stewardship always in mind. There is an understanding this will take time, all of which should be fully explained in
the proposal.
The house and outbuildings: The house must be lived in (preferably by the lessee, but the park would consider a farm manager), although each room
does not have to be used. The outbuildings do not necessarily all have to be used. But ALL the structures must be protected and maintained
as described in the sample lease document.
58. Can the lease be transferred to my children?
Yes, with park approval and within the limits of the law.
59. Can the farm be renamed?
Yes, the farm is your own business and is not associated with the NPS.
60. Tree removal?
Trees that are a threat to life and property will be evaluated and removed by NPS during the seasonal cutting period (Fall and Winter). Small saplings
and trees within the fields can be removed by the lessee with park approval.
61. Is it possible to expand acreages in the future?
It may or may not be possible to lease additional land within the park, but you should assume that only the acreages awarded in this offering
are available.
62. Does Countryside have a professional Grant Writer for the farmers?
No. We can provide guidance.
63. Can I make changes to my proposal once I am there?
With NPS approval, some changes can be made to a proposal when your annual operating plan is submitted. All changes must be approved in writing
by NPS.
64. What about the small blue house at the Edgar Farm?
The tenant house at Edgar is scheduled to be torn down later this year.
UPDATED8/27/15
65. Is the Schmidt Foster Farm fenced in?
No. There are remnants of fencing but it would need extensive repairs and most replaced. This would be at the lessees expense.
66. Has a subsoil analysis been done or can one be done by CVNP?
No. Soil test are the responsibility of the lessee. Soil tests are a great idea, and would be encouraged during final interview periods prior to
a selected farmer signing a lease.
67. Does the CVNP remove weeds and brush that are an inconvenience and eliminate start-up costs?
Not typically. The new lessee will have to mow and mange weeds.
68. Question 7 of the RFP inquires about "non-farming enterprises proposed for the property such as a personal business enterprise".
The proposal goes on to mention "the park understands the necessity of off-farm income..."
The primary activity on the property should be agriculture. Agritourism and community related activity are part of that. It is also understood
that someone may need to work physically off the farm, that's fine too so long as they are able to fulfill their proposed enterprise plan.
Only the proposed enterprise is approved to take place on the property, so if you later wanted to open an art studio (a non-farm enterprise)
in the barn you would need to get park approval.
UPDATE 9/3/2015
69. The two swaths of easement across the property for power and gas lines-- can they be farmed? And alternatively, could they be used for parking for special seasonal events?
See also Q/A # 39. The easements provide for use by the NPS and, by extension, our lessees, so long as the use does not interfere with
the operations and maintenance of the utilities. Activity, typical to farming, is not expected to conflict with the easements.
Specific restrictions on the underground pipeline; no construction of improvements over the pipeline are permitted. Lessees may
be at risk for damage to crops in the rare event that a utility is required to make repairs that impact the grounds. However, utility
companies are generally required to compensate owners for losses associated with such work. Flexible operations in the right of
way areas, such as livestock grazing, may be the best suited uses for those areas. Proposers should consider potential disruptions
when developing plans for the right of ways.
70. Is the adjoining property with the brick house aviable for this lease?
No other property is under consideration for expanding the extent of this farm.
71. Can I incorporate into my proposal plans for overnight accommodations at the property as a supplement to my farming operation?
Current NPS Leasing Regulations and Policy do not permit overnight accommodations under leases.
72. We noticed a significant difference in the blue and pink property line tape and the map. Please clarify which of these is the lease boundary.
The flagging denotes various alignments of the planned mountain bike trail and not property lines. Refer to the general map in the
RFP; the lease area does not extend into the forest.
73. The question on your list that you answer pertaining to the use of the wooded areas indicates no usage of them without express permission. What is the likelihood of getting approval to use the wooded areas at Schmidt-Foster.
See also Q/A #5. In light of the planned bike trail close to Schmidt-Foster, it is unlikely that a use of the forest could be compatible.
74. If I have a major option I want to include in my proposal, would it be more helpful to submit one proposal with those variables indicated as a "plan B" within the one proposal that could be scrapped as needed, or would it be better to submit two separate proposals, one without the option , and one with?
See response above re: Leasing Regulations and overnight accommodations. Generally, though, if a proposer has options in addition to
the main proposal that they want the NPS to consider, these can be incorporated into the proposal in lieu of submitting multiple
proposals. However, one should clearly identify the proposal’s secondary items and how the proposal would be implemented without
them if they are not approved. For the purposes of evaluating the proposal, options will be evaluated as if they are part of the
main proposal, but noted as options.
75. What can we, can we not do with the “agricultural pond”? Can we dredge? Enlarge? Use as a swimming hole? Put in swimming platform/dock type additions? Do “recycle regatta” type events?
The park may approve modification of the pond’s depth and size for agricultural use. However, the park has no information about the
quality of the water in the pond as it might relate to human exposure. We would not approve use of the pond for swimming / boating
without confirmation through independent sampling that it is acceptable, and a plan by the lessee to ensure public safety.
76. Would we need to ask permission for any/every event use of the park woods surrounding the farm, such as if we would sponsor a cross-country run, or day camp use of trails in the woods, or are there standard procedure guidelines we could use by default, then anything that might be unusual check with someone on? Who would be the point of contact for that kind of thing?
Lessees have no preferential use of surrounding park land. Event use of park land outside of the lease would require separate park
approval under the Special Park Uses Permit (SUP) program. Depending on the nature of the activity, general approval may be possible.
Proximity of the planned bike trail would be a consideration for any activity outside of the lease area at Schmidt-Foster.
77. What limitations/flexibility do we have with building remodel projects? If we put them in the proposal up front, how much detail is needed on the plans at that point, for anticipated remodels in a year or two?
Both the Edgar and Schmidt-Foster houses could have modifications made to the interiors. If modifications to the interiors are an important
part of a plan, the proposal should have sufficient information to explain what the desired changes are, why they are needed and
the proposer’s technical and financial capability of completing the work. Acceptance of a proposal would not constitute final approval
for such work as review of architectural plans and confirmation of funding would still be required.
78. If we want to make modifications to the structures and need more information for our proposals, how do we get a good idea of what details are without being able to get into the house?
The open houses were provided as a basic means of access for assessing building use and any desired modification planning. At this
time, no further access to the properties is planned. Proposers selected for interviews that wish additional access in order to
evaluate the structures, can do so at that time.
79. Would we be able to have occasional overnight events—and if so, what guidelines do we need to keep within?
Limited, special event overnight may be possible. The proposal should provide enough information about the event and how it relates
to the farming proposal and that the proposers have accounted for the requirements of such an event (restroom needs, safety requirements,
etc.).
80. In question 18, the guidelines state that “the goal is to use the entire property…”—but portions of the Schmidt-Foster farm have significant tree growth, including hardwoods 6”-10” in diameter. I would think it desirable to not have those taken out, limiting “farm” use of those areas. How are these facts to be taken into consideration in light of this “goal is to use the entire property…”?
The assigned fields do have some mature trees within their boundaries, though only about a dozen or so. There is a preference for retaining
those trees but a proposer could include plans for removal if necessary to affect a specific farming enterprise. Approval to remove
the smaller saplings to the west is more likely but the need for removal should be demonstrated in the proposal.
81. Can old wells be repaired? Who would pay for that?
Old abandoned water wells could potentially be repaired, with park approval, at the lessee's expense.
