Blackwater Property Hunt Club Lease

Isle of Wight County is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to establish a contract through competitive negotiations for Blackwater Property Hunt Club Lease .

Isle of Wight County is requesting sealed bids from qualified hunt clubs to make offers relating to hunting rights on parcels of land owned by the County more specifically described as:

• Northern Tracts: Tax Map Parcel Numbers 16-01-007, 26-01-001, 26-01-002, 27-01-012, 27-01-011, 27-01-014 and 27-01-019
• Southern Tract: Tax Map Parcel Number 27-01-015

Hereinafter the ''Property" as designated on Exhibit A.

Sealed bids from qualified hunt clubs to lease hunting rights on these two properties will be evaluated. The contract shall be for one year beginning on the date of execution of the agreement with an option for the County to extend for five additional and successive one-year terms. This rent shall be adjusted, effective on the first day of the renewal term and each subsequent renewal term, by an amount equal to three percent (3%) over the rent for the immediately preceding renewal term.

The period for the hunt club right to hunt the property shall be during Archery Deer Season, Muzzleloader Deer Season, a seven-week (7) period each fall during the General Firearms Deer Season and during the Spring Turkey Season as designated by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Hunting shall abide by all regulations of the DWR unless otherwise stated. Hunting will be allowed only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only during these seasons.

Hunt Clubs selected shall be required to maintain the trails/roads year-round. Hunt Clubs shall be required to open/close gates during the hunting season.

Hunt Clubs selected shall abide by a Conservation Easement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B". The Conservation Easement contains areas, as shown in Exhibit "B", which includes special restrictions to include but not limited to the following:

1. No constructing or placing of any improvements in the Natural Area.

2. No constructing or placing of any roads, trails, or utilities. Existing roads and trails may be maintained or repaired but not enlarged.

3. Livestock is prohibited in, and shall be prevented, as is reasonably possible, from entering the Property.

4. No removal, destruction, or cutting of native trees, shrubs, plants or other vegetation in the Blackwater River Floodplain Area.

5. No use of fertilizers.

6. No dumping of organic or inorganic materials.

7. No disturbance of soils, other than in connection with permitted habitat management activities.

8. No use of motorized vehicles, except for management, police, fire and safety, and emergency vehicles. Off-road vehicles or ATVs may be operated during hunting season for hunting purposes only, or to patrol and inspect said Property throughout the year.

9. No horse riding or other equestrian users in the Natural Area.

10. No bicycling in the Natural Area.

11. No camping.

12. No fires.

13. No swimming.