Agricultural Leases on the Parkway

A cotton field ready to harvest.

NPS J Farmer

Why Lease Agricultural Land?

Leasing agricultural lands adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway helps the National Park Service maintain the rural southern landscape and preserve the scenic variety along the 444-mile long Parkway. Lease permittees are required to foster practices that conserve soil, protect streams and groundwater, control exotic plant species, and monitor impacts of toxic contamination of the environment.

 

Who can Apply for a Lease?

Only one applicant per available tract may be approved for a lease and will be required to:
1. Remain in good standing with the Parkway.
2. Provide proof of experience and the ability to maintain the lease, such as;

• The applicant's experience and education in agricultural operations.
• The applicant's understanding of tillage methods, soil conservation, grazing, and cropping practices.
• The applicant's understanding and use of integrated pest management techniques.
• The applicant's willingness to abide by conditions stated in the Special Use Permit.

For additional information or qualified individuals who are interested in applying to lease farmland, contact the Parkway agricultural lease coordinator at [phone] or e-mail us.

 

Many ag-lease fields are used to grow hay.

NPS

Agricultural Lease Restrictions and Requirements

1. Agricultural lease holders (permitees) are required to mow approved fence lines at least once a year to control weeds and exotic plant species.
2. Permits are on a maximum 5-year term.
3. Permits start on March 1, or the date of permit issuance if after March 1. Permits expire on the last day of February.
4. Permits are not valid until the applicant has met with the district ranger or designee to review the permit conditions and requirements.
5. Sub-leasing of tracts is prohibited.
6. Permittees must submit the following information annually, per request by the Chief Ranger Office
   • List of anticipated crops to be planted in accordance to permit conditions
   • Pesticide use for permit year
   • Fertilizer use for permit year
   • Herbicide use for permit year
   • Nutrient Management Plan for next upcoming permit year
   • Soil Analysis report (first year of lease and every five years thereafter).
7. Permittees are required to immediately notify the Chief Ranger Office of any changes to permittee billing address and/or phone numbers, and emergency contact names and phone numbers.
8. The current cost to lease Parkway agricultural lands ranges from $2.50 to $7 per acre for hay, and from $8 to $16 per acre for row crops. Costs are subject to increase each year. Lease fees are paid annually in advance.
9. Failure to meet any condition listed above may result in termination of the lease agreement.