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Office of School & Public Lands
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
February 5, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jennifer Toscana, 605-773-3303
School and Public Lands Announces Annual Lease Auction Schedule
More than 216,000 acres offered in 34 counties
PIERRE, SD – The Office of School and Public Lands will offer 216,474 acres for grazing and agricultural leases at public auction during the month of March. The auctions are held at the county courthouses of the respective counties.
The starting bids for the leases are set by the Commissioner of School and Public Lands according to a formula set by state law. Revenue generated from surface leases is paid out annually to South Dakota public school districts and endowed institutions.
Lessees of School and Public Lands are responsible for paying the real property taxes. Grazing and agricultural leases are offered for an initial five-year term followed by an additional five-year option. Lessees may construct and own relevant improvements on the leased property, as approved by the Commissioner. Lessees share the cost of controlling noxious weeds and pests control with the Office of School and Public Lands.
A schedule of lease auction dates and times by county can be found online at www.sdpubliclands.com. For a complete listing of tracts available for lease, contact the Office of School and Public Lands at 605-773-3303.
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