HIGHLIGHTS

• 1772 acre forested mountain range with trout streams and numerous riparian zones
• Second Creek is a high-quality trout stream and fronts the property for nearly a mile
• Laurel Creek flows through the property for over 3 miles and is a major year round blueline stream
• The forest has been managed by professional foresters for over 40 years and contains very valuable timber
• Patches of ancient forests intertwine with the mature and emerging forests creating an exciting recreational property
• 10 miles of private forest management roads (graveled, ditched with culverts) wind through the property on gentle grades suitable for future cabin or home site driveway
• 20 miles of forest trails provide superior access to nearly every part of the property
• Professionally managed wildlife program developed to enhance the habitat, increase species diversity, promote the health of the resident wildlife and increase the carrying capacity
• Interesting moss-covered rock outcrops and rock cliffs
• Possibility of developing a rewarding permaculture lifestyle
• Surrounded by large timber tracts and mountain farms in a nice rural neighborhood
• Superior access adjoining state roads – FedEx delivery
• Darkest of skies with little or no light pollution for star and planet gazing
• Rich soil offers numerous spots for gardens and crops
• Native sedges, rushes, ferns, songbirds, frogs, turtles, crawdads all enjoy the creeks and their rocky edges
• Located in peaceful Monroe County just 25 minutes to Union, the county seat
• Several ancient “Heritage” trees scattered about the forest estimated at 200-300 years old
• Excellent timber species include, beautiful oaks, black walnut, poplar, maple white pine, hemlock and hickories
• Electricity on site or create your own with hydro-power from the miles of streams
• Winged wildlife includes eagles, hawks, owls, ravens, and Neotropical songbirds
• Diverse topography containing a mature forest, emerging forest, old fields, huge rock outcrops, large creeks and ancient trees create a fascinating natural setting
• Tremendous producer of life-giving Oxygen and a major sequester of carbon
• Many additional seasonal branches flow during snow melts and rain events
• Renowned locally as one of the premier wildlife sanctuaries in Monroe County
• Spectacular long range views approaching 20 miles
• High percentage of commercially – operable ground supporting forestry, recreation and potential for numerous future cabin sites
• Perfect for shooting sports, ATV riding, horseback riding, hiking, camping, hunting and nature viewing
• Low taxes, low population density, little or no light pollution

RECREATION AT AUBREY FOREST

Aubrey Forest offers unparalleled recreational opportunities. Numerous soft recreational activities are anchored by the 4 miles of direct frontage on Second Creek and Laurel Creek. The 1772 acres which provides the foundation for all that is the Aubrey Forest.

Nature viewing is first in line of recreational activities. Attentive wildlife management has been geared not to just game animals. Equal consideration has been extended to increasing the numbers and diversity of species including neo-tropical songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, dragonflies, owls, hawks.

Stargazing-Planet Observation
Complete darkness can be still be found on the majority of the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.

Water-sports enthusiasts will find the steams ideal for: Swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and wind-surfing.

Shooting-sports devotees find all the land and privacy needed to enjoy:

• Paintball-Airsoft-Laser tag-Archery tag
• Shotgun sport shooting including Skeet, Trap, Double Trap and Sporting Clays
• Rifle & Handgun shooting: bullseye, silhouette, western, bench rest, long-range, fast draw
• Archery and Crossbow competition shooting
• Plain ole’ plinking: Grandpa’s old 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day

All Terrain Motorsports
Aubrey Forest has miles of 10 miles of internal roads and miles of forest trails that are perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. These exciting machines handle the wide variety of the Aubrey Forest’s terrain. The riders can go from down along the streams, wind through the pine and hardwood forest and climb nearly 1000 feet up to the highest ridges.

Dirt bikes can also be a lot of fun and they come in all sizes and horsepower to fit anyone who enjoys being on two wheels (hopefully).

Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and Hiking
The same trails used for Motorsports can also be used for mountain biking or horseback riding. The trails are designed to be on gentle grades but some trails coming off the river offer a more challenging climb.

Hunting is a first-class experience. The 4 miles of strea, frontage provides habitat for wood duck, geese and mallards. White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, squirrel, raccoon, fox and rabbit make up the resident wildlife population. It is hard to find a property that has a better mix of wildlife as there has been professional wildlife management for many years.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Aubrey Forest is a tremendous producer of Oxygen and Carbon Sequester. Carbon Sequestration is the act of processing carbon dioxide through sinks and stores and releasing them into the atmosphere as oxygen. With 1772 acres, the vigorously growing forest is sequestering approximately 150,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide each per year.

On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year. Since there are estimated to be some 1.3 million trees growing in the forest, there could be over 170,000 tons of Oxygen being produced each year. The forest may be supplying the needs of over 200,000 of the world’s citizens.

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 37.628550°(N), -80.422178°(W)
Address: Hollywood Glace Road RT 4/2, Union, WV 24983; No 911 address is assigned to property without structures.
Elevation Range: 1976 ft. to 2825 ft. +/-

FLY FISHING SECOND CREEK, WEST VIRGINIA

Second Creek is a large spring-fed creek that’s a tributary of the Greenbrier River. This is a stocked stream known for its large brown trout. Unlike most spring creeks, Second Creek has a gravel bottom rather than a silt and sand bottom.

The creek has a good population of aquatic insects, thanks to it high pH. Mayflies, caddisflies and midges are present. There are also plenty of scuds. It’s relatively shallow water with several rapids, still water and deeper sections in the pools.

Seasons:
Fly fishing Second Creek is best in the Spring and Summer
Spring:
Spring provides the best fly fishing opportunities due to the hatches.
Summer:
The water gets low and can get too warm during the summer.
Fall:
Fall is a great time to fish Second Creek. Brown trout spawn in the Fall and become easier to catch in the pre-spawn stage.
Winter:
Fly fishing Second Creek remains good all winter but the water is usually low and very clear.

Second Creek is a nice stream. It’s narrow; only 20 to 30 feet wide but it gives a very pleasant woody feel winding its way through the valley with the fields and the cows on either side. The best time to fish is late spring once the water stabilizes and the big Browns are laying in the deeper sections of the pools.

FOREST FARMING

The most common crops are medicinal herbs and mushrooms. Other crops that can be produced include shade-loving native ornamentals, moss, fruit, nuts, other food crops, and decorative materials for crafts. These crops are often referred to as special forest products.

Here are some specific examples of crops in each category that are currently being cultivated:

• Medicinal herbs: Ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot, passionflower, and mayapple
• Mushrooms: Shiitake and oyster mushrooms
• Native ornamentals: Rhododendrons and dogwood
• Moss: Log or sheet moss
• Fruit: Pawpaws, currants, elderberries, and lowbush blueberries
• Nuts: Black walnuts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, and beechnuts
• Other food crops: Ramps (wild leeks), maple syrup, and honey
• Plants used for decorative purposes, dyes, and crafts: Galax, princess pine, white oak, pussy willow branches in the spring, holly, bittersweet, and bloodroot and ground pine (Lycopodium)

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The abundant timber resource is well positioned for current timber income as well as value appreciation over the coming decades. With an attractive species mix, adequate stocking levels, and favorable diameter class distribution, the timber amenity represents a strong component of value to the investor.

The Aubrey Forest’s resource is composed of quality Appalachian hardwoods, white pine and hemlock. This well managed timber resource can provide a great deal of flexibility to the next ownership in terms of potential harvest revenue and can be managed to provide cash flow opportunities to offset holding cost and long-term asset appreciation. Capital Timber Value of the timber and pulpwood has not been determined at this time but is considered substantial.

The forest’s predominately well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by hardwood species. Overall, the species composition is highly desirable and favors Appalachian hardwood types, consisting primarily of:

• Black Walnut
• Sugar Maple
• Poplar/Basswood
• Red Oak Group
• White Oak/Chestnut Oak
• Soft Maple
• Hickory
• A host of associated species (ash, cedar, birch, sourwood, black gum, beech)

There is also a nice component of native white pine and eastern hemlock interspersed throughout the hardwood forest.

Forest-wide, most stands are fully stocked, providing the next ownership with a great deal of flexibility in shaping their own silvicultural legacy. Stem quality forest-wide can be considered excellent with the forest containing an abundant current and future veneer source.

The property’s timber component has been well managed over the years and consists of several stands of differing age classes that have been managed under exacting silvicultural guidelines. The predominant timber stand contains 10-140-year-old stems ranging in size of 10”-40” dbh. Portions of this stand have been thinned as prudent forest management called for. Some of the stands were completely regenerated and are now young emerging forest with thousands of vigorously growing trees on each acre.

Diameters are well represented across the commercial spectrum with a notable mature size class, as well as abundant pole size timber and growing stock. Several “Heritage Trees” are scattered throughout the forest and field edges. These ancient trees, some 200-300 years old, have withstood the test of time, weathering ice, wind, lightning strikes and fire.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Emerald Ash Borer, which has inundated the entire Northeast US, is present and the Ash component will significantly decline over the next decade. The Eastern Hemlock species is under attack by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and the remaining hemlock will significantly decline over the coming decade. There have been no forest fires in recent memory.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses.

There are several fruit trees scattered about, some of which were part of the early homestead. Crops of black walnuts and hickory nuts are produced each year from the abundant black walnut and hickory trees scattered about.

Honey bees would do well here, and it would be possible to produce maple syrup from the sugar and red maple trees growing on the property.

WILDLIFE

Years of progressive wildlife management practices have created the quintessential wildlife preserve. Early on, management goals promoted overall wildlife health, facilitated the harvest of game, developed wildlife viewing areas, increased carrying capacity, and increased species diversity.

Second Creek and Laurel Creek are a major contributor to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. The 4 miles of streams and their surrounding aquatic plant life create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the margin of the creeks are fringed by lowlands, and these lowlands support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the shore of the streams. The plant life associated with the wetland includes rushes, sedges, cattails, duckweed and algae.

There are many animals that live in the water and around the edges of the creek including, trout, beaver, otters, mink, raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, minnows, stocked fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrat, bull frogs, eagles, hawks and redwing blackbirds.

There is the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, pond skaters, water beetles, damselflies, tadpoles and various insect larve.

The property has a mixture of mature hardwood species, white pine forest, and hemlock. The diverse tree species, coupled with the abundant water supply from the creeks and springs, creates the perfect wildlife habitat. The miles of “edge effect” created between the creeks, hollows, ridges, rock outcrops and forest is the textbook habitat benefiting all the resident wildlife. Bald eagles, white tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, owls and raptors make up the resident wildlife population.

The hardwood forest provides the essential nutrient source and produces tons of hard mast including acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts and black walnuts. Soft mast includes stag horn sumac, black cherry, tulip poplar seeds, maple seeds, autumn olive berries and blackberries.

THE DYNAMIC WETLAND

In earlier times, before the environmental and societal value of wetlands was discovered, the dynamic wetland was commonly called a “swamp” or “bog”. This enchanting area is biologically rich and wildlife diverse, being akin to the world’s largest swamps found in the Florida Everglades and the Amazon River Basin. The small, but mighty wetland works to provide “ecosystem services”—non-monetary benefits like clean water, clean air, carbon sequestration, hunting, and yes—recreation for everyone young and old.

The wetlands are the best of both worlds. A visit begins with a hike down Laurel Creek or up Second Creek to the confluence of the two streams. Watch for deer, squirrels, raccoon, and turkey while exploring for butterflies, turtles, frogs, crawdads, song birds, salamanders, newts, and a host of other aquatic invertebrates, migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Wetlands are a very productive part of our environment; more productive of vegetation, in fact, than some agricultural soils. This vegetation serves important purposes. It shelters and feeds many wildlife species that cannot survive elsewhere. Almost 35 percent of all rare and endangered species depend, in some way, on wetlands. More common wetland species provide enjoyment to many by serving educational, research and recreational needs. Waterfowl and many furbearers such as beaver, mink and muskrat provide both consumptive and no consumptive recreation and are dependent on wetlands. Some fringe wetlands provide the food that young fish need to survive. By slowing the flow of water, wetlands help keep banks from eroding and they trap and settle suspended silt before it smothers fish eggs and covers the insects and other animals that fish eat.

Wetlands add visual diversity to everyone’s lives. The lake trail that skirts and crosses the wetlands offers an opportunity to see many different plant and wildlife species seen nowhere else on the property. The wetlands habitat walk is a relaxing and rewarding experience.

WATER

8/10 mile of Second Creek frontage
3.5 miles of Laurel Creek frontage
Several other ephemeral streams that flow during rain events and ice/snow melt
Mountain springs

MINERAL RESOURCES

The mineral rights do not convey and the property will be conveyed “SURFACE ONLY”.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

Over the years, the property lines have been surveyed and painted. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water: water well could be drilled
Sewer: private septic could be installed
Electricity: Onsite
Telephone: Onsite
Internet: mobile phone, Satellite or possibly phone cable
Cellphone Coverage: Excellent with 4G

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has direct access to the Hollywood Glace Road RT 4/2, providing access to the public road system. Aubrey Forest has over 10 miles of interior roads that provide access to a major portion of the property.

ZONING

There is currently no county zoning in Monroe County. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to contact the Monroe County Health Department for answers regarding installation of septic systems and water wells. Further information on county zoning may be answered by contacting the Monroe County Commission.

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 241 Pg. 228; TRACT SEVEN
Monroe County, West Virginia

Acreage: 1771.61 acres +/-
Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:

Monroe County (32), West Virginia
Second Creek District (4)

Tax Map 26 Parcel 2; Class 3; 2018 Real Estate Taxes $2424.00

2018 Real Estate Taxes: $2,424.00

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Monroe County School District

Public Elementary School:
Mountain View Elementary School

Public Middle School:
Mountain View Middle School

Public High School:
James Monroe High School

THE AREA

The charming village of Union, which is the Monroe County seat, is a 25-minute drive. Banking, healthcare facilities, drugstore, grocery shopping and a great family restaurant are readily available. Some of the friendliest people in West Virginia can be found in Monroe County. Monroe County has a population of about 13,000 residents and does not have a stoplight and has more cattle and sheep than people. There are no fast food restaurants but there are local restaurants in the area that are well known for their good food and friendly atmosphere.

Lewisburg, which is the Greenbrier County seat, was voted the Coolest Small Town in American in 2011 and is just a 45-minute drive to the thriving downtown historic district. The downtown boasts a year-round live theater, Carnegie Hall, several fabulous restaurants, antique shops and boutiques. There is also a modern hospital and all attendant medical facilities along with all the big box stores.

The Greenbrier County Airport, which has WV’s longest runway, is located just 45 minutes away and has daily flights to Chicago and Washington DC. The world-famous Greenbrier Resort is less than an hour’s drive and Snowshoe Ski Resort is about 2 hours’ drive. Covington, Virginia is about 90 minutes away, Roanoke, Virginia, is 120 minutes, DC is 4 hours and Charlotte, North Carolina is 3.5 hours away.

The Greenbrier resort features an ever-expanding schedule of public events, including the undergrown Casino and the Greenbrier Classic, a nationally televised PGA tournament held in early September. The resort opened a new $30 million training facility for pro-football teams, and they practice in late July and early August are the sessions are open to the public. A 2500-seat tennis stadium to host professional matches was opened in 2015.