The 442 acre +/- Big Ridge Forest property is multi-facetted and heavily favors outdoor recreation, timber investment, wildlife habitat, clean water and fresh air conservation.

The property has been managed under West Virginia Best Management Practices minimal county zoning restrictions, allowing for the expansion of property use.  The mineral rights in title will transfer with the surface rights allowing for the possible development of available minerals, oil and gas. desired.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 442 uninterrupted acres
• 5 dashed blueline streams, 25 intermittent and ephemeral creeks
• Miles of forest trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV riding
• Permanent interior roads for superior access
• Diverse wildlife habitat and exceptional wildlife population density
• All mineral rights in title will convey
• Low population density
• Low taxes
• Little to no light pollution for spectacular stargazing and astrophotography
• Several home sites with stunning long views of distant mountains
• Near to Roanoke, Blacksburg & Lewisburg with jet airports, interstates, hospitals, shopping, city amenities
• 30 minutes to the world-renowned Greenbrier Resort
• Dynamic forest with some old growth trees estimated to be 200-300 years old
• Wildlife program enhances habitat, increases diversity, and promotes health
• A rewarding permaculture lifestyle can be easily developed
• Surrounded by National Forest, Wildlife Management Area, farms and timber tracts in a nice rural neighborhood
• Superior access by state maintained paved roads – FedEx, UPS and USPS delivery
• Cell phone coverage is excellent on the ridges and may be spotty deep in the valley
• Along the creek: Frogs, turtles, crawdads, fish, ducks, salamanders, butterflies, dragonflies
• Fur bearing – deer, black bear, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox, chipmunk, opossum
• Winged wildlife – eagles, hawks, owls, grouse, ravens, turkey, woodpeckers, songbirds
• The forest produces tons of Oxygen and is a sequester of carbon dioxide
• Trees species include oaks, black walnut, poplar, sycamore, maple, hickories, white pine
• Perfect for recreational activities including, ATV riding, horseback riding, hiking, camping, hunting and nature viewing
• The area provides exceptional quality of life values

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 37.704001°(N), -80.290264°(W)
Address: Broad Run Road RT 50/2, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986.  No 911 address is assigned to property without structures.
Elevation Range: 2418 ft. to 3183 ft. +/-

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Big Ridge 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 442 acres, the vigorously growing forest is sequestering approximately 1 million tons of Carbon Dioxide each per year.

On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year. There could be over 500,000 tons of Oxygen being produced each year.

WATER

Big Ridge Forest is the home of two branches forming the headwaters of Broad Run, a blueline stream.  The northern branch is about 6/10 mile long.  The southern branch is about 8/10 mile long.  The two branches then merge and run as the single stream.  Fletcher’s Branch, also a blueline stream, forms a portion of the western boundary of the property for slightly over ¼ mile.  Those streams should have frequent water flow, especially during rain events and snow melt.

MINERAL RESOURCES

West Virginia is one of the states in the US that has two ownership titles, those being SURFACE RIGHTS and MINERAL RIGHTS. A title search for mineral rights ownership has not been conducted. All rights the owner has will convey with the property. A mineral title search could be conducted by a title attorney at the same time when the surface title search is being conducted.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The owner’s deed contains a metes and bounds description based on a survey made by Guy R. White.  The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

Primary Access: Moncove Lake and Big Ridge Road

Secondary Access: Using non-maintained Broad Run Road RT 50/2 off of Tuckahoe Road

ZONING

Greenbrier County is subject to some zoning and subdivision regulations. All prospective buyers should consult the County Commission and also the Health Department for details regarding zoning, building codes and installation of septic systems.

Information can be found at the county website: http://greenbriercounty.net/ordinances.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

The property has been used as forestland.

(This summary is an estimation of current property use as determined from aerial photography.  It is made subject to the estimation of property boundaries and any errors in the interpretation of land use type from the aerial photography utilized.)

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 605 Pg. 442
Greenbrier County, West Virginia

Acreage: 442 acres +/-

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:

Greenbrier County (13), West Virginia
White Sulphur District (16)
Tax Map 42 Parcel 7; ACREAGE 442.00 (D) AT HEAD OF TUCKAHOE; Class 3

2020 Real Estate Taxes: $779.44

SCHOOLS

Greenbrier County School District

Public Elementary School:
White Sulphur Elementary School

Public Middle School:
Eastern Greenbrier Middle School

Public High School:
Greenbrier East High School

Colleges:
New River Community and Technical College (Lewisburg campus)
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Private Schools:
Greenbrier Community School (PK-8)
Greenbrier Valley Academy (2-8)
Lewisburg Baptist Academy (PK-12)
Renick Christian School (2-7)
Seneca Trail Christian Academy (PK-12)

RECREATION AT BIG RIDGE FOREST

Big Ridge Forest offers unparalleled recreational opportunities. Numerous soft recreational activities are possible.

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 nearby Greenbrier River, Moncove Lake and Tuckahoe Lake 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
• An old 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day

All Terrain Motorsports
Big Ridge Forest has several miles of internal roads and forest trails that are perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. These exciting machines handle the wide variety of the property’s terrain. The riders can go from down along the streams, wind through the pine and hardwood forest and climb nearly 1200’ 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.

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 creeks offer a more challenging climb.

Hunting is a first-class experience.  White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, squirrel, raccoon, coyote, 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 attentive wildlife management for many years.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The Big Ridge Forest timber resource is composed of some high quality Appalachian hardwoods and white pine. 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.

Timber Value of the timber and pulpwood has not been determined.

Species composition:

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 Cherry
• Sugar Maple
• Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood
• Red Oak Group
• White Oak/Chestnut Oak
• Soft Maple
• Hickory
• Ash
• Black walnut
• As well as a host of other species (birch, beech, sassafras, wahoo, buckeye)

There is a substantial amount of white pine scattered throughout the property.

Forest-wide, most stands are fully stocked, providing the next ownership with a great deal of flexibility in shaping their own silvicultural legacy. Some stands are currently ready for harvest which could generate income.

The timber component consists of several age classes Some of the stands have been selectively harvested and some stands were clearcut in order to start a completely new forest through natural regeneration.  The timber stands contain 2-120 year old stems ranging in size of 2”- 36” dbh. Stem quality forest-wide can be considered excellent with the forest containing an abundant future veneer source.  Diameters are well represented across the commercial spectrum with a 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 presently there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Emerald Ash Borer and Hemlock Wooly adelgid are present and it is anticipated that the Ash component will come under attack by the borer in the next decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses. One could spend a lifetime getting to know this inviting environ.

WILDLIFE

Years of  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.

The Greenbrier River, Moncove Lake and nearby Tuckahoe Lake are major contributors to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. The streams/intermittent creeks and the 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 at times, live in and around the edges of the lakes, river and  creeks 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 area and 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.

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)

THE SURROUNDING AREA

The surrounding area offers unlimited soft recreational activities including white water rafting, golfing, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and rock climbing.

The charming village of White Sulphur Springs, home to the 11,000 acre Greenbrier Resort, is a 30 minute drive. The Greenbrier Resort is widely regarded as one of the finest luxury resorts around the world. Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, the Greenbrier offers exclusive services and amenities such as championship golf, fine dining, more than 55 activities, designer boutiques, a world-renowned mineral spa and a 103,000 square foot gaming and entertainment venue. Banking, healthcare facilities, drugstores, grocery shopping and great restaurants are readily available in downtown.

Lewisburg, which is the Greenbrier County seat, was voted the Coolest Small Town in America, combining the warmth of a close community with the sophistication of more urban locations. The thriving downtown historic district offers year-round live productions presented at the State Professional Theatre of WV, Carnegie Hall, distinctive dining venues, antique shops, award-winning galleries/boutiques, a year-round farmer’s markets. Greenbrier Valley Medical Center is a modern hospital and all attendant medical facilities, along with the many big box stores.

Lewisburg is also home to the modern Robert. C Byrd Medical Clinic (300 employees), the WV Osteopathic Medical School (600 students) and the New River Community and Technical College. The area is a strong economic generator with a solid workforce employed in county/state government, tourism, hospitality, medical, education, retail, construction, wood products, mining and agriculture.

A picturesque train ride from White Sulphur Springs connects the area to DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, and many other locations. By car, DC is 4 hours away and Charlotte is only 4.

Within a two-hour’s drive are located some of the finest recreational facilities in West Virginia. Winterplace Ski Resort, whitewater rafting / fishing on the New River and Gauley River, 2000 acre Bluestone Lake, Pipestem State Park and Resort and the 80,000 acre New River National Gorge National Park. Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding and rock climbing opportunities. Snowshoe Ski Resort is 2 hour drive through some of the most scenic country on the East Coast. The new 12,000 acre Boy Scout High Adventure Camp and home to the US and World Jamboree is a 2 hour drive minute drive.

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON and JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST

Big Ridge Forest is within walking distance to the George Washington – Jefferson National Forest.

The George Washington & Jefferson National Forest contains over 1,061,000 acres.  In 1995, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests were administratively combined to form one of the largest areas of public land in the Eastern United States. They cover 1.8 million acres of land in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Approximately 1 million acres of the forest are remote and undeveloped, and 139,461 acres have been designated as wilderness areas, which eliminates future development.

The National Forests are traversed by the Blue Ridge Parkway and are located within eight major river basins: the Potomac, James, Roanoke, New, Big Sandy, Holston, Cumberland, and Clinch Rivers. Average discharge of surface water from National Forest lands is estimated to be 2.2 million acre feet.

The Forests contain 2,340 miles of perennial streams, of which over 1,000 miles are trout waters. There are 82 reservoirs within or immediately downstream from the National Forests, 16 of which are used for municipal water supply. Lake Moomaw is among the largest reservoir (2530 acres) providing flood control, water quality control, and recreation opportunities.

TUCKAHOE LAKE

Tuckahoe Lake can be found approximately 3.5 miles south of White Sulphur Springs. Boats powered by electrical motors are allowed. This 40-acre lake was built in 1995. Standing timber within the lake creates a rich aquatic habitat for animals and unique landscape for photographers. The relatively small lake offers a boat ramp and fishing dock. Visitors should note that the public facilities are limited to a porta-potty.

MONCOVE LAKE STATE PARK and WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Big Ridge Forest is near the Moncove Lake State Park which offers a peaceful setting for families to enjoy the outdoors. The park is a popular destination for outdoor social gatherings, quiet strolls, camping and water recreation. This 250-acre park is a part of the 896 acre Moncove Lake Wildlife Management Area. Located in the hills of the southeastern edge of the state, near Union in Monroe County, the park offers many opportunities for fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, birdwatching and hiking.

The Moncove Lake area was established in 1960, following the damming of Devil Creek in eastern Monroe County. The lake was built as part of the Moncove Lake Hunting and Fishing Area. In 1991, 250 acres were set aside as a state park. The remainder of the land continues to be managed as a wildlife management area. The park has since been expanded to 896 acres. The park sits on the shores of 144-acre Moncove Lake, and underneath the flyway of the Fall Hawk migration.

Moncove Lake State Park’s campground includes 48 tent and trailer sites, 25 of which have electric hookups. There are picnic tables and fire rings with grill surfaces, drinking water, a dump station and a central bathhouse with showers. Firewood is available for purchase upon your arrival. West Virginia State Park campground reservations are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis through October 31.

Three picnic shelters are available to reserve, fully equipped with grills and tables. Playgrounds, restroom facilities, and a swimming pool open from Memorial Day to Labor Day will make your gathering complete!

More than 160 species of birds have been seen around Moncove Lake. The area is a birding hot spot due to nearby Peter’s Mountain and the ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. These ridges act as funnels for birds migrating in the fall and present excellent chances to glimpse birds that are considered rare or unusual for this region. On Peter’s Mountain during peak days in September, Broad Winged hawks are counted by the hundreds, and migrating hawks of nearly every eastern species and numerous songbirds can be seen throughout the month of September and into October. Witness the annual migration of birds of prey as they travel the eastern flyway passing through Monroe County, WV. Migration typically begins in early September through October, however, late September usually brings the most sightings.