HIGHLIGHTS

• 633+/- multi-use acres located in pristine Pocahontas Country, “The Alaska of the East”
• Stunning 14-acre Lake Sam Hill complete with boat docks, boardwalks, a swimming beach & aquatics building stocked with bass, bluegill, perch and catfish
• $275,000 in ready to harvest timber managed by a professional forester
• Multiple uses for Residential/Recreational/Timber Management/Land Conservation
• Conveying Fee Simple with all mineral rights and timber rights to be conveyed
• Topography ranges from flat bottomland fields to heavily forested hillsides
• 75,000-gallon water storage tank feeds into a chlorinated water system
• 20 structural improvements onsite containing 25,000 square feet
• Extensive infrastructure: chlorinated water system, 400-amp electric service, landline phone, private septic systems, drilled water wells
• Miles of improved access roads and forest trails provide access to nearly every corner of the property
• The exceptional forest includes White Pine, Hemlock, Spruce, Oak, Beech, Sugar Maple, Black Walnut, Shagbark Hickory, Sassafras & Tulip Poplar
• Adjoins the Monongahela National Forest
• Low taxes, low population density
• 45 minutes to the Greenbrier Resort
• Commercially – operable ground supporting farming, forestry, recreation
• Easily dividable into smaller tracts for flexible ownership facilitated by no county zoning
• Crystal clear mountain streams feed the 14-acre lake surrounded by over 600 acres of bottomland farm fields and dense forest
• Cabins, developed camping areas, open shelters, large dining hall, ranger residences, all designed for easy living and enjoying nature, family and friends
• Marlinton, the county seat, is 20 minutes away with all town amenities and a hospital
• Historic Lewisburg, major retailers, restaurants, a hospital are an hour’s drive on quiet roads
• Jet air service daily to the Chicago and Dulles hubs one hour’s drive at Lewisburg
• Easy access to Interstates I-64, I-77, I-81 and I-79
• Rock outcroppings for bouldering and free climbing
• Water loving wildlife include stocked fish, otter, beaver, mink, blue heron, wood duck, mallard, raccoon, Canada geese, turtles, bullfrog, crayfish, muskrat, newt, and salamander
• Resident fur bearing wildlife include rabbit, deer, black bear, bobcat, squirrel, chipmunk
• Winged wildlife includes bald eagles, wild turkeys, grouse, neo-tropical song birds, woodpeckers, hawks, owls, ravens, and a large variety of other small birds
• The darkest of night skies with little or no light pollution for star gazing and planet observation elevations run from 2562’ to 2787’
• Some very ancient 200 + year old “Heritage Trees” scattered about the old boundaries
• Piles of field stone about the old field edges gathered by early mountaineers
• Long views of distant mountains from across the lake and from the high ridges
• Surrounded by national forest, farms and large forest tracts provides privacy and seclusion
• Short drive to Greenbrier River Trail, Greenbrier River, Snowshoe Resort
• Mostly flat to rolling topography with seasonal branches creating an interesting natural setting
• Pasture area suitable for grazing of domestic livestock including dairy cows, sheep, chickens, geese, goats, rabbits, turkey and poultry
• Self-sustaining lifestyle off the grid or “Permaculture” is entirely possible
• Several acres of high quality wetlands provide a unique animal and plant habitat
• Wilderness area used for the observation of natural ecosystems and its cycles
• Property is well suited for the production of honey, maple syrup, wild berries, row crops, fruit and vegetables

OVERVIEW

The year was 1960……

Nearly 60 years ago, West Virginia Boy Scouts made their first trip to the Buckskin Scout Reservation – better known as Dilley’s Mill – in Pocahontas County. Since then, tens of thousands of Boy Scouts from across the USA, spanning multiple generations, have taken part in week-long summer sessions at the camp, where they completed requirements for numerous outdoor-related merit badges, learned shooting and archery skills, and swam, fished and canoed on the camp’s 14-acre lake.

The 633-acre Buckskin Scout Reservation — better known by its nickname, Dilley’s Mill, in recognition of a gristmill that once operated on Thorny Creek near the entrance to the facility — includes 20 structures including a large dining hall, several cabins, an office building, two shower houses and 20 group camping sites. Lake Sam Hill’s 14 acres provides a stunning focal point and is anchor for all other activities.

Dilley’s Mill lies in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in the unspoiled southeastern region of West Virginia. This stunning 14-acre lake is surrounded by 633 acres of bottomland farm fields and densely forested woodland with a few scattered wildlife and camping openings. The abundance of water is a major contributor to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals.

The surrounding Allegheny Mountains provide a flawless backdrop for this 633-acre high elevation recreational-residential-timber investment property. Miles of forest trails offer hiking, horseback riding and ATV/off-roading adventure. Beyond the sheer beauty of the water, the lake offers the soft recreation activities of swimming, paddle sports, ice skating, windsurfing and of course fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie (lots of 4 to 5 pound bass).

It is very common to see deer and turkey grazing in the shore-side forest while ducks and geese paddle by on the water. There is a good chance bald eagles, red tail hawks or blue herons will make a morning visit.

LAKE SAM HILL

The 14-acre lake provides a stunning main focal point framed by the backdrop of the fields, forest and mountains. Lake Sam Hill is complete with 2 boat docks, boardwalks, a swimming beach, watch tower & aquatics building. The lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, perch and catfish.

The lake is a major contributor to local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals.

The lake and its surrounding aquatic plant life create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Much of the margin of the lake is fringed by wetlands, and these wetlands support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the shore of the lake. 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 lake including beaver, otters, mink, raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, minnows, stocked fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrat, bull frogs, and redwing blackbirds.

RECREATION AT DILLEY’S MILL

Dilley’s Mill offers unparalleled recreational opportunities. Numerous soft recreational activities are anchored by the 14-acre Sam Hill Lake. The easy going 633 acres consist of field and forest which provides the foundation for all that is Dilley’s Mill.

Nature viewing is first in line of the 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 most of the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.

Water-sports enthusiasts will find the crystal-clear lake ideal for: Swimming, boating, 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: Dilley’s Mill has 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 Dilley’s Mill terrain.  The riders can go from down along the lake, wind through the pine and hardwood forest, across the fields and 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 ridges offer a more challenging climb.

Hunting at Dilley’s Mill is a first-class experience. The lake and its attentive wetlands 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.

ABOUT THE REGION

The property is located in southern Pocahontas County in the Allegheny mountains of southeastern West Virginia. The Pocahontas County region is renowned for its highland forests—woodlands that ascend to windswept summits more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Its highest peaks are among the highest in the Allegheny range of the Appalachian Mountain.

Though home to fewer than 9,000 residents, the county is among the largest in West Virginia at 942 square miles and includes vast areas of forest, much of which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Monongahela National Forest.

Much of the county lies within the National Radio Quiet Zone, an area of 110 square miles in Virginia and West Virginia in which radio transmissions are heavily restricted to facilitate scientific research at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank in northern Pocahontas County.

Heavy snows in the higher elevations may render forest roads impassable through much of the winter, though the valleys along the Greenbrier enjoy moderate winter weather. Heavy snows in December, January, and February help sustain tourism when more than 400,000 skiers and winter-sports enthusiasts visit Snowshoe Mountain, Silver Creek Resort, and the Elk River Touring Center

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 38.269933°(N), -79.964280°(W)
Address: 1756 Browns Creek Road, Marlinton, WV 24954
Elevation Range: 2562 ft. to 2786 ft. +/-

DIRECTIONS

From Marlinton: Travel Route 39 East for 5.3 miles; turn left onto Route 28 North; travel 7 miles and the Buckskin Reservation sign will be on the right, turn in here.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

Dilley’s Mill’s 425-acre spectacular forest is a well-managed and is a registered American Tree Farm. The timber resource is comprised of 83% high quality eastern White Pine, Eastern Hemlock and Red Spruce. Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hickory and Poplar make up the 17% of hardwood species. This well managed forest will 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.

Commercial Value
A 2018 forest wide inventory conducted by a registered, professional forester indicates there is an estimated $275,000 in merchantable timber and pulpwood. The inventory shows there to be over 2.4 Million Board Feet of standing timber and some 27,000 tons of pulpwood.

The forest’s predominately well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by natural pine and hardwood species. Planted and natural White Pine forests compliment the natural Red Spruce, Eastern Hemlock and Appalachian Hardwood species. Overall, the species composition is highly desirable and favors yellow poplar, hickory, red oak and white oak and maple.

The property is divided into three primary stand types:

1. Mature Pine Hardwood Mix: 361 acres of 40-125 year old excellent quality
2. Planted Pine: 42 acres of 40+ year old well stocked white pine
3. Regenerated Hardwoods: 22 acres – Black Cherry and Yellow Poplar pre-commercial stand

Stocking, Stem Quality, and Forest Structure:
Forest-wide, most stands are fully stocked to overstocked, 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 sawlog source.
The forest’s timber component has been well managed over the years. Portions of the forest were thinned as prudent forest management called for. The forest could benefit from immediate thinnings which would generate considerable income and improve forest health. The forest has matured into higher-value sawtimber diameter classes with an abundant growing stock already in place for the future.

Diameters are well represented across the commercial spectrum with a notable mature size class, as well as abundant pole size timber and growing stock.

A few “Heritage Trees” are scattered throughout the forest. These ancient trees, some 150+ years old, have withstood the test of time, weathering ice, wind, lightning strikes and fire.

The forest is healthy and there are no current signs gypsy moth. The Emerald Ash Borer is present and it is anticipated that the Ash component will be in decline over the next decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is present and the Eastern Hemlock species is in decline.

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

Some of the forest was in fields and piles of field stone are found along the old field edges.  These stone piles are a lasting testament of the backbreaking work the early settlers put in to create a homestead.

Beechnuts, Hickory nuts, sweet White Oak and Red Oak Acorns provide a sustainable food source for the squirrels, chipmunks, whitetail deer and wild turkey that live in abundance in the forest.

Some areas of the farm fields that were once cleared for pasture have been abandoned for agricultural use and have evolve into a well-stocked forest. Not surprising, the trees, shrubs and meadow grasses are highly productive in producing tons and tons of oxygen while at the same time eliminating huge amounts of Carbon Dioxide; Nature’s way of reducing our Carbon Footprint.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Years of progressive wildlife management have created the quintessential wildlife preserve. Early on, management goals included establishing food plots intended to promote overall wildlife health, facilitate the harvest of game, develop wildlife viewing areas, increase carrying capacity, and increase species diversity.

Lake Sam Hill is a major contributor to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals.  The lake and its surrounding aquatic plant life create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Much of the margin of the lake is fringed by wetlands, and these wetlands support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the shore of the lake.  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 lake including beaver, otters, mink, raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, minnows, stocked fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrat, bull frogs, and redwing blackbirds.
There is the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, pond skaters, water beetles, damselflies, tadpoles and various insect larve.

Many ideal sites throughout the property have been designated as permanent food plots. These areas include small woodland openings, riverbank buffers, forest management trails, interior access roads, thinned pines, naturally regenerated hardwood areas, and field corners.

The property has a mixture of hayfields/pasture, mature hardwood forest, white pine forest, acres of grassed recreational areas, small regenerated forest and abandoned farm fields. All this, coupled with the abundant water supply from the lake, creeks and springs, creates the perfect wildlife habitat. The miles of “edge effect” created between lake, fields, trails and forest is the textbook habitat for all the resident wildlife. The edges create a miles long wildlife food plot. Bald eagle, 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, Dilley’s Mill’s dynamic wetland was commonly called a “swamp”. 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. This 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 taking the foot bridge across the upper lake and 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. Many 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.

SELF-SUSTAINING LIFE OFF THE GRID

Just like 150 years ago, when the first mountaineers settled the area, the property would be self-sustaining in times of necessity – even without electricity.

• Fresh water for drinking and cooking would come from springs and drilled water wells (hand drawing water from the wells using a cylinder well bucket).
• The lake and forest would provide fresh food (fish, deer, and turkey).
• The agricultural land would be used to raise livestock, vegetable gardens, berry patches, fruit orchards, and row crops of corn, oats and barley.
• Bee hives would provide honey and beeswax for candles.
• The vast forest would provide firewood for heating and cooking, lumber for building, maple syrup and pounds of nuts (walnuts, beechnuts and hickory nuts).

WATER RESOURCES

The property has an abundance of water resources, anchored by the 14-acre lake.  Thorny Creek flows for nearly one mile through the property and is a major blue line stream maintaining live water for most of the year. There is also another shorter ¾ mile unnamed blue line stream that feeds the lake and continues on to empty into Thorny Creek. An additional 20+ ephemeral streams flow during rain events and snow melt. The creeks drain to the blue line streams and then directly to Knapps Creek some 6 miles downstream and then onto Greenbrier River some 6 miles further.  There are drilled water wells and some wet weather springs scattered about on the property.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The property is conveying Fee Simple and all rights the owner has will convey at closing. The owner has every reason to believe the mineral title is intact and will convey the property in fee simple absolute. However, the Buyer should have an attorney to do a title search to verify that the mineral title is intact.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The property is comprised of several tracts, many of which have metes and bounds descriptions of record. Some boundaries are evidenced by very old fencing, county roads, surveyed corners and painted boundary lines. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water: Drilled wells supplying a 75,000 storage tank feeding into a chlorinated system
Sewer: Private septic tanks and 2 acre lagoon
Electricity: Onsite
Telephone: Onsite
Internet: May be possible through satellite by Hughes Net
Cellphone Coverage: None due to the Quiet Zone around Greenbank Observatory

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property fronts on county-maintained Route 28 for 9/10ths miles and CR 11/3 for 7/10ths miles providing direct access to the public road system. Several miles of improved roads and forest trails provide excellent internal access to nearly every corner of the property.

ZONING

The property is unzoned outside of corporations and flood zone areas. Land use regulations have not been adopted in Pocahontas County. Property use would be subject only to local, state or federal laws. There are no subdivision regulations, so properties can be sold in smaller parcels with a new survey map and legal description placed on record. Pocahontas County currently has no zoning Prospective buyers should consult the County Government and also the Health Department for any changes and details regarding zoning, building codes, and installation of septic systems.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

The property is currently devoted to hay production, recreational, primitive camping and forestland use. A breakdown is as follows:
Bottomland hayfields:65+/- acres
Improved camp area 15 acres +/-
Lake Sam Hill: 14+/- acres
Lagoon: 2+/- acres
Forestland: 537 acres +/- (balance of the property)
(This summary is only 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.)

ITEMS NOT CONVEYING

Signage, Scout memorabilia and other personal property do not convey.

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 97 Pgs. 49, 306, 316, & 334; DB 117 Pgs. 42 & 91; DB 133 Pg. 569
Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Acreage:
Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:

Pocahontas County (38), West Virginia
Huntersville District (6)

Tax Map 15 Parcel 4; Class 3
Tax Map 16 Parcels 3, 7, 8, 9, 10; Class 3
Tax Map 23 Parcels 9.1, 13.1, 13.3, 26; Class 3

2018 Real Estate Taxes: Exempt

RESIDENCES AND BUILDINGS

The property is improved with 19 structures that create a gross area of 25,300 square feet. The former chapel is being demolished. The buildings range from small sheds or shelter type buildings to a large dining hall and the ranger’s residence.

The records indicate that the camp was originally constructed in the 1960s and many of the buildings were originally constructed in that timeframe. Since then, there have obviously been changes, renovations, additions and construction of new buildings. Other than the mess hall, the majority of the buildings are wood frame structures and have been re-sided, re-roofed and generally maintained to prolong their economic lives. Many of the buildings have identical construction characteristics even though they may vary in use.

Other than the buildings, there is a significant amount of infrastructure associated with the property. There is a short asphalt paved entrance road off of Route 28 then a series of gravel, dirt and shale based roads throughout the camp. The water infrastructure includes multiple wells, the most recent of which is a 150 foot deep drilled well that supplies water to a 75,000 gallon water tower. There is piped water throughout a large portion of the camp as each of the camp sites is serviced with potable water. There is a sewer lagoon that is designed to accommodate several main buildings located on the campground and the ranger’s residence and several other cabins have septic systems.

STRUCTURES AND SIZES

Ranger’s Residence 1,900 SF
Archery Building (Open) 288 SF
Workshop/Garage 1,200 SF
Nature Lodge (Open) 480 SF
Barn with Hay Loft 2,920 SF
Camp Office 490 SF
Mess Hall & Bath House 4,000 SF
Health Lodge 800 SF
Mess Hall Dining Area 4,075 SF
3 Cabins (Each) 972 SF
Trading Post 960 SF
Commissary 2,550 SF
OA Cabin 865 SF
Block Bath House 470 SF
Craft Shelter (Open) 480 SF Camp Sites 18
Scout Craft (Open) 560 SF (with Outhouses)
Aquatics Building 300 SF

The basic building components for the various property types are shown as follows:

Ranger’s Residence
This is a 1,900 square foot doublewide mobile home constructed on a permanent block foundation. The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, living room, family room and combination kitchen/dining area. The home has wood log veneer with a composition shingle roof and the interior is comprised of carpet and linoleum floors, paneled walls and drywall ceilings. The age of this is unknown but it appears to be less than 15 years old and is in fair condition.

Mess Hall/Bath House
The mess hall is a masonry frame structure with wood laminate beam roof system and a concrete floor slab. The majority of this space is covered but surrounded with a screened porch and used as the dining hall. The indoor segments include a commercial grade kitchen, storage rooms for walk-in coolers and freezers and a half bathroom. The kitchen and indoor areas consist of approximately 2,000 square feet while the dining area consists of 4,075 square feet.  Attached to the dining hall is a bath house with two identical sections. This is a much newer building with split face block walls, wood truss roof system and each side includes 4 showers, 5 sinks, 4 urinals and 4 commodes. There is also a storage room attached to this building and a utility room for washer/dryer units and a propane hot water tank.

Cabins/Lodges
The trading post, OA Cabin, camp office and the health lodge are each enclosed structures with electric, water and sewer service. The office and health lodge have local sources of heating and cooling. These are wood frame structures on cinderblock foundations and have either composition shingle or metal roofs.

The buildings are in fair condition with renovations completed as needed. The electrical systems were upgraded with a consolidated 400 ampere service and 200 ampere subpanels for each building. The trading post was renovated in 2013.  These buildings are generally surrounding the mess hall in a central location to use a gravity flow sewer system to the sewer lagoon.

Three Cabins
There are 3 wood frame cabins located north of the ranger’s residence and they contain 972 square feet each. The cabins are identical in construction style, size and condition. They include 3 bedrooms, 1 ½ bathrooms, living room and a kitchen. The exterior has a board and batten siding finish, composition shingle roofs and the interior has carpet and vinyl composition tile, paneled walls and drywall ceilings. These buildings are in fair condition and constructed of fair quality components.

Shelters
There are a number of primitive shelters located throughout the property that are used for camping functions, as well as crafts, activity and learning centers during the camping season. These are generally pole frame structures with basic roof systems with concrete floors and perhaps an enclosed storage room.

Most of these buildings have electric service but no plumbing.

Block Bath House
The camp has 2 block bath houses that are removed from the main buildings but only one is in service. The building contains 470 square feet and is divided into showers on each side with a central area with a commode and the hot water tank. The showers are outdoor with no roof covering.

Commissary
There is a commissary that is a masonry frame structure with a wood truss roof system. That building is divided into several areas that are used for equipment storage and one has been converted to a bunk house. The building has electric service and plumbing, but it is reported that the plumbing is not functional.

INFRASTRUCTURE

There are power lines throughout the usable portions of the property as the lines have been extended to support the numerous structures on the site. Water is derived from drilled wells and it is reported that a new 150 foot deep drilled well was created in the summer of 2010 to provide a better flow of water to the camp water system. The property has a steel water storage tank that is estimated to contain 75,000 gallons and feeds into a water system that provides chlorinated water to many of the buildings, as well as the camp sites. It is impossible to determine the size of this system but some of the camp sites are more than a half mile from the water tower, so the piping system would be extensive.

Sewage has been run to various buildings including the mess hall, camp office, health lodge, bath house, trading post and the OA Cabin. This is up grade from the sewage lagoon, which is located down grade from the lake. This sewage system includes man holes with piped sewer lines for these various buildings. In addition to those structures, there apparently is a septic system with the ranger’s house and perhaps one or more septic systems with the three cabins. The infrastructure for this property has been expanded over an extended period of time with multiple people involved. It is reported that the sewage lagoon and the water system are tested on a regular basis to determine the status of those systems.

Single phase electrical services are transmitted throughout much of the camp property and some of the heating systems use propane that is tanked to the site. A new 400 ampere main feed was added for the trading post so 200 ampere subpanels were added to multiple buildings. This is particularly true in the bath houses or dining hall where large amounts of hot water are needed.

THE SURROUNDING AREA

POCAHONTAS COUNTY
Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is set deep in the Allegheny Mountains, separating West Virginia from Virginia, and called “the birthplace of rivers”. The Greenbrier, Gauley, Elk, Cherry, Cranberry, Tygart Valley, Williams, and Shavers Fork of the Cheat rivers all begin in these pristine mountains. The area is rooted in its crystal clear streams, native brook trout, roaring waterfalls, and unique history.

Pocahontas County is the “Alaska of the East”. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound from Hunting on private lands and the Monongahela National Forest, and Fishing in the Greenbrier River, Shavers Fork, Buffalo Lake and the countless native trout streams, Snow Skiing at Snowshoe, and Mountain Biking at Seneca State Forest and the Greenbrier River Trail.

In historic Durbin, WV, you can ride & experience the sights and sounds of one of the rarest steam locomotives in existence. The DURBIN FLYER Excursion Train is powered by a rare steam locomotive; Old #3 is one of only three operating Climax geared logging locomotives on earth. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers visitors steam engine drawn breath-taking rides to the top of the mountains.

Within a short drive are located some of the finest recreational facilities in West Virginia. Snowshoe Ski Resort, whitewater rafting / fishing on the Greenbrier, Tygart, New River and Gauley Rivers, the 48,000 acre Cranberry Wilderness, the 80,000 acre New River National Gorge National Park, and whitewater rafting / fishing on the Greenbrier, New River and Gauley Rivers. Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding and rock climbing opportunities. Snowshoe Ski Resort is a 35 minute leisurely drive through some of the most scenic country on the East Coast. The world renowned Greenbrier Resort, home of the PGA tour, is just 45minute drive. Several other area golf courses are available in the area. Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding, and rock climbing opportunities.

Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks, The Cass Scenic Railroad in Cass and the National Radio Observatory in Green Bank are other area attractions that make this region of the state one of the most sought after to live and play.

THE MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST
The Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920 and is encompasses about one million acres. Located in the north central highlands of West Virginia, the Monongahela straddles the highest ridges in the State. Elevation ranges from just under 1000′ to 4863′ above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse National Forests in the country.

Visitors to this beautiful forest enjoy breathtaking vistas, peaceful country roads, gently flowing streams, and glimpses of the many species of plants and animals that inhabit the Forest. You will also see a ‘working’ forest, which produces timber, water, grazing, minerals and recreational opportunities for the region and nation.

The landscape goals for management of the Monongahela are for a largely natural appearing and diverse forest, which provides outstanding dispersed recreation opportunities and supporting developed facilities. Dispersed recreation opportunities abound for hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and so on. Developed sites provide the tourism destination facilities and base camps so important to the efforts of local Convention and Visitor Bureaus, local communities, and other non-government agencies. Forest Plan Management Prescriptions favor non-motorized recreation for ecological reasons.

The forest is noted for its rugged landscape with spectacular views, blueberry thickets, highland bogs and “sods”, and open areas with exposed rocks. In addition to the second-growth forest trees, the wide range of botanical species found includes rhododendron, laurel on the moist west side of the Allegheny Front, and cactus and endemic shale barren species on the drier eastern slopes.

There are 230 known species of birds inhabiting the MNF: 159 are known to breed there, 89 are Neotropical migrants; 71 transit the forest during migration, but do not breed there, and 17 non-breeding species are Neotropical. The Brooks Bird Club (BBC) conducts an annual bird banding and survey project in the vicinity of Dolly Sods Scenic Area during migration (August – September). The forest provides habitat for 9 federally listed endangered or threatened species: 2 bird species, 2 bat species, 1 subspecies of flying squirrel, 1 salamander species, and 3 plant species. Fifty other species of rare/sensitive plants and animals also occur in the forest.

Larger animals and game species found in the forest include black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, gray and fox squirrels, rabbits, snowshoe hare, woodcock, and grouse. Limited waterfowl habitat exists in certain places. Furbearers include beaver, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, river otter, raccoon and mink. Other hunted species include coyotes, skunks, opossums, woodchucks, crows, and weasels. There are 12 species of game (pan) fish and 60 species of non-game or forage fish. Some 90% of the trout waters of West Virginia are within the forest.

THE GREENBRIER RIVER
The upper Greenbrier River possesses the excitement of life on one of the nation’s great wild rivers. The focus of a vast outdoor-recreation destination, it flows untamed out of the lofty Alleghenies, attracting anglers, paddlers, and naturalists from across the globe.

At 162 miles long, the Greenbrier is the longest undammed river left in the Eastern United States. It is primarily used for recreational pursuits and well known for its fishing, canoeing, kayaking and floating opportunities. Its upper reaches flow through the Monongahela National Forest, and it is paralleled for 77 miles by the Greenbrier River Trail, a rail trail which runs between the communities of Cass and North Caldwell.

It has always been a valuable water route, with the majority of the important cities in the watershed being established river ports. The river gives the receiving waters of the New River an estimated 30% of its water volume. Over three-fourths of the watershed is an extensive karstic (cavern system), which supports fine trout fishing, cave exploration and recreation. Many important festivals and public events are held along the river throughout the watershed.

The Greenbrier is formed at Durbin in northern Pocahontas County by the confluence of the East Fork Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River, both of which are short streams rising at elevations exceeding 3,300 feet and flowing for their entire lengths in northern Pocahontas County. From Durbin the Greenbrier flows generally south-southwest through Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Summers Counties, past several communities including Cass, Marlinton, Hillsboro, Ronceverte, Fort Spring, Alderson, and Hinton, where it flows into the New River.

Along most of its course, the Greenbrier accommodated the celebrated Indian warpath known as the Seneca Trail (Great Indian Warpath). From the vicinity of present-day White Sulphur Springs the Trail followed Anthony’s Creek down to the Greenbrier near the present Pocahontas-Greenbrier County line. It then ascended the River to the vicinity of Hillsboro and Droop Mountain and made its way through present Pocahontas County by way of future Marlinton, Indian Draft Run, and Edray.

NEARBY HISTORIC GREENBRIER COUNTY
Lewisburg, which is the Greenbrier County seat, was voted the Coolest Small Town in America in 2011, 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, and two summer-season 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 home to 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.

The world-renowned Greenbrier Resort, with 800 rooms and 1600 employees, is located nearby in the sleepy little town of White Sulphur Springs. The 4-Star resort has a subterranean casino and is home to the PGA tour, the “Greenbrier Classic.” Several other area golf courses are available in the area – including Oakhurst Links, America’s first golf course, where guests play using old style hickory-handled clubs and ground-burrowing golf balls!
The Greenbrier County Airport with WV’s longest runway provides daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC. 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.

WHAT IS A PERMACULTURE DESIGN?

The three core tenets of permaculture are:

1. Care for the earth: Provision for all life systems to continue and multiply. This is the first principle, because without a healthy earth, humans cannot flourish.
2. Care for the people: Provision for people to access those resources necessary for their existence.
3. Setting limits to population and consumption: By governing our own needs, we can set resources aside to further the above principles. This includes returning waste back into the system to recycle into usefulness. The third ethic is sometimes referred to as Fair Share, which reflects that each of us should take no more than what we need before we reinvest the surplus.

Permaculture design emphasizes patterns of landscape, function, and species assemblies. It determines where these elements should be placed so they can provide maximum benefit to the local environment. Permaculture maximizes useful connections between components and synergy of the final design. The focus of permaculture, therefore, is not on each separate element, but rather on the relationships created among elements by the way they are placed together; the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Permaculture design therefore seeks to minimize waste, human labor, and energy input by building systems, and maximizes benefits between design elements to achieve a high level of synergy. Permaculture designs evolve over time by taking into account these relationships and elements and can evolve into extremely complex systems that produce a high density of food and materials with minimal input.

The design principles, which are the conceptual foundation of permaculture, were derived from the science of systems ecology and study of pre-industrial examples of sustainable land use. Permaculture draws from several disciplines including organic farming, agroforestry, integrated farming, sustainable development, and applied ecology. Permaculture has been applied most commonly to the design of housing and landscaping, integrating techniques such as agroforestry, natural building, and rainwater harvesting within the context of permaculture design principles and theory.