DRAPER HILL FOREST

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The 116-acre Draper Hill Forest is the textbook recreational and timber investment property

Agent Contact:
Richard Grist, 304.646.8837 or 304.645.7674

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 116 +/- acre forested mountain range
  • Old agricultural fields intertwine with the mature forest creating an exciting recreational property
  • Fossils abound within diverse rock formations of limestone, shale, and sandstone
  • Very valuable timber should one decide to conduct a timber harvest
  • Long views of distant mountains and valleys below
  • Winding forest trails accessing nearly every part of the property
  • Interesting moss-covered rock outcrops and rock cliffs
  • Possibility of developing a rewarding permaculture lifestyle
  • 3 ephemeral streams flow during rain events and snow melt
  • Surrounded by timber tracts and farms in a nice rural neighborhood
  • Superior access adjoining state road – FedEx delivery
  • Darkest of skies with little or no light pollution for star and planet gazing
  • Rich soil offers numerous spots for gardens
  • Native ferns, songbirds, frogs, turtles, all enjoy the creeks and their rocky edges
  • Located in peaceful Monroe County and just 25 minutes to Union and 35 to Lewisburg
  • Many very ancient “Heritage” trees scattered about the forest and fields estimated at 200-300 years old
  • Excellent timber species include fragrant cedars, beautiful oaks, black walnuts, poplars, sugar and red maples and hickories
  • The mineral rights in title will convey
  • Electricity and telephone onsite
  • Wildlife is very abundant with several fur bearing species represented
  • Winged wildlife includes eagles, hawks, owls, ravens, and Neotropical songbirds
  • Diverse topography containing a mature forest, old farm fields, rock outcrops, creeks and ancient trees create a fascinating natural setting

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

From Alderson, West Virginia:  9.3 miles +/- (approximately 15 minutes)

From the Greenbrier County side of Alderson, cross the RT 3 South bridge over the Greenbrier River; continue left with RT 3 South; travel RT 3 South for 9 miles, passing through the community of Wolf Creek at about 6 miles, the property is on the left.

From Union, West Virginia:  9.7 miles +/- (approximately 15 minutes)

From Union, travel US 219 North 4 miles to Pickaway; turn left onto RT 3 North; travel RT 3 North for 5.7 miles; the property is on the right.

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 37.659175°(N), -80.584145°(W)
Address: RT 3, Wolf Creek, WV 24993; No 911 address is assigned to property without structures.
Elevation Range: 1970 ft. to 2430 ft. +/-

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 Draper Hill Forest’s resource is composed of quality Appalachian hardwoods. 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 and a host of associate species (ash, cedar, birch, sourwood, black gum, beech).

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 generally consists of two age classes that have been managed under even-aged silvicultural guidelines. The predominant timber stand contains 40-140-year-old stems ranging in size of 10”-36” dbh. Portions of this stand have been thinned decades ago as prudent forest management called for.

The second distinct stand was established over the past 30 years when portions of the farm fields and pastures were abandoned, and the forest began to naturally regenerate. These stands represent a quality hardwood resource and will be reaching economic maturity in the next 20-40 years.

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. One could spend a lifetime getting to know this inviting environ.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

The property had numerous fields that were used for crop and pasture up until about 40 years ago. The fields where were abandoned, and the forest began to naturally regenerate. These stands represent a quality hardwood resource and will be reaching economic maturity in the next 20-40 years.

There are several fruit trees scattered about, some of which were part of the early homestead.  fenced. 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

The mixture of mature forest, emerging forest, grown over farm fields, old fruit trees, coupled with the abundant water supply from the ephemeral creeks and spring, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The “edge effect” created between, streams, old farm fields and forest is the textbook habitat for the resident wildlife.

The edges create long wildlife food plot. The hardwood forest produces tons of acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts, walnuts and soft mast. White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, squirrel, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, eagles, owls and hawks make up the resident wildlife population. It is hard to find a property that has a better mix of wildlife as there has been little hunting pressure for many years.

There are many animals associated with the seasonal streams, including raccoons, opossums, turtles, salamanders, and newts. There is also the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, and various insects.

MINERAL RESOURCES

West Virginia is one of the states in the US that has two ownership titles, those being SURFACE RIGHTS and MINERAL RIGHTS. The mineral rights are believed to be intact and 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

Old stock fencing evidence along the boundary in most places.  A portion of the property boundary is frontage on RT 3.  The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water: well can be drilled or springs developed
Sewer: private septic system can be installed
Electricity: onsite
Telephone: onsite
Internet:  HughesNet or possibly phone cable through Verizon or Suddenlink. Cellphone Coverage: Excellent cell phone coverage with 4G

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has about 1/2 mile of total frontage on RT 3. There is possibly a right of way into the top of the property from the Flat Mountain Road.

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.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

This is now a forestland property.  There is evidence that certain areas were formerly fields, which are now returning to forest.

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 287 Pg. 628 (only certain tracts in this deed)
Monroe County, West Virginia
Acreage: 116.35 acres +/-

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:

Monroe County (13), West Virginia
Wolf Creek District (9)
Tax Map 12 Parcel 2; WR ALDERSON W OF SEC RT 1, 26 AC; Class 2; 2018 Real Estate Taxes $5.11
Tax Map 12 Parcel 4; BROAD RUN ON ST SEC RT 1, 90 AC; Class 2; 2018 Real Estate Taxes $17.24

2018 Real Estate Taxes: $22.35

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

FOSSILS AND ROCK FORMATIONS

The property is blessed with several interesting rock strata including limestone, shale and sandstone. Within these formations are found fossils of plants, seashells and small invertebrates.

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 and is just a 35-minute drive to the thriving downtown historic district. The downtown boasts a year-round live theatre, 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 Atlanta and Washington DC. The world-famous Greenbrier Resort is 35 minutes’ drive and Snowshoe Ski Resort is about 2 hours’ drive. Blacksburg, Virginia (Vtech) 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 underground gaming casino and the Greenbrier Classic, a nationally televised PGA tournament held in early October. The Resort opened a new $30 million training facility for professional football teams and their practices are open to the public. A 2500-seat tennis stadium to host professional and exhibition matches (The Williams sister, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, etc) recently played there.

 

REGIONAL INFORMATION

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Contact Foxfire

304.645.7674