HIGHLIGHTS

• 385 acre Green Fields Farm has been awarded two grassland management awards
• 100 acres of lush meadow and pasture land
• 285 acres of ready to harvest high quality timber with an estimated value of $315,000
• Convenient location near the Nicholas County seat of Summersville, WV, with all city amenities
• Modern hospital and medical facilities located in Summersville
• An abundance of water from two major blue line streams, one pond and two permanent water troughs
• City water, electric, phone and high-speed internet connection available
• The fields are quite fertile with Ph values ranging from 6.5 to 7.0
• The fields have been routinely limed and fertilized as needed
• Current use is a Cow-calf operation sustaining 65-70 brood cows
• All fields are fenced and cross-fenced with a combination of high tinsel electric, woven wire, and barbed wire fencing
• 3 corral areas serving different areas of the farm with one equipped with a squeeze chute and five sorting pens
• Improvements include a garage with attached shed, 2 round bale hay storage sheds, two hay feeders with metal roofs
• Total taxes for the property for 2016 were $586.53
• Easy access to Route 19, I-77 and I-79
• Jet air service is an hour away
• Dark skies with little or no light pollution for stargazing or planet observation
• Exceedingly quiet & tranquil due to the protection offered by the surrounding forest and low population density
• Cell phone coverage is good

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

Green Field Farm’s timber resource is composed of high 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.

A recent forest wide inventory by a professional forester indicates there is an estimated $315,000 in merchantable timber and pulpwood. The inventory shows there to be over 1.3 Million Board Feet of standing timber and some 5000 tons of pulpwood.

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:Species
Yellow Poplar
Red Oak
White Oak
Black Oak
Hard Maple
Red Maple
Beech
Black Birch
Black Cherry
Black Gum
Black Locust
Basswood
Black Walnut
Chestnut Oak
Cucumber
Hemlock
Hickory
Scarlet Oak
Sycamore
Totals12″up Volume
690,791
56,759
21,941
20,776
190,479
104,938
14,683
10,503
2,147
1,160
1,160
27,640
2,493
105,133
4,709
3,838
40,378
6,235
34,136
1,339,899$MBF
$220
$275
$300
$275
$254
$270
$50
$50
$600
$50
$75
$150
$400
$260
$220
$75
$75
$254
$130Value
$151,974
$15,608
$6,582
$5,713
$48,381
$28,333
$734
$525
$1,288
$58
$87
$4,146
$997
$27,334
$1,035
$287
$3,028
$1,583
$4,437
$302,130

Stocking, Stem Quality, and Forest Structure:

Forest-wide, most stands are fully stocked, providing the next ownership with a great deal of flexibility in shaping their own silvicultual 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 and generally consists of hardwood managed under uneven-aged silvicultural guidelines. The predominant timber stand contains 40-80 year old stems ranging in size of 10”-30” dbh. Portions of this stand were thinned over 30 years ago as prudent forest management called for. The forest is again ready for a selective thinning which could generate income in excess of $300,000. 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 100-150 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 Wooly Adelgid and The Emerald Ash Borer are present and it is anticipated that the Hemlock and Ash component will be in decline over 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.

Some of the forest was in fields prior to WWII 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 mountaineers 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.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

This farm consists of 385 acres of which 100 acres are rolling fields, and 285 acres are hardwood timber.  The farm has an abundance of water from two major streams, Peters Creek and McClung Branch, which serve all areas of the farm.  In addition, the farm has one pond and two permanent water troughs.  The farm also has public water which runs through the length of the farm.

The 100 acres of meadow and pasture land are quite fertile with pH values ranging from 6.5 to 7.0.  The fields on this farm have been routinely limed and fertilized as needed.

Green Fields Farm has been awarded two grassland management awards from Elk Conservation District in 2011 and 2013.

Green Fields Farm is currently operated as a cow-calf operation with 65-70 brood cows.  Most of the calves are held until yearling status and then sold.  Some additional forage is needed from leased hay acreage to support this number of cattle during winter feeding.  All pastures and meadows are fenced and cross-fenced with a combination of high tinsel electric, woven wire, and barbed wire fencing.

There are three corral areas serving different areas of the farm with the largest one equipped with a squeeze chute and five sorting pens.

Improvements on the property include a 40’ x 60’ garage with an 18’ x 60’ attached shed.  Round bale hay storage is served by two metal structures with canopies.  One measures 78’ x 36’, and the other is 60’ x 32’.  There are two hay feeders with metal roofs.  One is 10’ x 55’ with a 21’ pad on two sides allowing space for 60 cows to feed at once.  The second feed is 40’ x 10’ and has a 21’ concrete pad and allows 27 cows to feed at once.  Total storage capacity for hay is in excess of 800 4 x 4 round bales.

WILDLIFE

Otters and fishers, as well as blue herons, raccoons, opossums and chipmunks have been seen in and along the creek. Of course, the creek and its rocky edge support fish, crawdads, salamanders, June bugs and all types of aquatic invertebrates.

The property has mixture of emerging and mature forest types, open grassy areas and foot trails. All these features, coupled with the abundant water supply create the perfect wildlife habitat. The “edge effect” created between river and forest is the perfect habitat for all the resident wildlife. White tail deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, bald eagles, owls, woodpeckers and raptors compliment the resident aquatic wildlife population.

WATER

McClung Branch is a blue line stream that flows through the farm for nearly ¾ mile providing abundant water for the farm needs. A blue line stream is a perennial stream that has continuous flow in parts of its stream bed all year round during years of normal rainfall.  Peters Creek also runs through the property, and there is also a pond.

LOCATION

Google Coordinates:
38.298059°(N), -80.897908°(W)
Address: McClung Branch Road, Summersville, WV 26651
Elevation Range: 1500 ft. to 2270 ft. +/-

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

Portions of the property have boundary surveys of record. Since this has been an active stock farm for several years, substantial fencing marks many boundaries. Certain major sections of boundary run along the mountain tops. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water: public water system is visible along the McClung Branch Road
Sewer: septic system would have to be installed for a home site
Electricity: on the property
Telephone: phone lines are visible in the neighborhood
Internet: satellite internet is available or DSL should be available through the phone service
Cellphone Coverage: Very good in most areas

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

McClung Branch Road WV RT 19/14 is a paved road that runs through the heart of the farm providing substantial single-side and two-side frontage for the farm. Also, the farm has a small section of frontage on the two-lane highway RT 39.

ZONING

Nicholas County has no zoning regulations in effect other than that which is enacted and enforced within the city limits of Summersville and Richwood. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to contact the Nicholas County Health Department and the Nicholas County Flood Zone Administrator regarding installation of septic systems, water wells, and flood insurance requirements.

Nicholas County ordinances and contact information can be found at the following website:
http://www.nicholascountywv.org/ordinances/default.aspx

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

This farm consists of 385 acres of which 100 acres are rolling fields with several associated farm buildings and 285 acres of hardwood timber.
(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 407 PG 5, DB 468 PG 710, and DB 479 PG 116
Nicholas County, West Virginia

Acreage: 385 acres +/-

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Nicholas County, West Virginia
Summersville District (7)
Tax Map 17 Parcels 70.7, 70.9, 83, 83.2; Class 2
Tax Map 21 Parcel 19; Class 2

2016 Real Estate Taxes: $586.53

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Nicholas County School District:
Public Elementary Schools:
Summersville Elementary School

Public Middle Schools:
Summersville Middle School

Public High School:
Nicholas County High School

SUMMERSVILLE

Summersville is the county seat of Nicholas County, West Virginia. Summersville was formed in June 1820, and was primarily a farming community. During the winter of 1864-65, both Union and Confederate armies were encamped in Summersville or nearby. It was during that winter that the town and all its buildings were burned to the ground. Although the war ended soon after, the destruction of the town was discouraging, and citizens were very slow to return and rebuild. By 1884, Summersville was again home to over 100 citizens, and slowly became the commerce center of the county.

Centrally located in the mountains of West Virginia, Summersville offers endless opportunities for fun-filled days enjoying beauty, adventure, history and relaxation. There are a host of festivals in the summer and fall and check out the event schedule at the Summersville Arena & Conference Center. Summersville is easy to navigate and offers a large selection of lodging to match any budget. Restaurants range from fast food to fine dining. Winter, spring, summer or fall, Summersville has something to offer couples, families, adventure seekers, historians, or just those seeing relaxation
Summersville has many quaint shops that are ideal for browsing and finding the perfect gift or souvenir. There are many primitive shops, specialty shops, antiques, sporting goods, department stores, and collectibles and food items unique to the area. Summersville also offers several “big box” stores including Big Lots, Lowes, Peebles, Sears, Grand Home Furnishings, and Walmart.

Summersville also offers the Summersville Arena & Conference Center, which is a 73,000 square foot multi-use facility constructed jointly with the City of Summersville and the West Virginia Army National Guard. The facility offers a 24,000 sq. ft. arena, 2,000 seats for events such as basketball games, an additional 2,400 seats available for a “staged” event, and a 3,600 sq. ft. convention area. Summersville has a public library.

There is also a modern hospital and all attendant medical facilities. Summersville Regional Medical Center is located on Route 19 in Summersville, West Virginia. In operation since 1968, SRMC has served Nicholas County and the surrounding area for over four decades and is the second largest employer in the county.

ALL ABOUT SUMMERSVILLE LAKE

Superb water quality and sheer sandstone cliffs make Summersville Lake a unique place to visit. West Virginia’s largest lake; Summersville Lake has over 28,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline. Boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing for large- and smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, and catfish, (trout are stocked below the dam in the spring and fall) scuba diving, picnicking, hunting, and biking are the favorite activities enjoyed by nearly one million visitors annually. Technical rock climbing and whitewater rafting are available year round, with scheduled whitewater releases below the dam on the world class Gauley River in September and October. Adjacent to the lake is Mountain Lake Campground , with cabins, camping & RV hookups and many other conveniences for guests. Sarge’s Dive Shop and the lake’s marina are located on the lake with grocery stores, restaurants, and service stations located nearby in Summersville.

FISHING AT THE LAKE
With over 28,000 acres of water, Summersville Lake is a fisherman’s paradise. The best fishing is during the night and early morning hours. The fish seem to be more active just before daybreak. The Lake offers up large and small mouth bass, walleye, brim, crappie, and catfish. There is also Northern Pike patrolling the banks.

There are fish at a tractors built by the Army Corps of Engineers at several locations throughout the Lake. They mostly serve up pan fish. Small mouth bass can be found at the tail waters of the Gauley River, Muddlety Creek and Hominy Creek. These areas are also good for large mouth in deeper water. Crank baits and Carolina rigs prove to be productive. Also, any drop offs and rocky points are good and a depth finder is a good investment.

Walleye are usually taken near the base of the dam in deeper water during the cooler months. For young and old alike, fishing from anywhere along the lake edge consistently produces brim and crappie. Just pick a spot and get a line wet.

The most popular catfish spot for fishing from the bank is near the water treatment plant located at the intersection of 19 and 39. The boat launch at Salmon Run would be the closest by boat. Fishing at the spillway on the other side of the dam is good for Trout fishing in the fall. Trout are stocked on a bi-weekly schedule.

BOATING
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, Long Point Area and Picnic Area. There is a $3.00 Day Use fee for boat launching. Frequent boat launchers may purchase an Annual Day Use Pass. Golden Age and Golden Access passports may be used for a 50% discount at all Federally operated areas where a fee is charged.

CAMPING
Camping at Summersville Lake is restricted to developed camping areas only – there is not random camping. Battle Run Campground is a class A Corps operated campground which has day use facilities, a boat launching ramp, access to fishing, showers, trailer waste disposal facilities, playground, universally accessible restrooms, parking, swimming and picnic areas. Battle Run Campground is now part of the National Recreation Servation System. Reservations can be made by dialing 1-877-444-NRRS or on the web at ReserveUSA.com. For more information during recreation season call the campground at (304) 872-3459.

HANDICAPPED ACCESS
Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office, Dam site and picnic area, Battle Run Area, and Long Point Area.

HIKING
Foot trails (Hiking) are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, and Long Point.

MARINA
Summersville Lake Marina is located at the Long Point Area. The marina number is (304) 872-1331. Additional information can be found at Summersville Lake Marina & Sarge’s Dive Shop. There is a $3.00 Day Use fee for boat launching.

SWIMMING
A swimming beach is located at the Battle Run Area. Lifeguards are not provided. Swim at your own risk. Swimming is prohibited on launch ramps.

VISITOR CENTER
A Visitor Center is located at the Information office.

BENEFITS OF LIVING IN NICHOLAS COUNTY

• Summersville, formed in June 1820, is the county seat
• A modern hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center, as well as all attendant medical facilities
• Deep and interesting historical value
• 4 season climate, the fall of the year is spectacular and summers warm and breezy
• Water sports: 3000 acre Summerville Lake, Gauley River, New River
• Outdoor recreation: Hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, snow skiing
• Historic Route 60 is the ancient Midland Overland Trail (buffalo, Native American, Pioneers)
• New River Gorge Bridge is the western hemisphere longest arched bridge
• Monongahela National Forest and New River Gorge National River Park are nearby
• Babcock and Hawks Nest State Parks
• Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park
• Summersville Arena and Convention Center
• Specialty shops, antiques, sporting goods, department stores, and collectibles and food items unique to the area
• “Big box” stores including Big Lots, Lowes, Peebles, Sears, Grand Home Furnishings, and Walmart
• I-79 30 min to the north
• I-77 40 min to the south
• I-64 45 min to the south or 50 min to the east
• Major shopping Beckley- 40 min, Charleston- 1hr 30 min Clarksburg- 1hr 30 min
• Modern schools
• Rich farming, logging and mining history