OVERVIEW

Pence Springs Forest is a quality oak and yellow poplar-dominated Appalachian timberland investment with a ready-to-harvest timber resource. Situate near the heart of the recreation mecca of the New River Gorge, the property offers rural estate qualities with the upside potential for future cabin site development.

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.

The 1,272 acre tract consists of an entire wooded valley more than three miles in length through which Hungard Creek – a significant clear water tributary of the lower Greenbrier River – flows. The ridges and high knobs tower above the valley floor with elevations approaching 3000’. Spectacular 20-30 mile long distant views from the upper reaches are reminiscent of the vistas in West Virginia’s northeastern highest mountains.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Large 1,272 acre parcel rare in this part of southeastern West Virginia.
*Land legacy of careful wildlife management coupled with outstanding long-term forest stewardship.
*Recent timber inventory estimates 7 million board feet of harvest-ready hardwood timber.
*Beautiful blue line clear water stream flowing for 3 miles through the heart of the property.
*Renowned locally as the premier wildlife sanctuary in Summers County.
*Nearby are the Greenbrier River, New River, 2000 acre Bluestone Lake – perfect for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts.
*Spectacular long range views approaching 30 miles.
*High percentage of commercially – operable ground supporting forestry, recreation and potential for numerous future cabin sites.
*Elevations range from 1750’ to nearly 3000’
*Excellent year round state maintained hard top access.
*Electric and phone available nearby.
*Potential conservation value with its close proximity to National Park lands.
*Low taxes, low population density, little or no light pollution.

LOCATION

Pence Spring Forest is located in Summers County, WV between Alderson and Hinton near the unincorporated communities of Judson and Pence Springs. This 1,272 acre timberland opportunity is located in the scenic, mountainous region of southeastern West Virginia. The surrounding Summers County landscape is part of the southeastern Ridge and Valley Region, a scenic tapestry of elongated hardwood Allegheny & Appalachian mountain ranges. Much of Summers County remains undeveloped and is characterized by its scenic farm valleys, small communities and large expanses of hardwood forest.

Pence Springs Forest is one of the larger forest ownerships within this region and, therefore, represents an opportunity to create a classic family ownership legacy for the next tenure, or to carefully craft a rural subdivision project for future cabin sites. Terrain is typical of the region and considered rolling to mountainous, with upland hardwood flats and ridges separated by narrow hollows that flank the lower lying stream drainage of Hungard Creek.

ACCESS

Year round access to the property is excellent. The property fronts the hard-top state maintained CR6 (Judson Road) for 1000’ +/- and CR11 (Clayton Road) for 1500’+/-. The southeastern portion of the property is served by gravel CR5/2 (Boom Hollow Road).

Internal access is considered excellent with over one mile of permanent passenger/truck road leading to the heart of the land. Another two miles of unimproved 4×4 forest management road continues up the valley floor accessing nice stands of timber. Several miles of old timber trails provide access to nearly all corners for recreational opportunities including nature viewing, hiking, horseback riding and ATV riding.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The distinguishing features of Pence Springs Forest timber resource include its unusually high hardwood sawtimber and pole stocking with a basal area/ acre of 125. This stocking is well above average for the region. 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.

2011 Timber Inventory:

Timber data in this report are based upon a 2011 timber inventory that was conducted for the ownership by an outside consultant. 199 points were sampled on a grid system using a 20 factor prism. Volumes were grown on a two years since the time of the cruise at rates commonly used in the region, resulting in a total sawlog volume of property-wide of 7,609,316 BF/acre Doyle scale with 28,267 pulpwood tons. Details of the timber inventory report, maps, specs and growth rates are available in the Pence Springs Timber Report under Maps and Documents section.

Capital Timber Value has not been assigned by the owner at this time.

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 20% White Oak/Chestnut Oak, 18% Red Oak Group, 18% Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood, 11% Sugar Maple/Soft Maple and a host of associate species. See report for details.

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 veneer source.

Pence Springs’ 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 (1150 acres) comprises 90% of the forest and contains 50-70 year old stems ranging in size of 10”-18” dbh. This stand was thinned some 20 years ago. This stand is on the cusp of graduating into higher-value sawtimber diameter classes over the coming decade.

The second distinct stand was established in the 70’s when the farm fields and pastures were abandoned and the forest began to naturally regenerate. These stands represent a quality hardwood resource with a small pine component and will be reaching economic maturity in the next 20 years.

Sawlog & Veneer Value:

The Red Oak group (18%), White Oak group (20%), Yellow Poplar/Basswood (18%) and the Maples (11%), dominate the sawlog and veneer value, collectively representing nearly 70% of total sawlog value. The remaining value is spread across a diverse range of species including Hickory, Beech, White Ash, Black Walnut, Hemlock and other associates.

Diameter distribution:

Diameters are well represented across the commercial spectrum with a notable mature size class, as well as abundant pole size timber and growing stock. Average diameter with all products combined is 14.7”.

Breakdown by diameter class:

10” – 1%
12” – 31%
14” – 28%
16” – 20%
18” – 12%
20”up – 8%

Some trees are well over 100 years old and classify as “Heritage Trees”. These amazing trees have withstood the test of time and lend an air of grace and permanency to the property.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth or Emerald Ash Borer. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is present and the majority of the Hemlock trees are severely stressed and will die out over the next decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory.

WILDLIFE

Pence Spring Forest is renowned locally as the premier wildlife sanctuary in Summers County.

The mixture of mature forest and abandoned farm fields, coupled with the abundant water supply from creeks and springs, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The hardwood forest produces tons of acorns, hickory nuts beech nuts and black walnuts. White tail deer, wild turkey, squirrel, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds and raptors 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 to no hunting pressure for many years.

A number of Bald Eagles have been spotted up and down the Greenbrier and New Rivers and are a thrill to see with wingspans of 6-7 feet.

WATER

Pence Springs Forest is blessed with a year-round water source. Hungard Creek is a beautiful blue line, clear water stream, that flows for 3 miles through the heart of the property. Six other blue line feeder streams drain from the side hollows to the valley floor into Hungard Creek. There are also over 100 ephemeral streams that flow during rain events and snow melt.

SELLING “AS IS” SURFACE ONLY

Property is being sold in “As Is” conditions, SURFACE ONLY, with no representations or warranties made either by Foxfire Realty or the Seller or its agents except as may be specifically made in writing by the Seller. The buyer may retain brokers to represent their interests. All measurements are given as a guide, and no liability can be accepted for any errors arising therefrom. No responsibility is taken for any other error, omission, or misstatement in these particulars, nor do they constitute an offer or a contract. Foxfire Realty or the Seller does not make or give, whether in these particulars, during negotiations or otherwise, any representation or warranty in relation to the property.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The mineral rights do not convey with the property and the property is being sold “Surface Only”.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The 1,275.608 acre property was surveyed by See Engineers & Associates, Inc., during the period of October 1991-February 1992, as shown on a plat titled “Plat of Survey for RAM Resources, Inc., (Carl L. Cavendish Property)” of record in the Office of the Clerk of the County Commission of Summers County, WV, in Plat Cabinet A-170.

TAXES AND ZONING

Property taxes for the 2013 tax year were $2,078. The parcel is listed as 1,275.68 acres in Talcott District, Summers County on Tax Map 10, parcel 46. The deed for the property is found in Deed Book 207, page 712.

Address: There is no 911 address since the property does not contain any structures.
Local Post Office: Talcott WV 24981

As of October 2014, there is no countywide zoning in effect in Summers County. However, all prospective buyers should contact the Summers County Assessor in Hinton regarding any issues involving zoning, developments or building codes.

UTILITIES

Electric – Mon Power
Propane – R.T. Rogers
Landline Phone – Frontier
Internet – May be available through Frontier
Cable TV – DirectTV or Dish Network
Water – There are no water wells on the property. There are naturally occurring springs that could be developed for a water source.
Sewer – Septic.
Trash Pickup – Curbside
Cell phone coverage is excellent in this area.
USPS and Overnight Couriers deliver to the area

SURROUNDING AREA

Pence Springs Forest is supported with a great community known for its friendly residents and laidback lifestyle. The largest and most popular 4th of July day parade in the state is hosted by nearby Alderson. The sleepy town of Alderson is a 20 minute drive and amenities include churches, elementary school, grocery store, hardware/farm supply store, motel, bank, Dollar General, gas/convenience stores, medical clinic and restaurants. Alderson is also home to “Camp Cupcake”, the minimum security federal prison where Martha Stewart spent her vacation.

Hinton, the county seat of Summers County is a 25 minute drive. Hinton, founded in 1871, grew rapidly as the hub of a growing railroad industry serving the New River coal fields, passenger travel and coast to coast freight lines. Today, Hinton serves the growing tourist and technology industries. Situate at the confluence of the New River, Bluestone River and Greenbrier River, as well as the 2000 acre Bluestone Lake, Hinton is truly a gateway to water recreation. The 80,000 acre New River National River Park, Bluestone State Park, Pipestem State Park Resort and 17,000 acre Bluestone Wildlife Management Area are recreational cornerstones in the area. Hospital, grocery shopping, pharmacy, hardware/farm supply and dining are available.

Lewisburg is also the county seat of Greenbrier County and home to the WV Osteopathic Medical School (800 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, education, retail, construction, wood products, mining and agriculture. The Greenbrier Valley and surrounding area is richly blessed with a wide array of cultural events that keep life in the valley interesting and satisfying. A year round live theatre, Carnegie Hall (one of four in the USA), fine dining, art galleries and boutiques make up the thriving downtown historic district in Lewisburg.

In 2011, Lewisburg was named Coolest Small Town in America and is just a 35 minute drive to complete shopping, churches, schools, medical-dental facilities, fine dining, and a modern hospital. The airport, with the longest runway in the state is just 40 minutes away and has daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC.

The world renowned 4-Star Greenbrier Resort, home of the PGA tour, is a 40 minute drive. Several other area golf courses are available in the area. Rock climbing, ziplining, horseback riding and the 100 + mile long Hatfield-McCoy ATV trail makes for a very active recreation area.

GREENBRIER RIVER AND RIVER TRAIL

Pence Springs Forest is a 15 minute drive to the lazy Greenbrier River. The Greenbrier River is 173 miles long is the last free flowing river east of the Mississippi. It is an excellent river to float or canoe and is well known for its large and small mouth bass fishing. It is the gateway to water recreation and fun as it is at most times lazy and easy to navigate.

The Greenbrier River is formed by the confluence of the East Fork Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River in the town of Durbin, West Virginia. From Durbin the Greenbrier River flows southwesterly through Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, and Summers Counties. It flows through several communities including Cass, Marlinton, Hillsboro, Ronceverte, Fort Spring, Alderson, and Hinton. The Greenbrier River joins the New River in the town of Hinton, just 30 minutes away.

The property is a 40 minutes ride to the Greenbrier River Trial and is operated by the West Virginia State Parks. The trail is a 77-mile long former railroad, now used for hiking, bicycling, ski-touring, horseback-riding, and wheel-chair use. The trail passes through numerous small towns and traverses 35 bridges and 2 tunnels as it winds its way along the valley. Most of the trail is adjacent to the free-flowing Greenbrier River and is surrounded by peaks of the Allegheny Mountains.

THE NEW RIVER AND BLUESTONE LAKE

Pence Springs Forest is a 30 minute drive to the New River and 2000 acre Bluestone Lake at Hinton. The New River is the second oldest river in the world, preceded only by the Nile; it is the oldest river in North America. The New River is unique because it begins in Blowing Rock, N.C. and flows north through Virginia into West Virginia. The Nile and Amazon are the only other major rivers that also flow north. Year after year, it produces more citation fish than any other warm water river in WV. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, hybrid striped bass, and muskie are all common species of fish found in the New River and Bluestone Lake

Bluestone Lake is over 2000 acres at summer pool and is the state’s third largest body of water. Great hunting and fishing opportunities abound at the 17,632 acre Bluestone Wildlife Area adjacent to the park and nearby Camp Creek State Forest.