ROCK CAMP FOREST

214 acre Rock Camp Forest, is the classic multiple-use recreational and timber property located near Lewisburg and Greenbrier County.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 214 acre classic multiple-use parcel located in historic Greenbrier County.
• Land legacy of careful wildlife management with long-term forest stewardship.
• All Mineral rights in title will convey
• Valuable hardwood timber ready for harvest and immediate cash flow
• Superior access by low traffic, 4-season state-maintained road.
• A blue line, clear water stream along the western edge of the property.
• Known for its abundant and diverse wildlife population. Excellent hunting.
• Nice network of interior trails provide access to nearly every corner.
• Nearby is the Greenbrier River – perfect for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts.
• Spectacular long-range views approaching 20 miles.
• A good percentage of commercially – operable ground supporting forestry, recreation and potential for numerous future cabin sites.
• Elevations range from 2200’ to over 2700’
• Electric and phone onsite
• Low taxes, low population density, little or no light pollution.
• Darkest of night skies
• Perfect area for watersports, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding
• 25 minutes to Lewisburg with all big box stores, restaurants, historic district and more
• 20 minutes to jet airport with regular flights to Chicago and Washington DC

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.

• 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)

WILDLIFE

Years of progressive 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, as well as adjoining Spring Creek, is a major contributor to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. The nearby river, creek, and ephemeral streams support the surrounding aquatic plant life create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the margins of the river 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, including raccoons, opossums, wood ducks, mallards, minnows, native fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrat, bull frogs, eagles, hawks and redwing blackbirds associated with the riparian area on and nearby the property.

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 river and creeks, creates the perfect wildlife habitat. The miles of “edge effect” created between river, river trail, creeks, hollows, ridges, rock outcrops benefit 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 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.

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 38.072611°(N), -80.377178°(W)
Address: Leonard Cordova Road, Renick, WV 24966.  No 911 address is assigned to property without structures.
Elevation Range: 2146 ft. to 2716 ft. +/-

DIRECTIONS

From Lewisburg, West Virginia:  23.7 miles +/- (approximately 35 minutes)

From the intersection of US 60 and US 219 in the center of Lewisburg, travel US 219 North 19.5 miles, passing through Renick (go 3.7 miles beyond the Renick Post Office); turn left onto Leonard Cordova Road RT 5; travel 4.3 miles to the intersection of Leonard Cordova Road and Rock Camp Road near where Leonard Cordova Road crosses Rock Camp Run, which is near the midpoint of the forest.

From Marlinton, West Virginia:  25.9 miles +/- (approximately 40 minutes)

Travel US 219 South for 21.7 miles; turn right onto Leonard Cordova Road RT 5; travel 4.3 miles to the intersection of Leonard Cordova Road and Rock Camp Road near where Leonard Cordova Road crosses Rock Camp Run, which is near the midpoint of the forest.

From Renick, West Virginia:  8 miles +/- (approximately 15 minutes)

From the Renick Post Office, travel US 219 North 3.7 miles; turn left onto Leonard Cordova Road RT 5; travel 4.3 miles to the intersection of Leonard Cordova Road and Rock Camp Road near where Leonard Cordova Road crosses Rock Camp Run, which is near the midpoint of the forest.

RECREATION AT ROCK CAMP FOREST

Rock Camp Forest offers many recreational opportunities.  Numerous soft recreational activities are anchored by the proximity to the Greenbrier River and River Trail. The 214 acres provide the foundation for all that is Rock Camp Forest.

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 most 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 ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and windsurfing.

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
Rock Camp Forest has several forest trails that are perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. These exciting machines handle the wide variety of the forest’s terrain.

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 76 mile long Greenbrier River Trail may be used for conventional and mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding.

Hunting is a first-class experience.  White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, duck, 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.

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.

Rock Camp Forest forest’s resource is composed of quality Appalachian hardwoods, white pine and hemlock. This timber resource can provide a great deal of flexibility to the next ownership in terms of potential harvest revenue and could 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 associated species (ash, cedar, birch, sourwood, black gum, beech).

There is also a nice component of native white pine and eastern hemlock interspersed throughout the hardwood forest.

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.

The property’s timber component has been well managed over the years and consists of stands of differing age classes. The predominant timber stand contains 30-140-year-old stems ranging in size of 10”-40” dbh. Portions of this stand have been thinned years ago. Some of the stands are abandoned farm fields that have regenerated into nice young stands of timber with thousands of vigorously growing trees on each acre.

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 old 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 siege by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and the 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.

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

THE AREA

Historic Greenbrier County

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.

The world-renowned Greenbrier Resort, with 800 rooms and 1600 employees, is located 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.

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 120 minute 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 90 minute drive.

Pocahontas County

Pocahontas County, “The Alaska of the East”, 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 a Mountain Playground. 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 along the Greenbrier River Trail.

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.

GREENBRIER RIVER

Rock Camp Forest is located just 20 minutes from the Greenbrier River. At 162 miles long, the Greenbrier is the longest untamed (unblocked) 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.

GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL

Rock Camp Forest is near the Greenbrier River Trail State Park. The 77-mile-long trail is operated by the West Virginia State Parks and is a former C&O railroad grade 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.

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 property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water:  A well would need to be drilled
Sewer:  A septic system would need to be installed
Electricity:  Available on the property
Telephone:  Available on the property
Internet:  Available through Frontier, DishNetwork, or HughesNet
Cellphone Coverage:  Spotty

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has frontage on both Leonard Cordova Road RT 5 and Rock Camp Road RT 5/3, providing direct access to the public road system.

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 is comprised of mostly forestland with some evidence of old fields.

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 508 Pg. 458
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
Acreage: 214 acres +/- by calculation

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Greenbrier County (13), West Virginia
Falling Springs District (4)
Tax Map 39 Parcel 8; Class 3;

2018 Real Estate Taxes: $3,015.14

SCHOOLS

Greenbrier County School District
Public Elementary School:
Frankford 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 Episcopal School (PK-8)
Greenbrier Valley Academy (2-8)
Lewisburg Baptist Academy (PK-12)
Renick Christian School (2-7)
Seneca Trail Christian Academy (PK-12)