SPRING CREEK FARM OVERVIEW

684 acre Spring Creek Farm, is the classic multiple-use, farming, recreational and timber investment property located near Lewisburg and Greenbrier County.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 684 acre classic multiple-use parcel located in historic Greenbrier County.
• $700,000 in harvest ready timber for immediate cash flow opportunity
• 2 miles of frontage on blue line-free flowing Spring Creek
• The property has been surveyed by a professional engineering firm
• All mineral rights in title will convey
• 100 acres of rich corn/hemp/hay bottomland and upland pasture
• Land legacy of careful wildlife management with long-term forest stewardship.
• Superior access by low traffic, 4-season state-maintained road.
• Known for its abundant and diverse wildlife population.
• 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.
• Commercially – operable ground supporting farming, forestry, recreation and future cabin sites.
• Elevations range from 2000’ to over 2800’
• 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.

2 miles of frontage on Spring Creek and the nearby Greenbrier River, are 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 fields, creeks, hollows, ridges, and 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.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

Capital Timber Value of the timber and pulpwood was appraised by a professional forester in 2013 and updated again in 2019 is estimated to be about $700,000, with some 2,565,525 board feet of timber and 27,000 tons of pulpwood.

Spring Creek Farm’s timber resource, about 585 acres, is composed of very large, high quality Appalachian hardwoods, hemlock and white pine. Much of this timber will contain veneer logs for export. 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.

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:

• Black Cherry – 1 %
• Sugar Maple – 2%
• Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood – 34%
• Red Oak Group – 31%
• White Oak/Chestnut Oak – 21%
• Soft Maple – 3%
• Hickory – 4%
• Hemlock/White Pine – 3%
• Black walnut – 1%
• As well as a host of other species (birch, beech, sassafras, wahoo, buckeye)

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 farm’s 585 acre 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 40-120-year-old stems ranging in size of 10”-36” dbh. Portions of this stand have been thinned over the last several decades as prudent forest management called for. Many sections of this stand are ready for a selective thinning which will generate considerable income estimated at $700,000.

The second distinct stand was established over the past 50 years when some 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 presently there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Emerald Ash Borer and Hemlock Wooly adelgid are present and it is anticipated that the Ash component will come under attack by the borer in 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.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

There are approximately 100 acres of rich bottomland corn/hay fields and upland pastures composed of cool and warm season grasses and beautiful wildflowers. There is some stock fencing. There are several productive apple trees and blackberry bushes. The sugar maple and red maple trees could make hundreds of gallons of maple syrup if a sugarbush was established.

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 Spring Creek or the drilled well
• The forest would provide fresh food (deer, and turkey).
• The rich agricultural land would be used to raise livestock, vegetable gardens, berry patches, fruit orchards, and row crops of corn, oats and barley.
• Beehives 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).

RECREATION AT SPRING CREEK

Spring Creek Farm offers many recreational opportunities.  Numerous soft recreational activities are anchored by the proximity to Spring Creek and the Greenbrier River. The 894 acres provide the foundation for all that is Spring Creek Farm.

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
Spring Creek Farm 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.

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

Spring Creek Farm is located near 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.[9]

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

Spring Creek Farm 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 MINERAL RIGHTS and SURFACE RIGHTS. All rights the owner has in title will convey with the property.

UTILITIES

• Water: A water well has been drilled onsite and there are springs located on the property
• Sewer: There may be a septic system in place, have to check the records
• Electricity: Available on the property
• Telephone: Available on the property
• Internet: Maybe available through Frontier, DishNetwork, or HughesNet
• Cellphone Coverage: Spotty

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.

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property fronts a paved – 4 season state highway – Leonard Cordova Road (CR 5) for about 500’ and then runs through the property about 1200’ down the old county gravel road to the farm crossing in Spring Creek.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

About 100 acres are in agricultural land and about 585 acres in mature timberland

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 503 Pg. 24
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
Acreage: 684.37 acres +/- by a 2006 boundary survey

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Greenbrier County (13), West Virginia
Falling Springs District (4)
Tax Map 46 Parcels 1 and 17; Class 2
2018 Real Estate Taxes $940.80

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The property was surveyed in 2006 and a survey plat was prepared at that time for the current owner.  Two major portions of the eastern and southern boundary run with Spring Creek, and a small portion of the eastern boundary runs with the access road.  In other locations, the boundary is evidenced by fencing.  The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 38.036827°(N), -80.340010°(W)
Address: Leonard Cordova Road, Renick, WV 24966.  No 911 address is assigned to property without structures.
Elevation Range: 1969 ft. to 2813 ft. +/-

SCHOOLS

Greenbrier County School District

• Frankford Elementary School
• Eastern Greenbrier Middle 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)