HIGHLIGHTS

• 255.5 surveyed acres
• Recent timber inventory estimates nearly 1/2 million board feet of harvest-ready timber
• Adjoins large farm and timber tracks
• Historic barn, machine sheds, outbuildings
• Currently operating as a cow/calf grazing operation for the months of April-November
• 107+/- open (hay and pasture) with some perimeter fence and cross fence
• 148+/- acres of mature hardwood and white pine forest
• Excellent access with 1/3 mile frontage on low traffic, 4-season state maintained Rt. 8
• Dark skies with little or night pollution for star and planet gazing
• Wildlife is abundant with several fur bearing species represented
• Winged wildlife includes eagles, hawks, owls, ravens, and Neotropical songbirds
• Short drive to Snowshoe Ski Resort, Greenbank Telescope and Cass Railroad
• Varied topography with 10+ seasonal streams interspersed with flats and hillside
• Elevations run from 2765’ to 3150’
• Fantastic flats on top that provides private cabin sites
• Land legacy of careful wildlife management coupled with outstanding long-term forest stewardship
• Nice network of interior trails provide access to nearly every corner
• Nearby is the Greenbrier River and River Trail – perfect for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts
• Spectacular long range views approaching 20 miles
• A good percentage of commercially – operable ground supporting farming, forestry, recreation and potential for numerous future cabin sites
• Electric on the property and phone nearby
• Low taxes, low population density, little or no light pollution

LOCATION

Sheets Road, Green Bank, WV
Google Coordinates: 38.395866°(N), -79.844306°(W)
Elevation Range: 2765 ft. to 3150 ft. +/-

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

Complementing the property’s strong farming and aesthetic attributes is a timber resource that is well positioned for value appreciation over the coming decade. 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. 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.

2016 Timber Inventory:

Timber data in this report are based upon a 2016 timber inventory that was conducted for the ownership by an outside consultant. 124 acres were inventoried; 50 points were sampled on a 5×5 chain grid system using a 10 factor prism. Total sawlog volume property-wide of 412,681 BF Doyle scale with 7,127 pulpwood tons. Average board foot per acre was 3,336’ Doyle scale. A form class of 78 was used. Basal area averaged 130. Details of the timber inventory report, maps, specs and growth rates are available in the Upper Mountain Timber Report under Maps and Documents section.

Capital Timber Value was estimated to be $75,000.

Species composition:

The forest’s predominately well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by white pine and hardwood species. Overall, the species composition is highly desirable and favors Appalachian hardwood types and white pine, consisting primarily of

52% White Pine
33% White Oak/Chestnut Oak
9% Red Oak group
4% Eastern Hemlock
1% Sugar Maple/Soft Maple
1% Black Cherry

**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. Sawtimber and pole stocking reports show a basal area/ acre of around 130.

Upper Mountain’s timber component has been well managed over the years and generally consists of an uneven age class that has been managed under professional silvicultural guidelines. The timber stand of 124 acres contains 40-120 year old stems ranging in size of 6”-28” dbh.

There was a wildlife enhancement harvest on along the field edge on south eastern edge of the forest about 5 years ago. This harvest created a “soft edge effect” and wildlife populations responded extremely well.

A 15 acre parcel of white pine separated by the farm road was thinned some 10 years ago. This stand responded well to the thinning and is on the cusp of graduating into higher-value sawtimber diameter classes over the coming decades.

Sawlog & Veneer Value:

Red Oak (9%), the White Oak group (33%), Maples (1%) Black Cherry (1%), Hemlock (4%) and Eastern White Pine (52%), dominate the sawlog and veneer value.

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.

Breakdown in volume by diameter class measured at breast height:

Small Sawtimber 12” – 14” – 32%
Medium Sawtimber 16” – 18” 36%
Large Sawtimber 20” and larger – 32%

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. The Emerald Ash Borer and the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is present and any Ash and Hemlock trees will die out over the next decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

The property is currently being used for a cow-calf grazing boundary active from March through November. There is also land suitable for hay and row crop production.

There is some perimeter fencing and cross fencing on the property.

WILDLIFE

Upper Mountain has an abundant wildlife population.

The mixture of mature forest, emerging forest, farm fields, old fruit trees, coupled with the abundant water supply from the creek and springs, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The hardwood forest produces tons of acorns. 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.

WATER

There are 10 ephemeral streams on the property and some springs that flow during rain events and snow melt.

MINERAL RESOURCES

All rights the owner has will convey with the property.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The property has two recent boundary survey plats.  The plats are found in the Maps and Documents section above. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Electric: on site
Water: None, though a well could be drilled.
Sewer: None, though a septic system could be installed.
Telephone: Onsite
Internet: Possibly Frontier or Hugh’s Net
Cellphone Coverage: None available. This is a Quiet Zone due to the Green Bank Radio Observatory being nearby.

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has over ¼ mile frontage on Sheets Road WV RT 8, providing direct access to the public road system.

ZONING

There is no county zoning at this time. All prospective buyers should consult the County Commission and also the Health Department for details regarding zoning, building codes and installation of septic systems.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

The property is currently devoted to pasture and forestland use. A breakdown, as determined from aerial photography is as follows:

Farm buildings and fields: 107 acres +/-
Forestland: 148.5 acres +/- (balance of the property)
(This summary is only 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 TAXES

Deed Information: Deed Book 313 Page 511, Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Total Survey Acreage: 255.5 acres +/-
Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Pocahontas County (38), West Virginia
Green Bank District (4)

TM 75 Parcel 19.1; HD HENCHES RUN 140.82 AC; Class 2; 2016 Real Estate Taxes: $98.56
TM 75 Parcel 20; HD HENCHES RUN 120 AC; Class 2; 2016 Real Estate Taxes: $199.96

2016 Total Real Estate Taxes: $298.52

THE SURROUNDING AREA

Pocahontas County, West Virginia, 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 Greenbrier River Trail.

In historic Durbin, WV, you have the opportunity to ride & experience the sights and sounds of one of the rarest steam locomotives in existence. The DURBIN FLYER Excursion Train is powered by a rare steam locomotive; Old #3 is one of only three operating Climax geared logging locomotives on earth!

For the water enthusiast, the Greenbrier River is the last un-dammed river east of the Mississippi and offers a great float/canoe/kayak experience. The fishing for small mouth bass is considered excellent. The Greenbrier River trail is an 86-mile rails to trails system and offers exceptional hiking and biking opportunities along the scenic Greenbrier River.

Within a short drive you are located some of the finest recreational facilities in West Virginia. Snowshoe Ski Resort, whitewater rafting / fishing on the Tygart, New River and Gauley Rivers, the 48,000 acre Cranberry Wilderness, the 80,000 acre New River National Gorge National Park, and whitewater rafting / fishing on the New River and Gauley Rivers.  Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding and rock climbing opportunities.  Snowshoe Ski Resort is a leisurely drive through some of the most scenic country on the East Coast.  The world renowned Greenbrier Resort, home of the PGA tour, is just 1 ½ hour drive. Several other area golf courses are available in the area.  The new 10,600 acre Boy Scout High Adventure Camp, Summit (home to the US and World Jamboree) offers weekend visitors ziplining and canopy tours, ropes courses, climbing and repelling, mountain biking, as well as BMX and skate plazas. Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding, and rock climbing opportunities.

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.

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.

Nearby Historic Greenbrier County:

Lewisburg, which is the Greenbrier County seat, was voted the Coolest Small Town in America in 2011, 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, and two summer-season 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 home to 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 nearby 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!

The Greenbrier County Airport with WV’s longest runway provides daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC. 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.