West Mountain Forest

Ranch Description

West Mountain Forest is an attractive long-term investment in both land and timber - featuring potential weekend cabin lot options, rural subdivision opportunities, sweeping ridgetop views of Vermont and South Bay, hunting, hiking, ATV riding activities, and a long-term northern hardwood timber resource that can provide steady annual growth and occasional timber revenue income. The property is perched on a scenic ridge between the outskirts of the village of Whitehall and Lake Champlain's South Bay. Located just outside the Adirondack Park Blue Line, the property is within easy reach of the Champlain Valley, Southern Adirondacks, Lake George Region and central Vermont.

The property is situated at the far northern tip of West Mountain's elongated ridgeline and includes a diverse suite of terrain features. At the broad, plateau-like summit along the height of ground, stretching panoramic views unfold of both South Bay to the west and into Vermont's Killington and Rutland area several miles to the east. There are several nice vista points tucked privately within the property's perimeter that would be perfect for a future weekend cabin site or lean-to envelope. The hemlock and oak groves on the property's east-facing slopes are great to explore with its many areas of clean understory, occasional granite outcroppings and rocky, open vantage points. Additionally, the forest offers several key habitat features for whitetail deer - acorn mast, thermal cover, bedding areas, and enough space to meet their seasonal and daily needs.

West Mountain's timber resource is driven by its well-stocked red oak sawtimber that anchors the property's long-term investment value. Timber value ($358,100) represents 89% of the asking price and this property is well positioned for continued steady value growth over the coming cycle. Species composition consists of a balanced mix of northern forest species including red oak, hemlock, white pine, the maples and white and chestnut oak. Valuable northern hardwoods make up two-thirds of the total species mix while hemlock and white pine make up the remaining third of stocking. Property-wide, the timber resource is considered mid-rotation and is approximately 55-65 years old.