Spectacular Oswegatchie River

Description

The jewel of this 388.4-acre, ‘North Country’ property, is the ~2 mile stretch of frontage on the Oswegatchie River.  Much of the river’s shoreline is accessible from woods roads and trails that originate from the year ‘round Emeryville Road.  Level, rolling, and slight slope, all describe the mostly wooded terrain features of this parcel.  Native hardwoods and conifers, plantation pines and bedrock outcrops are all characteristics of the land above the river’s edge.

These woods have not been commercially thinned in a very long time.  Most of the visible stumps found here and there throughout the forest were likely part of salvage operations and look to be 40+ years old.  Predominate tree species include; sugar and red maple, basswood, black cherry, yellow birch, bigtooth and quaking aspen, apple, beech, hemlock, white, red and scotch pine and white cedar.  Trees range in size from seedlings to large sawtimber, with majestic white pine mixed with hardwoods close to the river, an inviting mix to a wide range of birds and mammals.  There is current and future potential for portions of the property to be utilized for the production of maple syrup, as there is a vigorous sugar maple component present.  In addition, the diverse mix of hardwood and softwood trees, in all age classes found here, coupled with a comprehensive forest management plan, could provide a future owner with a stream of revenue from periodic timber harvests.

Old house and barn foundations adjacent to partially open meadows, laden with wild apple trees, are testimony of the past agricultural use of the property.  Piled rocks, barb wire, blazed and painted trees, and posters are historic evidence of where boundaries are believed to be, as no recent surveys of the property are available.  An electric transmission line easement runs east-west, parallel to, and ~150 yards north of the river.  A lease arrangement with a local hunting group ends on September 30th of this year.  All rights transfer.  Electric and communication utilities are located roadside.

The size and shape of the property, with 4,250’ of road frontage and ~11,500’ of river frontage, create an excellent opportunity for development and subdivision.  There are no zoning laws in the Town of Fowler.  Numerous locations on the property with picturesque views of the river would make exceptional sites for secluded seasonal camps, or year ‘round homes.  The owner, of course, would have the first opportunity to choose the acreage, property configuration, and most desirable river frontage for future enjoyment.  Building a rustic dwelling on the property might be the best way to fully experience all this property and surrounding area have to offer.  Imagine waking up each morn to the sights and sounds of the river, rapids and waterfalls!  What a thrill for those of you that work from home!

There is approximately 67 acres of this parcel, without river frontage, on the north side of the Emeryville Road that is entirely wooded as well.  The tree species mixture here is similar to the south side of the road, less the plantation pine and with fewer large sawtimber trees overall.  Some firewood trees have been harvested in recent years.  There is a small year ’round stream that flows from west to east that begins at the road and exits the property on the eastern boundary.  I believe it to be too small for fish to thrive in.  There is at least one location along the Emeryville Road with an existing woods road that has building site potential.

Wildlife sign is abundant, with whitetail deer being the most prevalent big game specie.  Woodcock, grouse, turkey, snowshoe hare and black bear are other game animals one might expect to encounter in this area.  Wild, native animals you might also anticipate seeing are; fox, coyote, fisher, bobcat, a variety of songbirds, owls, plus bald eagles, turkey vultures and various hawks, circling overhead.

The Oswegatchie River supports a diverse fishery that varies from cold-water brown, brook and rainbow trout in its upper, remote branches, to warm and cool-water sportfish such as; walleye, small and largemouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, bullhead and perch in its slower, lower stretches.

Outdoor enthusiasts would have an opportunity to enjoy all their favorite recreational activities on this property, such as; canoeing or kayaking in sections of the river that offer fantastic views, camping, fishing by boat or from shore, big & small game hunting, hiking, jogging, biking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, plus dirt bike and ATV riding.  Homesteading options might include; heating your dwelling with firewood cut from your own woods, off grid power generation, growing fruits and vegetables, beekeeping, maple syrup production, raising domestic animals for food, work, or for enjoyment such as horseback riding.  Can you imagine having so many choices on your own property?

St. Lawrence County is a very rural and friendly part of New York State.  I grew up in the Town of Fowler, not far from here, and spent a good share of my youth, exploring the woods, biking the roads, fishing on and swimming in the Oswegatchie River and its tributaries.  The Village of Gouverneur, roughly 5 minutes northwest, is the closest community with a hospital, and a variety of grocery, building supply and department stores.  This location is central to numerous popular destinations including; the St. Lawrence River/Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario, the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, and of course our friendly neighbors to the north, Canada.

The Oswegatchie River was once a powerful economic engine, driving a milling, mining and forestry economy.  Those days are over however, and the future of this untapped resource is believed to be as a world-class recreational attraction.  As such, properties along the river have become valuable commodities for anyone captivated by nature, a wild river and the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world, if only for a few minutes out of your day.  This property might be considered a peaceful haven or a wilderness retreat and possibly the best personal/recreational investment ever made for you and your family!

PROPERTY SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  PROOF OF FUNDS REQUIRED

Directions:

From the Post Office on Main Street in Hailesboro, head East on the Island Branch Road ~.5 miles, keep right, then travel another .6 miles on the Island Branch Road, then turn right on the Emeryville Road, travel ~.2 miles, cross the river and the property is on the right.

Showing Instructions:

Call Dan Empie 315-376-4433