Ask John O'Donnell
NYS Recreational Timberland along the Little Ausable River, under Forest Tax Law for sale: The Little Ausable River Forest is an exceptional 238 acre north-eastern Adirondack parcel located in the Ausable River Valley just west of Lake Champlain. It has gated access from the west along Clintonville Road (County Route 39), a county maintained, two lane blacktop road and from the south from Parrish Road. The main access into the property from Clintonville Road is a single lane, hardened gravel road that will support harvesting equipment for timber operations, as well as snow plowing for winter use. All rights of use on this parcel transfer to the new owner with exception of mineral rights which were reserved years ago by a previous owner. Electric is not available roadside. The forest is dominated by red oak and white pine. Other common and merchantable northern hardwood species thriving here include: sugar and red maple, hemlock, aspen, beech and white oak. The entire acreage of this fully forested tract is managed for timber and wildlife under a New York State Forest Tax Law, Section 480-a Management Plan. 480-a reduces property assessments in exchange for long-term, proper forest management. For further details, see the attached information regarding Real Property Tax Law 480-a or visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website. In accordance with the forest management plan a sawtimber harvest was conducted in eligible stands in 2012. This was the last scheduled harvest for the next 15 years. There's normally never a problem selling timber in this region as this area has a robust forest products industry that includes local, regional and Canadian mills that purchase veneer and sawlogs, and pulpwood or whole-tree chips for paper manufacturing and electricity generation. The eventual sale of forest products results in the dividend on the money spent years ago to purchase the property. The added benefit from this harvest was the flush of regeneration and surge of growth in the trees that remain. Naturally regenerated hardwoods will attract more deer, bear, turkeys, grouse and a variety of other species that prefer a younger forest. The small camp on the property is owned by a group of hunters who lease the property for ~$1,500/year. It is an annual lease that can end given a 30-day notice by either party, unless the big game season is already started, in which case the lease would terminate at the end of the season. Upon termination of the lease, the hunting camp would be removed. This entirely forested property offers big woods recreational opportunities for all seasons; big game hunting, including deer and bear, fall and spring turkey as well as grouse and snowshoe hare. Logging skid trails are ideal for hiking, mountain biking and ATV access, as well as winter sports such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and back country skiing. Log landings, which are important, permanent timber management assets, can be converted into gardens or wildlife food plots between timber harvests. Water on the property is dominated by the Little Ausable River that generally follows the course of Clintonville Road and the western boundary. The Little Ausable is a significant year-round watercourse and tributary of Lake Champlain which contributes to native trout populations. Wetlands and beaver ponds on this parcel (including the site of a blue heron rookery) and those on the abutting Cook Mountain Easement lands drain through this property into the Little Ausable ensuring a year-round water resource and great location for a family camp or cabin site.Also owned and for sale by the owner is the adjacent 740 acre parcel which is governed by a New York State conservation easement. The easement prohibits development and timber harvesting while promoting open space for residents of the State. Public access to that parcel is via the Parrish Road along a 15' wide deeded right-of-way which runs east along the southern boundary as shown on the attached map. The deed also describes the State's option to build a small public parking lot on the property just across the boundary off Parrish Road. It is currently being leased for hunting for ~$3,000/year. The asking price for this parcel is $45,000 when included with an acceptable purchase offer for the adjacent 238 acres, and/or 1,583-acre tract. The Eased parcel is not being offered for sale separately. This is a great area for outdoor enthusiasts any time of the year. The Little Ausable River Forest is a short drive to the Northway (Interstate-87, exit 34). Head north to Montreal, Canada in roughly 2 hours, northeast to Burlington, VT in approximately 1-1/2 hours or NYC in about 5 hours. Lake Placid, the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center and the high peaks region is minutes to the west. A short drive to the east brings you to the shores of Lake Champlain. Launch your vessel at the Port Douglas boat launch and enjoy your day fishing for a wide range of freshwater fish including: land-locked Atlantic salmon, rainbow, brown and lake trout, small and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, perch and bullhead. Ausable Forks and Keeseville, both just minutes away, are the closest local communities where you'll find provisions, dining, gas and other amenities as well as a local friendly face!