Wesley, ME 04686 - Washington County

East Machias River Forest represents one of the largest investment-grade timberland offerings to be made publicly available in the region in the past several years. A host of short-term and long-term timber management opportunities are inherent in the tracts size, extensive road network, species composition, and forest age classes. While the investment is driven by its timber resource, other attributes contribute to the overall asset value, including a strong recreational lease program with 20 annually renewable leases providing nearly $25,000 in annual cash flow.

The majority of terrain is flat with low rolling hills and numerous drainages. Soils consist primarily of glacial outwash, well-drained in most areas, and suitable for year-round forestry operations. Sand and gravel deposits are common on the property, providing abundant material for road construction and maintenance.

The forest is graced by a substantial number of high quality water resources in the form of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, each offering a unique aesthetic character, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunity. The northeast corner of the tract hosts Love Lake with over 10,000 feet of undeveloped shoreline. The eastern portion of the forest encompasses the two secluded and pristine Spectacle Lakes, while the southwest corner of the property features three superlative water bodies: nearly 12,000 feet of undeveloped frontage on Long Lake (including a 2.8-acre island), over 5 miles of frontage on the East Machias River (reknown for its salmon habitat), and over 12,000 feet of frontage on Round Lake.

Species composition is dominated by the softwoods of red spruce, balsam fir, white pine and a complement of northern white cedar. Assorted northern hardwoods comprise the balance, led by the maples (red and sugar), the birches (white and yellow) and poplar. Based on a recent and comprehensive timber inventory, the net standing Capital Timber Value is $11,030,000.