Tug Ridge Forest

Descriptions

Introduction
Tug Ridge Forest is a land for sale opportunity for anyone looking for a private forested retreat close to other recreation and to shopping, restaurants and cultural events. The 124 acres of ridgetop forest will provide big views to the east and south once some trees are cleared. A cabin can be perched on the ridgetop or tucked deeper in the forest. The villages of Post Mills, Thetford and Fairlee are close by, as are the sparkling waters of Lake Fairlee. And, only 20-30 minutes away, are the dynamic communities of Norwich, Hanover, Dartmouth and Lebanon.

Location
Tug Ridge Forest is in the town of Thetford in the Upper Valley Region of east-central Vermont. This area is defined by the Connecticut River that is the boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire in this part of the state. Thus, the Upper Valley Region includes Vermont and New Hampshire communities such as Norwich, Hanover, Lebanon and White River Junction. The landscape includes farms and forests, quaint towns and developed strips, flat lowlands and rolling hills.

Thetford is a quiet town on the eastern edge of Vermont, with river frontage and rising hills. It is primarily a bedroom community to the local job hubs (Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and King Arthur Flour, to name a few). Within these towns there are local restaurants, unique stores, several theaters for performing arts, large retailers and plentiful services.

The property for sale is 24 miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91, providing easy access to many points in New England.

Access
The property is accessed by a 50 wide, 2,290 long right-of-way (ROW). The ROW starts on Barker Road, a gravel, town-maintained road, that turns off State Route 113 in the village of Post Mills. The ROW begins 700 feet from the intersection of Barker Road and Route 113 at a spot that can be identified by the real estate agent.

The ROW is navigable by a high-clearance, SUV-type vehicle. With some brush clearing and wash-out repair in a few spots, the road will likely be drivable by most cars. Once at the property boundary, the road continues 790' into the property to a grassy, flat spot. From here, old skid trails provide good access into and throughout the property.

Site Description
The property for sale rests on an east-facing ridge on the slopes of Tug Mountain. The property is generally sloped with a few level spots on the eastern side where the access road enters and on the western side at the height of the ridge. There are also a few areas that are quite steep.

The property is completely forested with a few breaks in the canopy here and there, and along the access road. Intermittent streams flow freely and collect in areas of poorly-drained soils. Bedrock protrusions are common and provide micro-topography, unique habitats for ferns and mosses and aesthetic appeal. Deer and moose sign is plentiful and other game animals likely inhabit this forest, making it an accessible hunting location.

In 2006, two sub-lots on the property were identified. Each of these lots was granted a septic permit. However, the remaining 112.9 acres, does NOT have a septic permit. Because the septic laws changed in Vermont in 2007, any septic system installed in either of these lots will require inspection. These two lots would make ideal spots for a cabin for hunting, peaceful retreat or recreational pursuits. Up on the ridge, there are potential views, with clearing, to the south and east of the Connecticut River Valley and New Hampshire hills beyond.