Coles Mountain
Virginia, Bath County

Size
982 acres

Price
$2,500,000.00
The property is or will be encumbered by a conservation easement as described below.

Description
Flying in from the west, one sees large National Forest holdings in the Monangahela and George Washington, unbroken green carpets of mountain woodland until the silvery surface of Lake Moomaw shines deep in the valley. Over 60,000 acres of federal and state lands immediately surround the lake and Coles Mountain stands out in the east. The Conservancy's 982-acre tract comprises the eastern side of the ridge and looks through the spectacular Cascades Gorge to the Conservancy's 4200 ft. elevation Warm Springs Mountain Preserve.

Primary Conservation Objective
Coles Mountain is located in the upper Jackson River watershed and its clean springs and streams help to sustain water quality in one of Virginia’s premier mountain river systems. Coles Mountain is also part of a much larger block of contiguous native forest containing more than 69,000 acres. Goals for the property include the permanent protection of all streamside areas, steep slopes, and the high elevation forested ridgeline of Coles Mountain.

Biodiversity Highlights
In the spring, the forests of Coles Mountain display a profusion of flowering herbs, shrubs, and tree species characteristic of the Central Appalachian Mountains. Springs and streams located on the property help to sustain water quality in the Upper Jackson River watershed. Hike over the ridge to the lake in fall to see the wide variety of migratory waterfowl that stop to refuel on this inland oasis. Groups of bald eagles begin to form as they fly downstream from their summer nesting sites and prepare to move south for the winter. Coles Mountain provides a diversity of forest habitats including rich Cove and Slope forests, Oak-Hickory forests, and Pine-Oak-Heath woodlands. These habitats support myriad native plant and animal species including wide-ranging black bears, migratory songbirds, and raptors. Other wildlife species include bobcat, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse.

Qualifications and Restrictions
Coles Mountain will be offered as a single tract. The Conservancy will retain an option to purchase a conservation easement. The conservation of this property will include the opportunity to construct up to three single family homes on a selection of settings from tall timbered coves to elevated saddles with expansive views. The specific location of each building envelope is subject to the Conservancy’s approval. Building envelopes will be sited to protect steep slopes, stream-side areas, and the forested ridgeline of Coles Mountain. All forest management is subject to a Conservancy approved plan that will ensure the protection of water quality, and the sustainable management of native forest species. This property includes the rare offer to share in trail easements that add thousands of acres to your family's territory. Also offered is the opportunity to join The Homestead Golf and Tennis Club.

Coles Mountain Tract from Lower Cascades Golf Course © Tim Michel

For more information, please contact:

Linda Crowe
The Nature Conservancy
490 Westfield Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22901

Phone: 434-951-0577
E-mail: lcrowe@tnc.org