EAGLESTAR.NET LAND AND PROPERTY REVIEW
http://www.eaglestar.net
Issue #67
May 12, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE:
Properties of the Week:
- NM, NY, & TX
Bears & Self-Protection:
- The Downside to Being Prepared
Auction News:
- CA, CT, IL, KY, LA, MI, OK, SC, & VA
Sponsor's Corner:
- Catawba Shores Estates, SC
LandTerms.com Term of the Week:
- Police Power


"[Bears] are not companions of men, but children of God... Bears are made of the same dust as we, and breathe the same winds and drink of the same waters."
- John Muir (American naturalist and author, b. 1838 - d. 1914), from 'John of the Mountains: the unpublished journals of John Muir' (1938)


PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK
Has your EagleStar.net listing been featured here? If not, call or email us so we can include it.

Subdivision Lot in El Rancho Grande
Moriarty, Torrance County, New Mexico
1 Acre - $3,000
This property has very pretty views of the Sandia Mountains from the northwest to the southwest. The treed hillsides to the west are very pretty as well. To the northeast is the town of Moriarty and there is a gorgeous view over the valley from the northeast to the southeast. The small town of Estancia is roughly 8 miles south of the subdivision down Highway 41. Listing ID: 21100. Photos, maps, and more information are at http://www.eaglestar.net/crf1-.html

Acreage w/ Pond, Pecan Trees, Wooded Draw
Cooper, Delta County, Texas
161.7 Acres - $315,000
Located 6 miles northwest of Cooper, TX and Cooper Lake. Rolling land with building site among pecan and other trees, wooded draw, clean meadow on back half of property. Water meter, electric line and phone on property. Gated entrances. Fenced. Rock pond plus second smaller pond. Lakesite location. Listing ID: 23899. Photos, map, and more information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ekt.html

Woods and Open Meadows
Carthage, Jefferson County, New York
200 Acres - $200,000
200 acres wooded and open meadows, land for sale. Excellent hunting with abundant game and wildlife, including deer, bear, turkey, rabbits, ducks and geese. There is a nice beaver pond on the property as well. Located midway between Carthage and Croghan, New York in Jefferson County. Listing ID: 20686. View photos and more at http://www.eaglestar.net/wst.html


BEARS AND SELF-PROTECTION: THE DOWNSIDE TO BEING PREPARED
by Gary Fleeger, Land & Property Review Staff

It was the third or fourth different job I'd done for my employer, who initially hired me straight out of college to cruise timber. The job was unusual and certainly not what I expected, but came as a welcome break from the monotony of working alone for weeks in remote, high-elevation places in the southern Rocky Mountains. I know this may seem like a little too much complaining, since I was spending every day in some of the most beautiful country I had ever seen, but it's true. Even loners like to have contact with folks once in a while. After working with only limited human contact for months on end, I would be mensurating* in a decidedly rural but still quite populated area.

I was supposed to mark trees on private property in a heavily wooded rural residential area of Black Creek**, Colorado, not for timber harvest, but to reduce the risk of damage from wildfire. In that particular year, a late frost had killed all the flowers that usually produce the berries that bears in the Sangre de Cristo mountains depend on for food during spring and early summer. The result was that these bears were hungry, and were not averse to ripping the lids off garbage dumpsters (or soft-top Jeeps in search of food left overnight by teenagers - man, that was one P.O.'d mother/jeep owner). Unlike some bears I had encountered previously, these bears were extremely shy and would immediately flee when confronted by humans.

My job in Black Creek was to consult with each landowner in the wildland-urban interface that surrounded town, where houses on 1/2- to 3- or 4-acre lots were surrounded by thick stands of spruce and fir that looked as if it hadn't been managed or cared for for at least 50 years. Because of the residential development, naturally occurring (and cleansing) wildfires were immediately extinguished, resulting in these doghair thickets just waiting to burn. The residential area was also attracting the hungry bears, who often found easy pickings in or near town, some provided on purpose by a local woman said by some to be "loony". (After meeting her, I was able to verify this description.)

In at least one of my previous bear encounters, an unpleasant situation had been avoided because I was wearing a pistol and fired it into the air to scare away an overly aggressive bear. However, I didn't think that the property owners in this area, who were quite nice and mostly of retirement age, would really appreciate a young gunslinger in a blaze orange vest at their front door asking after their trees. Besides, the bears in this area ran away at the slightest noise and didn't seem much of a threat. Having learned my lesson in that previous encounter, however, I concluded that safe was better than sorry. I decided to up my chances of avoiding a violent attack with a can of bear mace, a pepper spray similar to that used to ward off human attackers, but several times stronger.

I encountered at least a dozen black bears while in Black Creek, but never needed the bear mace. A loud noise was always sufficient to send them fleeing into the woods and away from the garbage dumpsters they so adored. I kept carrying the spray, however, because I quickly finished the 1/2 to 3/4 acre lots with houses and was now moving into sparsely populated higher terrain. This area was home to larger parcels of land, in particular a 65-acre piece that ran the length of the South Fork of Black Creek. This place, known as the Magruder** property, was known locally for its natural beauty - and for the fact that old Mrs. Magruder had managed to build her cabin and outbuildings not on one of her 65 acres, but on a swampy 1/2 acre of adjacent Forest Service land, which they graciously sold her after learning of the construction.

The Magruder place is as remote as properties in that area get, which is why I was still wearing the pepper spray. It was in its cordura holder on my hip as I traversed the ridge atop the small canyon of the South Fork. My compass indicated that to reach my destination I would have to make my way down and across the short but steep ravine. I located what seemed to be a suitable route and began my descent. Recent rains had rendered the slope soft and muddy, and I concentrated on being careful and not falling. Unfortunately, I was only able to achieve the former.

Despite my care, I stepped on a loose rock that acted as sort of a surfboard, skimming down the slope with my left foot still attached. This was bad enough, but my right foot was stuck ankle-deep in mud somewhere higher up the slope. Although I was still sliding down the canyon I was able to extract both feet, but not before doing the splits - something I never want to do again. Splits - they sure got the name of that maneuver right. I landed hard on my rear, still sliding downhill on the mud. By grabbing at tree trunks as they flew past, I was able to slow my rate of descent and eventually stop a few feet above the creek.

I tried to calm my furiously beating heart and assess the damage. Nothing seemed broken, although I had a severe ache in my groin area. I slowly and painfully stood up. After a few seconds I noticed a hissing sound and a burning sensation in my eyes, nose, and throat. A few seconds later I was choking as I was enveloped in a massive red cloud of bear mace. I began to run, thinking only to get away from the source of this horrible fog. Of course, the source was attached to my left hip, a fact that did not dawn on me for at least several hundred yards. This was not a straight and clean, efficiently run several hundred yards, either. It was a choking, gasping, teary-eyed, and staggering flight, marked several times by collisions with spruces and firs that sent me careening off in different directions like a human pinball.

Through the fiery haze, I slowly realized that the bear mace was still attached to my belt and began to frantically try to remove it. The aluminum can of spray, designed to be used just once, had a large puncture in the bottom due no doubt to hitting a sharp rock when I fell, and it was still emitting a large volume of pepper spray. The bear mace had been spraying for at least 2 minutes but the can still seemed to be over 1/2 full. Even as I tried to work the can loose from the holster, both now slick with red liquid that burned my skin on contact, I wondered how on earth the makers of this spray thought I would ever need (or want) to stand there and spray a bear in the face for five minutes straight.

I was eventually able to free myself from the dastardly device by removing my belt and letting the mace drop to the ground, holster and all. (I did return the next day to pick it up and discard it after I was pretty sure it was no longer active.) As I started the long hike back to my truck, I became aware of an uncomfortable feeling on the skin of my left hip and buttock, which quickly blossomed into a roaring, burning sensation that grew worse with each step. Frantically untying my boots and ripping off my pants, I discovered my hip was stained beet red from the pepper spray, which had soaked through my both my jeans and boxers. If you'd like to know what that feels like, just take about 1 cup of cayenne pepper mixed with about 4 cups of water and marinate part of yourself in it for 1/2 an hour or so.

The Rockies at 9,500 feet are cold even in late August. Even so, I hiked the rest of the way back buck naked from the waist down, except for work boots. I shrivel thinking about it even now. Realizing I probably should not drive in my current condition(s), I used my cell phone to call my co-worker Sue**, another forester working across the valley, to take me to the motel where I was staying, about 40 miles away. Of course, Sue found my plight extremely hilarious, at least until her eyes began to tear and burn halfway there and she ordered me from the passenger seat of her truck into the windy bed, my delicates and naked bottom half protected only by a thin blanket.

The pepper spray eventually wore off my skin, burning less and less with each passing day. I declared the boxers a total loss, but could not bring myself to throw away a perfectly good pair of work jeans, albeit with a large, dark red stain at the hip. I washed them three times until the stain had mostly faded and decided to try them again. I wish I could say that he first time I wore them again out in the woods, I was smart enough to take along another pair of pants just in case, but I won't lie to you. Let's just say the jeans were still extremely potent and burned almost as much as the day they were defiled.

The final insult came from my employer, Roy**, when I was checking in my field equipment for the season. Roy was known as a cheapskate who meticulously accounted for every item or expense. He even asked me for the unused half of a pack of 3x5 note cards that I had purchased and charged to the company. Roy scanned the list, nodding as he checked off each item until he got to the pepper spray. I explained that there was no spray to turn in, and told him my story. As an experienced forester and outdoorsman himself, Roy appreciated a tale like the one I had to tell, and we shared a hearty laugh over the whole thing. After Roy finished wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes, he turned serious for a moment and placed his hand on my shoulder. "You know," he said, giving me a somber look, "I'm going to have to charge you for that bear mace."

*Not what you think. Mensuration is a fancy forestry and math term that simply means measuring something (especially length, distance, and volume, according to Webster).

**Some names have been changed to protect the innocent - or the guilty, as the case may be.


AUCTION NEWS
Browse thumbnail photos and short property descriptions at
http://www.eaglestar.net/Land_Auction_Calendar/index.html

Farm For Sale
Auction: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Harrodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky
Orr-Straw farm for sale. 126 acres. Showing Dates: Sunday, May 3rd, 1:00pm-4:00pm; Sunday, May 10th, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Listing ID: 23727. Contact the auction company for more information. Photos are available at http://www.eaglestar.net/mdvs.html

Historic Warehouse/Arts District Property*
Auction: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Trendy 1909 townhome in the historic Warehouse/Arts District. Unique home with clean lines and great architectural elements. Open layout with hardwood floors, built-ins and plenty of historic appeal. Large rooms, high ceilings, balconies, enclosed patio, elevator, open kitchen and lots of windows. 3BR 3.5BA with 4,065+/- sf on .06+/- acres. 2 car attached garage. Listing ID: 24081. View photos and more info at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww5.html

Fully Integrated Smart Home
Auction: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
New Hartford, Litchfield County, Connecticut
Privacy and luxury redefined. This stunning, completely custom "Smart" home on 12 acres features a gated entry, 5,025+/- sf (per seller), 4BR and 4.5BA. Nothing was spared in the construction of this home built in 2000. Countless upgrades include a newly renovated kitchen with Viking Professional Series appliances, a spa room and a custom home theater with retractable screen and wet bar. Listing ID: 24082. Photos and more at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww6.html

30 Acres in 3 Parcels - Woods, Home, & More
Auction: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma
30 acres for sale in 3 parcels. Includes 5 BR home, land, garage, barn, woods, creeks, and much more. Parcel 1 is 3 acres with 5BR home. Parcel 2 is 23 acres with barn, pond, pasture, woods, and creek. Parcel 3 is 4 acres, mostly wooded, with creek and creek views. Listing ID: 24000. Find photos and more information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww2.html

Livestock, Development, or Ranchette Land
Auction: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Nowata, Nowata County, Oklahoma
510 acres in 5 parcels with prime opportunities for livestock, ranchettes and investment. Property is north of Tulsa near Lake Oologah and Nowata, close to all amenities of Lake Oologah and Nowata including fishing, boating restaurants and shopping. Parcels range from 40 to 180 acres of rolling pasture including a barn and working pens located on Parcel 5, as well as scenic land with partial views of the lake on other parcels. Listing ID: 24001. Photos and more information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww3.html

Redevelopment/Commercial Opportunity*
Auction: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, California
General commercial property, previously operated as a 21 unit motel. Site could be used as a restaurant, coffee shop, drug store or retail sales type property. Great investment opportunity or potential to redevelop the site. Located minutes from downtown Palm Springs, at the corner of the signalized intersection of Palm Dr and Ironwood Dr. Zoned C-G General Commercial. Listing ID: 24078. See photos and more information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww1.html

Custom Home on the Shores of Lake Michigan*
Auction: Friday, May 22, 2009
South Haven, Van Buren County, Michigan
Sprawling custom-built home on a private lane just moments south of downtown South Haven. Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan with 230+/- feet of frontage. Enjoy breathtaking views from the wrap-around porch. Additional features include an in-ground pool, fire pit and dual decks for entertaining. 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, and 5,120 square feet. Listing ID: 24083. Photos and more information are available at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww7.html

Pine Mountain Estates
Auction: Saturday, May 23, 2009
Independence, Grayson County, Virginia
7 home site tracts to be auctioned in this beautiful gated community located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Includes 7 acre mountain ridge-top home site with a 40 mile view. on a clear day. Nature and wildlife are in abundance. Also available: 13.9 acre home site cleared and ready-to-build. All wooded tract with stream and private driveway. Additional lots also available. Listing ID: 20361. Photos and additional information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ccr.html

Farm, Stone House, Barn, & Personal Property
Auction: Saturday, May 23, 2009
Russell Springs, Russell County, Kentucky
Bedford stone house and 8-stall horse barn on a beautiful farm, partially wooded with a creek in back. Personal property also for sale. 16.7 acre property is located just west of Russell Springs. Listing ID: 23987. Photos and additional details are available at http://www.eaglestar.net/knp3-.html

Amazing 4BR Brick & Stone Home*
Auction: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Naperville, Du Page County, Illinois
Beautiful all brick and stone home on a corner lot. Finished basement, 10 foot ceilings, huge office, nice patio and 3 car side loading garage. 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 4,255 square foot home located in Washington Woods. Built in 2004 on 0.29 acres. Elegant home with professional landscaping. Open floorplan with designer color palette. Great kitchen has custom cabinets and center island. Multiple living spaces, sitting room adjacent to kitchen has a stone fireplace and windows overlooking the back yard. Listing ID: 24084. Find photos and more information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww8.html

16 New Condo Units in Ashley Park
Auction: Friday, May 29, 2009
Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina
Ashley Park Homes offers a carefree lifestyle perfect for vacation, 2nd homes, retirement, primary residence and students. Only 16 units remain, don’t miss this great opportunity to get a completely move-in ready home convenient to all the great amenities Myrtle Beach has to offer. Several great beaches approximately 6 miles away, as well as multiple golf courses, high end shopping centers and outlet malls, and near Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Conway Hospital. Listing ID: 24080. View photos and more at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww4.html

*You can bid on these properties online. Visit the listing web page for more information.


SPONSOR'S CORNER
The Land and Property Review would like to thank this week's sponsor:
Catawba Shores Estates
Rock Hill, York County, South Carolina
1 Acre - $59,900
Twenty-five minutes from the city of Charlotte, and six minutes off highway I-77, lies beautiful Catawba Shores Estates. This South Carolina property boasts stunning homes, built on lots of approximately one acre, surrounded by the Catawba River and her neighboring lakes; it is a nature lover's paradise. With 163 lots filtering through grand oaks and pines, a choice of homes built right on the Catawba River or set back in a world of green, there is versatility and rural beauty. This land for sale in South Carolina is pristine South Carolina riverfront land. The SC property of Catawba Shores Estates is less than a half hour from Charlotte, North Carolina. Listing ID: 24104. Photos and more available at http://www.eaglestar.net/Detailed/24104.html


LANDTERMS.COM TERM OF THE WEEK
http://landterms.com
Each issue we feature a real estate, forestry, natural sciences or other land-related term from our partner site, LandTerms.com.

This week's term: Police power
The constitutional authority and inherent power of a state or government to adopt, enact, and enforce laws and regulations to promote and support the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the public.

Find thousands of land-related terms, definitions, articles, abbreviations, quotations, and more at Landterms.com! Click on the "Categories" button at the top of each page to see the list of over 35 categories.


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