EAGLESTAR.NET LAND AND PROPERTY REVIEW
http://www.eaglestar.net
Issue #74
August 5, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE:
Properties of the Week:
- AL, CA, NH, MO, & SC
Dust Bowl Days:
- Soil Conservation & Farm Tenure, Pt. 1
Sponsor's Corner:
- Remote Alaska Lodge Hideaway
Auction News:
- FL, GA, KY, MI, MO, NE, OK, & WI
LandTerms.com Term of the Week:
- Personal Property


PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK
Private Lake Sanctuary & Antique Farm
Rindge, Cheshire County, New Hampshire
238 Acres - $2,000,000
With over 238 acres wrapped around a completely private, undeveloped lake of
nearly 50 acres in size, Robbins Pond is truly one of a kind. Not only are
there very few lakes of this size still in existence without shoreline
development, there are none left available that one can still own in its
entirety. Listing ID: 25260. Photos, map, and seller contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/srb1-.html

Grandview Harbor Lakefront Home Sites
near Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama
3.32 Acres - $49,900
Grandview Harbor is a magnificent waterfront living community located 12 miles
from Prattville, Alabama, featuring 1-10 acre deep dockable waterfront
homesites, paved roads, power and phone, county water. Grandview Harbor offers
stately waterfront properties and leisure living at its finest. Listing ID:
24860. Photos, map, and seller contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/cmar.html

Wooded Home Site or Development Land
Clio, Marlboro County, South Carolina
11 Acres - $46,000
Located in Marlboro County just outside of Clio, this parcel is wooded,
affordable, and offers some timber potential. This acreage would be suitable
for a housing development or if you want space, a single home. Listing ID:
24845. Photos, map, and seller contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/jhh10-.html

Treed Section with Creek & Springs
Gazelle, Siskiyou County, California
640 Acres - $640,000
640 acre square section on China Mt. in Siskiyou County off Gazelle-Callahan
Rd. Lots of privacy, open and wooded with creek and springs. Plenty of usable
sloping terrain with good rocked road throughout the property. Borders USFS and
timber company land. No easements. Listing ID: 20588. Photos, map, and seller
contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ekt3-.html

Lake View Home with Private Dock
Theodosia, Ozark County, Missouri
9.9 Acres - $599,000
With a beautiful view of Bull Shoals Lake from its 9.9 acres, and an easy walk
to the best private dock we've seen anywhere on the lake, this wooded property
adjoins the government take line on Coilep Hollow, and looks south down the
lake toward Point 13 and toward the state line with Arkansas. Listing ID:
25071. Photos, map, and seller contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/osv3-.html


DUST BOWL DAYS: SOIL CONSERVATION AND FARM TENURE
Part 1: It Couldn't Happen Again, Right?
"It kept gettin' worse and worse. And the wind kept blowin' harder and harder.
It kept gettin' darker and darker. And the old house is just a-vibratin' like
it was gonna blow away. And I started trying to see my hand. And I kept
bringing my hand up closer and closer and closer and closer. And I finally
touched the end of my nose and I still couldn't see my hand. That's how black
it was. A lot of people got out of bed, got their children out of the bed. Got
down praying, thought that was it. They thought that was the end of the world."
- from the PBS film 'Surviving the Dust Bowl' (1998)
- Melt White (Dust Bowl survivor)

The Dust Bowl of the 1930's is undoubtedly one of the worst catastrophes ever
faced by the U.S. and Canada. Lasting up to 10 years in some areas, this
terrible event occurred mainly on the plains and prairies of North America, our
so-called "Bread Basket". It ultimately convinced the agricultural industry of
the value and necessity of soil conservation programs. Questions remain,
however, about whether enough is being done to encourage agricultural and soil
conservation today - and to prevent another man-made Dust Bowl-type disaster.

A primary issue with respect to soil conservation, and in fact one of the
"classic questions of economics" is the effect that land tenure (farm renting
vs. farm ownership) has on agricultural conservation practices. It is commonly
assumed that a farmer who leases is less likely than an owner-operator to adopt
and use responsible soil conservation methods, because of the financial burden
and because renter-farmers often can't reap the long-term benefits of
investment in conservation strategies.

But is this assumption really true? The staff of the Land and Property Review
decided to find out. Among the issues we address are the costs and benefits of
adopting agricultural conservation methodologies, including the affordability
of long-term conservation investment for small-operation farmers. We also look
into different characteristics of farms or farmers that influence the adoption
of conservation practices, especially whether farm owner-operators are more
likely to have conservation programs in place than renter-operators. The
results will be presented over the next few issues - and they may surprise you.

Agricultural and Soil Conservation
One of the root causes of the Dust Bowl, which spawned giant storms of wind,
dirt, and debris known as "black blizzards", was a severe drought that lasted
several years. But humans were also to blame, having failed to take action in
the preceding years to prevent large-scale soil loss and erosion. Prior to this
time, little thought was given to soil conservation, and farmers typically did
not rotate crops, use soil-saving mulches, or allow fields to lie fallow for
extended periods of time. Deep plowing of virgin soil resulted in the loss of
large amounts of native grasses, the roots of which hold the topsoil in place
and store moisture near the soil surface, even during periods of drought.

Since the 1930's, many North American farmers, and indeed, many farmers around
the world, have introduced numerous conservation practices into their
operations, both individually and collectively. But many others lack the means
to do so, especially true in developing countries. In the U.S., Canada, and
elsewhere, government and private programs have been created to provide
financial and educational assistance aimed at helping farmers implement
conservation practices, but many are underfunded or only available in limited
areas or circumstances. The question remains: are we doing enough to prevent
another disaster like the Dust Bowl, and if not, what can we do better?

A Possible Solution
Recent studies indicate that, throughout the world, tons of topsoil are still
needlessly being lost. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations has expressed a "growing concern in many regions of the world
about effects of traditional agricultural practices on soil productivity and
the environment, especially deep tilling with disk, hoe, or plough". The FAO
has developed a program emphasizing the use of affordable and practical
techniques designed to combat the effects of deep plowing such as water
pollution, declining health and productivity of farm land, and serious threats
to the global food supply. This program is quite similar to local conservation
agriculture programs already in place in many areas, and we include it here
because it serves as a good example of soil conservation strategies that are
simple, easy to adopt, and have been reported to be very effective in
minimizing topsoil loss.

The primary goal of official agricultural conservation programs, as well as the
more informal sustainable agriculture movement taking hold in the U.S., Canada,
and Europe, is to create favorable soil conditions through integrated
management of available soil, water, and biological resources. The idea is to
reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals,
and to provide some measure of physical protection for the soil itself. Most of
these programs emphasize the use if materials that are either very inexpensive
or are already available on site.

The main component of such programs is the use of a semi-permanent or permanent
soil cover. This cover (which may be a material that acts as mulch but is often
a live, growing crop) functions to protect the soil from the elements and to
provide habitat for beneficial soil organisms. These organisms, collectively
known as a "biotic community", perform many necessary functions such as
assisting with nutrient uptake and recycling. They also serve to till, or turn
over, the soil in a process known as "biological tillage". This reduces the
need for deep tillage and gives rise to conservation agriculture's emphasis on
conservation tillage, which decreases the frequency and depth of mechanical
soil disturbance (reduced- or minimum-till), or eliminates it entirely
(no-till). Other techniques that are features conservation agriculture programs
include frequent crop rotations, terracing of fields, and extensive use of
straw as mulch.

On the surface, simple techniques like these seem to be the answer to concerns
over topsoil loss. But how easy are they to adopt, and can the average farmer,
whether a renter or owner, actually afford them? And does the decision to use
soil conservation strategies pay off in either the long or short run?

Join us for the next issue of the Land and Property Review, where we'll explore
the economics and affordability - and some of the long-term ecological and
social consequences - of incorporating soil conservation practices into
agricultural operations.


SPONSOR'S CORNER
Lakefront Alaska Wilderness Property For Sale
Lodge and Guest Cabins Near Denali National Park
5 Acres - $595,000
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Located above timberline just SE of Denali, an in-holding completely surrounded
by State Lands, this is truly a unique one-of-a-kind property. Currently
operating as a lodge, this could be your own private retreat or run as a
business. Hunting, hiking, wildlife nature, skiing, mushing all with Mt
McKinley right out your back door. This property has 10 structures including
the main lodge/home, guest cabins, workshop, shower/washroom, dock house,
greenhouse and storage, all set up to move into. Listing ID: 20857. Photos,
map, and seller contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/knp.html


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

Agriculture, Country Homes, Peace and Quiet
Auction: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Live Oak, Suwannee County, Florida
115 Acres
Florida land auctions and land for sale rapidly approaching for 115 acres
Suwannee County, FL. Investment, retirement, homes, home sites, cattle, or
recreational real estate potential. Listing ID: 24606. Photos, map, and seller
contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ddsn.html

Some of the Best Hunting Anywhere
Auction: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Crofton, Christian County, Kentucky
433 Acres
The secret is out! Western Kentucky is a top producer for monster bucks. Don’t
miss your chance to invest in a prime 433 acre farm near Crofton, Kentucky, in
Christian County. Just 90 miles from Nashville, this tract has great turkey
hunting, too. Christian County is noted for having an annual whitetail harvest
that is 25 percent higher than its neighboring counties. Listing ID: 24917.
Photos, map, and seller contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/hcg.html

Restaurant/Bar & Two 2 BR Residential Units
Auction: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
First floor commercial space has a former bar and restaurant. Second floor has
two residential units with two bedrooms each, in need of renovation. Property
includes two car garage and a parking slab big enough for two cars. Listing ID:
25269. Photos, map, and seller contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/ww1.html

Country Living with All the Extras
Auction: Thursday, August 27, 2009
Neosho, Newton County, Missouri
20 Acres
Country living at its finest. This completely custom 3BR 4.5BA home for sale
offers 6,252+/- sf of living space and was built in 2005. Also on the property
is a 1200+/- sf equipment building that matches the main home. Situated on 20
acres of Ozark beauty. Listing ID: 25271. Photos, map, and seller contact
information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww2.html

Commercial Raw Land w/ Highway Frontage
Auction: Thursday, August 27, 2009
Langley, Mayes County, Oklahoma
40 Acres
Opportunity to purchase 40+/-ac in two parcels conveniently located on Hwy 28
across from Sonic and Lakeway Plaza with mature trees, some rolling terrain,
and approximately 1320' highway frontage. Listing ID: 25352. Photos, map, and
seller contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww7.html

Secluded 5 BR Home on Wooded Lot
Rochester, Michigan Auction August 28, 2009
Auction: Friday, August 28, 2009
Oakland/Rochester, Oakland County, Michigan
2.56 Acres
Stately home situated on 2.56+/- ac, tucked away on a wooded lot at the end of
a cul-de-sac. This large home features 5BR 6 full and 1 half baths, as well as
5,945+/- sf of living space. Three-story home with a three-car attached garage.
Large two-tier deck in back has a gazebo. Listing ID: 25272. Photos, map, and
seller contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww3.html

Rosemary Beach Oceanfront Home
Auction: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Panama City, Bay County, Florida
0.23 Acres
Moroccan inspired home on Rosemary Beach. Beachfront home with beautiful wood
floors and tile bathrooms, featuring 3BR 3BA and 2,400+/- sf. Located on a
cul-de-sac only steps from the beach. Living room has French doors leading out
to the deck overlooking the ocean. Built in 2002 on 0.23+/- ac. Listing ID:
25273. Photos, map, and seller contact information at
http://www.eaglestar.net/ww4.html

Historic Commercial/Residential Property
Auction: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Quitman, Brooks County, Georgia
This Greek Revival was constructed in 1867, and is currently listed in the
Brooks County records as the oldest verifiable residence in the City of
Quitman. Great commercial opportunity for a bed and breakfast, or primary
residence. 6+ bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 5,420+/- sf. Listing ID: 25274. Map and
seller contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/ww5.html

Farm Land, Commercial Properties, and More
Auction: August 11 - August 29, 2009
Florida and Georgia
9,000 Acres
A huge variety of small and large parcels will be offered divided at high
bidder’s choice. This spectacular real estate auction event will take place
over a 19 day period, from Tuesday, August 11 to Saturday, August 29. Over 25
properties and more than 150 different parcels will be offered throughout 10
Florida and Georgia Counties to include: Jefferson, Sumter, Citrus, Hamilton,
Echols (Georgia), Pasco, Polk, Hernando and Hillsboro. Please contact
auctioneer with questions: 1-800-711-9175. Listing ID: 25338. Photos, map, and
seller contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/tsr.html

Martin Grass & Pivot Irrigated Land Auction
Auction: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Imperial, Dundy and Chase Counties, Nebraska
$1,715,000 (Combined minimum bid) - 5,151 Total Acres
5,151 acres to be sold at auction on September 1, 2009. Seldom does the
opportunity become available to purchase Nebraska sandhill pasture & pivot
irrigation in this area. Located southwest of Champion and Imperial, Nebraska
in Dundy County & Chase County, Nebraska. Listing ID: 25270. Photos, map, and
seller contact information at http://www.eaglestar.net/jrbck.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.

Personal Property (Personalty)
All property other than real property. Personal property is distinct from real
property in that it is moveable (not attached or affixed). Exceptions are made
for trade fixtures or furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE), which can be
attached, but are still considered personal property. Also known as personalty
or chattels, personal property can be tangible (things or objects owned) or
intangible (rights and relationships that are included in ownership). Tangible
chattels include all objects that one owns, such as vehicles, clothing,
houseplants, small appliances, etc. Examples of intangible chattels include
patents, copyrights, royalties, and community property relationships. Transfer
of personal property is done through a bill of sale, a will, intestate
succession, or by court order (judgment).

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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