Woodland Stewardship

A new website seems tailor made for property owners at RiverBend. There are articles on all of the issues and opportunities that we face in trying to preserve and enjoy our property. There are excellent articles on water resources, wildlife and many others. I discovered the site during a search for liability issues and found their excellent discussion; Land Ownership, Liability, and the Law in North Carolina. Click on this link to download the pdf. This article is a must read.

The website is a wonderful and growing resource ... highly recommended. Click on the highlighted link above or go to - http://www.woodlandstewardseries.com/

Hunting Season

November 12 marks the start of deer season. Be safe. Wear hunter orange vests and hats if you will be visiting RB.

Steve Lanning informed me today that Dave Watts' property has been leased to hunters again this year. The terms are different with a timber company holding the lease rights and leasing to hunters rather than Dave doing the leasing. These hunters have put up a locked gate on the main road to prevent others from entering the area. This gate is also ahead of the Settlage property. Mike Settlage was called by the hunters and he agreed to the gate and they have provided him with a key so that he can reach his property. He welcomes this because it may help protect him from the vandalism he has experienced.

The picture above shows my truck outside the locked gate. This seems to restrict other property owners from river access. This is very different from our understanding when we purchased our parcel in 2002.

Mike Settlage informed me that the RiverBend corporation has been dissolved. This creates confusion about authorities, covenants and restrictions. These need to be resolved to protect our property and property values.

Gulf, NC

Gulf (zip 27256) is the geographical center of North Carolina. It is a tiny community located in Chatham county but only 3 miles from Riverbend. The community is home to JR Moore's general store and several historical homes that are regrettably in poor condition. It received its name from its location, at a wide bend in the Deep River. Up to the minute weather info is available at weatherbug to help you plan day trips or visits. Google maps can get you there.

Mushrooms Abound

The fall moisture and an abundance of moist leaves has stimulated a remarkable proliferation of mushrooms. These two are large with the base the size of a baseball bat and the top the size of a paper picnic plate. They are not edible of course but their growth is remarkable to watch and the intricacies of their under surface quite interesting.

As I hike and drive around RB I see very few signs of hunting or baiting. It could be that the "unwelcome mat" is out and now understood by hunters. It is certainly not due to a depletion of deer. Recently I saw a large buck with a trophy size rack. It is quite a remarkable place.

Historical Markers

Have you ever driven along country roads in North Carolina and passed an interesting historical marker but could not read it in time? There is a terrific web site to help you out. It is the NC Historical Markers program. If you poke around on the site, you will find ways to map the area and print a related essay. Near RiverBend there are several markers; Plank Road, Alston House, Endor Iron Works, Charles D. McIver, Egypt Coal Mine, Granville Grant.