Neighbors

Debbie Roos lives in the old historic home with a pond across Plank road from RB. She is the extension agent for Chatham county for an interesting array of activities, including; sustainable and organic farming, beekeeping, vegetable, fruit and flower production among others. She rescues stray dogs in the area and occasionally exercises them on the riverbend property. Information about her work can be found at this link.

Riverbend Lot for Sale

This lot for sale at Riverbend has been on the market since March, 2011. There have been very few sales since 2008.

Greathouse Sawmill

Bobby Greathouse operates a small sawmill on Hwy 421 near Plank road. His work is all "rough cut," made to order and high quality. Recently I took a 6 foot x 20 inch poplar log from a tree that fell at my Wake Forest home and he produced a nice beam for a garden bench ... at a bargain. I have now worked with him on two projects and I am very pleased with the price and quality of his work.

Road Conditions

Recent rains have again filled and expanded the severe pot holes on our main road. These will need to be filled before too long. I drive slowly through them to prevent damage. They represent a hazard and a liability for Riverbend owners. 

Large Pot Holes at Riverbend

Deer Season Ends January 2, 2012

Deer season ends on January 2, 2012. After that date the movement of people and vehicles and the discharge of firearms at Riverbend should decrease. After the end of deer season, I propose the placement of a locked gate near the front of Riverbend to reduce illegal access. If you would like to comment on this proposal, please contact me @ the Riverbend email address.

Examples of illegal hunting at Riverbend are suggested by discarded carcasses, game camera pictures and in discussion with neighbors and the legal hunters currently leasing Dave Watts' property through Valentine Timberland Management company. Hunting laws in NC are strict and detailed. If you encounter illegal activity, please report to the Lee County Sheriff's office or the Lee County Wildlife management office. They are aware of our concerns.

Hwy 421 Progress

RB owners driving down Hwy 1 will notice changes soon. The 421 bypass will open in January 2012. Section A will be complete later this year. Section B North of Sanford will connect to 87 and provide a quick route to Fayetteville. The NCDOT site gives details. This should make for a pleasant trip from the Cary/Apex area to Riverbend.

Poor Boys Hunting Club

While at Riverbend today I met two individuals (Mike and John) who represented the Poor Boys HC and hold the lease on Dave Watt’s land. They are responsible and careful hunters and shared many detailed observations concerning trespassers. They have 4 game cameras and have turned over pictures to the Sheriff’s office. They observed a large bonfire there recently (untended) and have found many 4 wheeler tracks. 

I am very reassured by the two individuals that I met. They are safe, environmentally aware and rapidly building a database about illegal hunters and trespassers. They do not want the damage and bad will to be attributed to them.Their lease is through Valentine Timberland Management. They paid $3,000 for a one year lease. They have been quite successful so far this season and have documented that others (trespassers) also have been successful. 

Gas Leases

Many land owners in the Riverbend area have received letters concerning Gas Leases. Also, there have been significant discoveries of gas as well as coal in the area (see past postings for news links). Local papers have had advertisements concerning meetings to discuss the complexities of leasing to venture companies seeking to secure mineral and gas rights. Today's New York Times has an excellent article on the pitfalls of mineral leases. It is worth reading before responding to inquiries. It is very likely that no Riverbend land owners have the mineral rights to their properties.