Bobcat Ridge • 6,912 acres • Texas
“I have been working with SPP for over a decade and every deal I have ever brought them they have closed. They are timely, easy to work with, and extremely reliable. From initial contact, they closed the deal in 60 days and that’s what I’m looking for in a prospective buyer.”
Chris Boone, Senior VP of Real Estate
SELLER: A real estate investment company owned Bobcat Ridge, which is a 6,912-acre timber tract located outside of Palestine, TX. They were looking to divest this tract to assist in funding new acquisitions and other projects within their diversified portfolio. Mr. Boone had a long history with SPP Land and knew they would have the experience and assets to close on the property.
PROPERTY HISTORY: Bobcat Ridge is a large contiguous timber tract that is high fenced on 3 sides and has over 11 miles of frontage on the Neches River which is called Texas’ last wild river. Rated as one of the top 5 views in East TX, Bobcat Ridge was well-known for the beautiful ridge that overlooks the Neches River bottom and on clear nights the city lights of Palestine, Frankston and Jacksonville can be seen. Bobcat Ridge also offered some of the best white tail deer, duck, and hog hunting in the area.
The property included:
- 85% of the tract was merchantable timber
- 1,600 +/- acres of hardwoods
- Ridgetop hunting cabin that could sleep 20+ guests
- 5 stand towers for skeet shooting
- Walk in freezer and cleaning station
Because of the 1,600-acre compartment bottomlands hardwood compartment along the Neches River, the property had been placed under a working forest conservation easement. The property also needed to be sold as one large contiguous tract which is becoming more and more difficult to find with the privatization of timberland.
SPP SOLUTION: SPP worked with Texas A&M Forest Service to be sure they abided by the easement’s restrictions mandating sustainable practices. The conservation of this acreage increased the amount of protected land within the boundaries of the Neches River providing a safe refuge for the diverse bird species found in the area. SPP was able to provide the assets which allowed the tract to remain intact and quickly closed on the deal. SPP was contracted in May 2019, offered a contract on the land in June 2019, and closed the deal on July 15, 2019.
