MELVIN TIMBERLANDS
10,714 Acres
Sartain’s Heritage Properties is proud to present Melvin Timberlands, a meticulously managed southern pine forest located in west-central Alabama and east-central Mississippi. The property comprises approximately 40% merchantable pine timberland, with the remainder including pre-merchantable pine timberland, cutover areas, SMZs, and roads/waste.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Melvin Timberlands represents a unique opportunity to acquire a property that has been actively managed for long-rotation pine timber for more than 75 years. Initially overseen by the Masonite Corporation until the early 1980s, the family then employed a full-time forester to manage day-to-day operations. Since that time, the property has benefited from a consistent cycle of harvests and replanting, ensuring its sustainability and productivity.
The property is being offered through a single-stage sealed-bid process, with bids accepted for the entire portfolio only. All submissions must be received by March 28, 2025. Detailed instructions regarding the bidding process are provided in the ‘Bidding Process’ section of this document. Notifications of successful bids will be provided within 7 days. The target closing date for this transaction is Friday, May 9, 2025.
Click Here to View the Melvin Timberlands Web Map.
Property management activities include road maintenance, site preparation (e.g., chemical applications and site-prep burning), and replanting. The property features diverse topography, primarily rolling hills and hilly terrain. Timber types consist largely of merchantable pine timberland, pre-merchantable pine timberland, and SMZs (streamside management zones).
LOCATION
The property is located in the Coastal Plain near the Mississippi-Alabama state line, approximately 50 miles southeast of Meridian, MS, and 20 miles from Butler, AL. It is within 50 miles of multiple wood markets, including mills specializing in pulpwood, chip-n-saw, and saw timber. The area is well-served by county and state highways, providing convenient access to these markets.
FOREST RESOURCES
Of the 10,714 total acres, approximately 4,202 are merchantable pine plantations and natural stands that average 114.19 tons per acre. A Timber Inventory was conducted to assess the volumes of merchantable stands. However, streamside management zones and pre-merchantable pine plantations were not included in the inventory. The ages of pre-merchantable stands were verified as part of the assessment. Pre-merchantable stands cover 4,142 acres and range in age from planted in 2025 to 15 years, with an average stand age of 7 years.
This inventory cruise was conducted by ForestSouth, LLC and/or its subcontractors during December 2024 and January 2025. All ARC GIS maps, cruise data, and inventory specifics can be found in the VDR under “Cruise”.
DATA ROOM
Upon executing the Melvin Timber Confidentiality Agreement (CA), interested parties will gain access to the project’s Virtual Data Room (VDR), hosted by Sartain’s Heritage Properties. The VDR provides secure access to a comprehensive range of materials, including:
- A detailed stand-based timber inventory
- Associated GIS data
- Tax and lease information
- A draft purchase and sale agreement
- Bid forms
- Other pertinent property and process-related information
Additional information will be made available as the process progresses. Invited bidders will receive email notifications with instructions on accessing any new or updated documents.
BROKER PARTICIPATION
Broker participation is encouraged; however, neither the Seller, Sartain’s Heritage Properties, nor their representatives will pay a real estate commission to the Purchaser’s representatives.
DISCLAIMER
This information memorandum is provided as a courtesy and is not warranted or guaranteed.
Melvin Timber Confidentiality Agreement Please email to jmallard@sartainsheritage.com