Rayonier, Jacksonville, Fla., USA, will sell thousands of acres in South Georgia in tracts as small as 2 acres and up to 143 acres April 9-10, reversing a general policy or practice of the company to not sell its woodlands in the area to neighbors, hunting clubs, and individuals—at least not in small tracts.
"This may be the best chance in years for the person who wants 10, 25, or 50 acres of forest land for a personal retreat, campground, hunting property, or investment," said Jim Woltz, president of Woltz & Associates, the auction company managing the sale. "We'll be selling well over 3,600 acres in tracts of 75 acres or less. These are the kind of tracts people are always saying small investors can't obtain, and they're in areas known for having excellent populations for deer and other game." Woltz explained that the company would be selling nine tracts of 20 acres or less, and 46 tracts of 50 acres or less. More than 80% of the land being sold is in tracts of 75 acres or less.
The auction will use a format in which buyers place bids on individual tracts and various combinations to form a property that best meets their needs. It will sell in the combination that brings the highest total price, be it individual tracts or combinations. The land, which has been owned and managed by Rayonier for decades, will be sold in three sessions Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10. The April 9 auction, to be held beginning at 10 a.m. in Waycross, Ga., will include approximately 1,581 acres in Charlton, Ware, Brantley, Pierce, Appling, and Wayne counties. This group includes pines, hardwoods, hunting properties, and land along scenic creeks. The event on Saturday will be held in Dublin, Ga., and will include two sessions. At 10 a.m., bidders will compete for approximately 1,464 acres. It will include land in Laurens, Emanuel, Tattnall, Jenkins, and Burke counties. That land includes a large amount of loblolly pine and hardwood. The second Saturday session will include the largest amount of land (3,119 acres) selling in 50 tracts in Telfair, Laurens, Coffee, Irwin, Dodge, Pulaski, and Wilcox counties. Individuals wanting more information should contact Woltz at 800-551-3588.
TAPPI
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