USFS wants to close Tellico

[sylvanis]

Hey Guys and Gals, I have never been there but it is on my list to wheel in before I go. We need to pull together and do whatever letter writing we can. Please take the time to do whatever you can to help protect out OHV resources.



Chad
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Take Action to Save Tellico...NOW!

Southern FWDA met with the USFS today and heard a presentation on what will be in their Environmental Assessment. While they have 7 alternatives that they are considering, their preferred alternative is to CLOSE TELLICO. While we know that this is completely unacceptable and will cause immediate and intense emotional reaction, we are asking that everyone maintain a level head and concentrate on what our task is now.



STEP 1: The FS Supervisor issued a TEMPORARY CLOSURE ORDER that will keep Tellico closed until they decide what the fate of the area will be. This means that TELLICO WILL NOT REOPEN ON APRIL 1ST! Please read the order here: [/url]http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/tu...ry_closure.pdf www.ufwda.org/smf/index.php] and provide comments to the temporary closure. Be sure to talk about all the plans you have to use the area and all the events that are already scheduled and that you have paid to attend. WE MUST NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!



STEP 2: We must, at all costs, provide as many SUBSTANTIVE comments about the EA as humanly possible. And we are ready. SFWDA requests that you download the study that we commissioned (Recommended Trail System Repair and Maintenance Plan Upper Tellico OHV System) and that you download the FS’ EA which is posted here (Upper Tellico OHV Area ) and that you compare the two side by side and start making comments. Our study will give you the data that you need to make comments about the surveys that have been done, the lack of maintenance they FS has completed, the science, the engineering, the economics, EVERYTHING



We will work to have a letter generator up, but honestly, we need for you to take pencil to paper and think this through. Copy this announcement and send it to your friends, family, and everyone you know.



STEP 3: The other thing we need and you know what is coming; is money. In this tough economic time, it’s hard to find a few dollars to support a cause, but if you enjoy the Tellico area, or even the dying sport of OHV and 4X4 recreation, please consider a donation to Rescue Tellico so that we may continue to fight for Tellico. Rescue Tellico Fund



STEP 4: In an effort to show that we will not accept these actions, Crawford’s Campground is committing to continue on with the plans for Spring Fling on April 4th. Please consider attending and showing your support and helping to raise money for Rescue Tellico.



So you know, SFWDA is working very closely with United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and BlueRibbon Coalition to review these documents. BE ASSURED that the lawyers will be reviewing all of these documents in detail and that we are all ready to take whatever action is warranted to further the fight to KEEP TELLICO OPEN!



Thank you for your help!!

SFWDA, UFWDA, and BRC

Heather, SFWDA Director of Land Management

[moneypit]

I've been reading about this. What's next? Seems like everywhere you turn public land is being closed. I guess we aren't the public. We are getting taxed up the @ss all the time, with more on the way with the new administrations plans to save the world. You would think with this GIANT bailout coming they could throw us a bone and leave the land open. We must not be a large enough voting block to cater to. Maybe all the 4x4 groups should form a union. They seem to pay attention to unions when it's time to get elected.

[Belfast]

I am always torn when I see things like this. Being someone who loves to go offroad in 4x4 vehicles, I think they should stay open to this use. But I know that lots of people prefer to have the land without loud, carbon dioxide belching vehicles all around them. I personally have experienced some jackasses on ATV's a few times when camping or hiking.

I see both sides to this and I can't say that us offroaders are in the majority - not by a long shot. We're also a group that often has a few bad apples that spoil it for the rest of us.

[moneypit]

I agree, but things like this should not be decided just by a majority of opinions. We all pay taxes and we all have the right to use the public land. I also believe that people should use it responsibly. We have park rangers to patrol the parks and campgrounds. Why not charge a daily fee that would cover the expense of patrolling the trails. We all pay now to go to Jeep Jamborees etc. and off road parks. So why not pay a daily fee to use our public land? I am tired of all the tree huggers making decisions for me.