FINAL WORD about the trail bypasses at Tellico [Archive]

View Full Version : FINAL WORD about the trail bypasses at Tellico

Chris Hyde

05-29-2007, 08:20 AM

Good morning fellow PBB members,

PLEASE POST THIS ON ANY OTHER FORUM THAT DISCUSSES THE UPPER TELLICO OHV.

I just had a lengthy conversation with the N.C. Rangers that handle the Tellico OHV, received some useful information and was asked to pass it on in order to keep the trails in good shape. At this point, the trails will not close, but if the following things are not observed, they will continue to raise the fee until it is outrageous, which will cover repair of the trails via the outsourced trail maintenance contractors. I do not want to see $40 - $50 fees to ride.

First and foremost, the main thing they are trying to control right now is erosion and sediment around any streams, creeks or rivers. Secondly, ALL man made ATV bypasses are FORBIDDEN. If you are caught on an ATV bypass, you're vehicle WILL be impounded and you WILL be fined. Here is the word, directly from the horses mouth as to the other obstacles. No more speculation.

1. LOWER 2: This obstacle is not closed. You may NOT take a bypass. Stay on the main trail, take tag numbers (if available) of vehicles that attempt otherwise and report to the Ranger district at (828) 837-5152.

2. SLICKROCK: You may NOT take the bypass on the upper half or the ATV bypass to the right. This trail is under a maintenance contract and the bypass is for maintenance vehicles only. Stay on the main trail and take tag numbers (if available) of vehicles that attempt otherwise and report to the Ranger district at (828) 837-5152.

3. GUARDRAIL: You MAY take the lower route to the left around the main line to get to the top. This is not considered a bypass.

4. SCHOOLBUS: You MAY take the right line (the lesser of the evils) on the main trail. You MAY NOT use the "ATV bypass" off to the far right.

5. ALL OTHER OBSTACLES: You are NOT to manually disturb any of the land features or terrain. Winching logs or rocks out of the way is forbidden and you will be fined and/or possibly jailed.

Again, the USFS is mainly concerned about unnecessary erosion and sediment around water. I was specifically told that they were not as concerned about the upper ridge as they were at lower elevations by the water sources. In my opinion, USFS needs to post signs regarding this info so it will be clear. If you would like to verify anything posted, please call (828) 837-5152.

Thank you,

Chris Hyde

Never Monday

05-29-2007, 08:44 AM

Thanks for the hard work Chris.

dlc

05-29-2007, 09:56 AM

Thanks for the good info!

4-lo

05-29-2007, 03:32 PM

good info, Im personally sick of watching Lower 2 become wider and wider each year. If you cant make it stay off the trail! Ive never attempted L2 for this very reason.

s10er8

05-29-2007, 04:03 PM

Thanks Chris, that will definately put the debate to rest.

Now somebody could still mark the illegal bypasses, I suggest not turning in any tag numbers unless you give the person a verbal reason why they should not be doing that, give them a fair chance to get off the illegal trail.... like me and a few others said before, they may not know it ...I WOULDN'T. So give them a chance and just don't turn them in.

That actually opens up a whole can of worms... you piss somebody off on the trail and they take your tag number and say you took an illegal bypass.

Fl-Krawler

05-29-2007, 04:20 PM

we got into a very bad verbal arguement with a group a few years ago on lower 2 over the bypass.. they took the bypass even though we told them it was illegal, saying they didnt come there to break their shit, and that taking the bypass was alot faster than winching..seems to me that the forestry service could very easily sit at the top of lower 2 and patrol it and issue tickets, instaed of hassling people at the entrace of the ORV area in a group of 5 and searching/hassling people as they enter the ORV area..i was also told this weekend by some locals that the local town(murphy) and ranger service "tolerate" the offroaders due to the amount of revenue it brings in the town, but once the new casino goes in behind the walmart in murphy, they will no longer care about the ORV area or the revenue it brings in as it will be a drop in the hat compared to the casino..if this is true this means we better get our shit together as offroaders and make sure we start walking a tight line

tellico_rocks

05-29-2007, 04:41 PM

thanks for the update. cool.... we are all locals to murphy so we get all the tellico info.. i still haven't checked it out myself. i plan to hopefully tomorrow. I'm still hearing that its closed and its coming from good sources. people we know who own cabins and shops in tellico ohv area. my main concern is that people dont screw this up for everyone. i dont want to move to utah just yet. its our job as locals to keep it going. thanks for everyones input. that post was to inform and help get the word out.

McCracken

05-30-2007, 05:38 AM

When I asked the ranger a couple years ago he said to take pictures as well. Lots of times you see people with Digital cameras out on the trail and he said to put them to good use. A truck description, tag and picture could go a long way :mr-t:

Thanks Chris, that will definately put the debate to rest.

Now somebody could still mark the illegal bypasses, I suggest not turning in any tag numbers unless you give the person a verbal reason why they should not be doing that, give them a fair chance to get off the illegal trail.... like me and a few others said before, they may not know it ...I WOULDN'T. So give them a chance and just don't turn them in.

That actually opens up a whole can of worms... you piss somebody off on the trail and they take your tag number and say you took an illegal bypass.

BigGreenMonster

05-30-2007, 10:56 AM

could a local or some one with a pic, post a shot of the illegal bypasses to make it clear what is forbidden

Chris Hyde

05-30-2007, 12:10 PM

Something just occurred to me about my conversation with the USFS yesterday. It doesn't matter if it was posted on every message board in the world, unless the USFS posts this info directly on the trails or trailheads, they have no means to "legally" enforce it. Yes, they can warn us, threaten us and ask us not to ride the bypasses (or may go as far as to even shut down the violated trails), but again, if it is not LEGALLY posted, a judge would laugh it out of the docket. It must have a "Posted" sign with all referenced legal codes in order to be prosecutable.

How do I know? I own and operate a sign business and we are DOT approved to manufacture all local, state and federal signage, if requested by a city, state or federal facility.

McCracken

05-30-2007, 02:17 PM

tellico_rocks

05-30-2007, 08:43 PM

Please read the new "lower 2 closure" post. This is the real and final word.... whatever that was supposed to mean. its all good though. This is a update and very legit post. thanks

Grim Reaper

05-31-2007, 06:02 PM

That's all fine and dandy and I am 100% behind the rules.

SO when will we actually see it enforced?

That's the problem. The ONLY time to see you will see a NC FS ranger is when some tard driving too fast on trail 1 has run off the road.

I can honestly say I have NEVER seen a FS person on any other trail then 1 and part of 5 where they can run their excursion. There is no enforcement people there to do anything so the rules are pointless till they get enforced. :shaking:

The TN FS ranger are usually at State line hassling people over non street legal rigs non stop in the 50ft from the campground to the the state line but they will not come in the park. They are their on fund raisers via fines. :shaking:

And lets get one other thing straight. Southern does the majority of the maintenance and owns the Deuces and the the majority of the maintenance equipment. That is the ONLY reason the park is still open is because Southern takes care of it and the FS sits back and collects the ISTEA money from their work. Lets see some of that money go to a full time enforcement ranger. Yes you read that right. Very few FS rangers have enforcement ratings and they cannot and will not do any enforcement. As an example their is ONE FS ranger with "police" credential for GA for the Chattahoochee national forest (Beasley, Tatum, fort mountain etc). I think there is 2 for Nantahala and they generally work Monday to Friday 9-5 is my understanding...

Yes I am pissed off. Yes I am FULLY aware of the issues and I worked on/ attended the 10 year revision BS for both Nantahala and Chattahoochee. In the 5-7 years since those meeting the only change I have seen is how much they charge to use the parks and more rules, seasonal closures and LESS enforcement.

Till you see jack asses, that are fawking it up for the rest of us, regularly leaving in hand cuffs with their ATV's and trucks hanging on a wrecker heading for impound you will not see much improvment...just more hassles for those of us that follow the rules. :mad3:

weedwacker

05-31-2007, 08:31 PM

Maybe we need a picture thread, "Dickheads taking bypasses" ? Maybe an web addy to send the pics to the law?

I have informed numberous dumbasses on the trail in the act of taking bypasses that we are on the verge of closure because of the errosion issues.

I don't like the thought of "ratting" but after a few verbal confrontations that almost came to blows I don't see that pushing the issue while on the trail is wise.

Maybe we could make a practice of informing people on bypasses, if they start to act like an ass take a picture and give them their due??????

BigGreenMonster

06-03-2007, 08:03 PM

rhd

06-03-2007, 08:11 PM

pwnt
by www.ncttora.com

Appntr

06-03-2007, 08:20 PM

pwnt
by www.ncttora.com

x2...:laughing: That guy was a jackass about the whole situation when we asked him to stop that crap.

Cumminsdzl

06-03-2007, 08:44 PM

x2...:laughing: That guy was a jackass

:mad3::mad3:Yep, and i told him just that.....:laughing:

vanguard_anon

06-03-2007, 08:47 PM

x2...:laughing: That guy was a jackass about the whole situation when we asked him to stop that crap.

X3 It would have ended right away if he was cool about it. Now he's reported because when he was told to stop wrecking the trail he said, "Who are you, my daddy?"

Look at you now buddy. ncttora is your daddy. :grinpimp:

rhd

06-03-2007, 09:04 PM

<-----GSRswapandslow

codyjh

06-03-2007, 10:46 PM

Picture taken a few yards past the ledge at the top of Slick Rock, Tellico during the South East Toyota Takeover event this past weekend.

The pictured person was politely informed and proceeded to hammer down. He was then followed up by another intelligent individual. Of course his buddies advised us to take a picture of the 2nd guy because he actually made it up.

There needs to be a lot more awareness on the trails. There aren't that many OHV trail systems and we don't need the ones we have dwindling due to such peoples actions.

greg@Lockitup

06-04-2007, 12:39 PM

I wonder if any of the Kentucky folks on here might know him and be able to educate him further?

McCracken

06-04-2007, 02:01 PM

Send it to the FS at Tellico. We'll see how this policy works.

codyjh

06-04-2007, 05:00 PM

We need to give them a call.

zosimov21

06-04-2007, 07:21 PM

Send it to the FS at Tellico. We'll see how this policy works.

http://www.ncttora.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4200

Just got off the phone with the Ranger Station, and he likes the photo's of the JEEP, and thinks that he can do something with it. He said to let them know what is going on. He said there are only a handful of officers and THEY NEED US TO DO THIS! Take pictures of vehicle IN ACTION and plates. He said thanks to all, and this will help keep the place open. Citation in the mail to MR. ASSHOLE

ASSHOLE-Who are you; My daddy?
COONDOGGER- I AM NOW MO FO!!!!!!!!!!!! C-YA IN COURT b*tch!

s10er8

06-04-2007, 07:32 PM

Damn, the guy had a chance to do the right thing....

PUjeeper

06-04-2007, 07:49 PM

codyjh

06-04-2007, 11:59 PM

Damn, the guy had a chance to do the right thing....

"Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise."

Grim Reaper

06-05-2007, 04:26 AM

I think this guy is off the trail too....
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o98/pujeeper/tellico/100_2468.jpg

wonder the story behind this one and when a group is going to get together to haul it out.
Its always the same story.

1: Truck broke down had to be left. By the time they got back some bottom dwelling PIECES OF SHIT stripped it to the point of no way to recover it then pushed it off the trail. If it was Tiftonia they would have also lit it fire.

2. Some bottom dwelling PIECE OF SHIT stole the truck joy rode it till it broke or they got board. Then stripped it to the point of no way to recover it then pushed it off the trail. If it was Tiftonia they would have also lit it fire.

McCracken

06-05-2007, 05:17 AM

http://www.ncttora.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4200

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

kibblerange

06-05-2007, 09:00 AM

Its always the same story.

1: Truck broke down had to be left. By the time they got back some bottom dwelling PIECES OF SHIT stripped it to the point of no way to recover it then pushed it off the trail. If it was Tiftonia they would have also lit it fire.

2. Some bottom dwelling PIECE OF SHIT stole the truck joy rode it till it broke or they got board. Then stripped it to the point of no way to recover it then pushed it off the trail. If it was Tiftonia they would have also lit it fire.

Something about stripping vehicles and lighting them on fire seems to be a past time or tradition in the South East area of our world :laughing:

tellicorob

06-09-2007, 12:39 PM

Outstanding job on the pics.I'll talk to the guys at the USFS office and see if we can set up an address to send in pics like that one. Some other pics we need are of some of these asshats taking down the area closed signs that we keep posting on the illegal bypasses. We definately need more law enforcement up here ( when I was younger I never thought those words would come out of my mouth). Right now the USFS has some funky rules regarding ATV use and backcountry law enforcement. The LEOs (full time law enforcement) are spread pretty thin right now. We need to keep up the "peer pressure " on people using the Illegal bypasses. I know it gets aggrivating seeing the same people doing it all of the time. I think that I'm only at about 20% success at getting these people to obey the regulations, but that is 20% better than if I hadn't said anything.

Grim Reaper

06-09-2007, 02:26 PM

We definately need more law enforcement up here ( when I was younger I never thought those words would come out of my mouth). Right now the USFS has some funky rules regarding ATV use and backcountry law enforcement. The LEOs (full time law enforcement) are spread pretty thin right now.

The President of Southern Is a member of the club I roll with (GBR). I talked a little bit with him about this last week. For a FS person to go off trail 1 on a ATV or a 4x4 it is required that there be two FS rangers going for safety reasons. So basically since there is only ONE enforcement ranger allocated to Tellico you will not see him in the woods on normal patrol.

Our efforts an photos are going to be the only way we can take care of some of these asshats that are screwing it up for the rest of us.

RockwelledToyota

06-10-2007, 07:51 PM

With their resources being run thin means WE need to step up....take pics of asshats (AND THEIR TAGS!) We got one when we were their..now hes out $200...:D

DSLTOY

06-13-2007, 08:18 AM

That's all fine and dandy and I am 100% behind the rules.

SO when will we actually see it enforced?

That's the problem. The ONLY time to see you will see a NC FS ranger is when some tard driving too fast on trail 1 has run off the road.

I can honestly say I have NEVER seen a FS person on any other trail then 1 and part of 5 where they can run their excursion. There is no enforcement people there to do anything so the rules are pointless till they get enforced. :shaking:

The TN FS ranger are usually at State line hassling people over non street legal rigs non stop in the 50ft from the campground to the the state line but they will not come in the park. They are their on fund raisers via fines. :shaking:

:

I agree with you and we have had this discussion with the District Ranger. Forest Service's approach instead of law enforcement is to have SFWDA volunteers put up railing and dig holes, their time could be better spent controlling erosion and keeping sediment out of the streams as this is what will ultimately get the area closed, if misuse of the area does not get it closed first.
The main issue is the man power to do enforcement. There are two are classes of employees in the Forest Service that can write tickets, Forest Service Law enforcement Officers, these are the guys with guns and in the vehicles with lights on top. Since the Clinton reorganization of Forest Service they do not work for the District Ranger but have their own chain of command with their own priorities, mainly safety issues ( speeding, DUI etc) they will enforce the other regulations when they have time. I believe there are only two assigned to the whole Nantahala NF.
The other class of Forest Service employee that can write tickets are the Compliance Officers, they work for the District Ranger but do not carry guns. They are the ones that check the campgrounds and write you a ticket if you do not pay. Todd S. is the one assigned to the OHV area six months of the year, he is on fire detail the other six months. He is only allowed to write tickets on Trail 1 as he is by himself and not armed. He also puts up signs, determines what work needs to be done and supervises the contract work.
The only way enforcement officers have to get into the back country to do enforcement is on ATV's and USFS rule require that there be at least two people when the ride ATV's. We have offered to take them in our Cruisers but they continue to find excuses why that will not work.
We must find some way to control the idiots or eventually Tellico will be closed to all.

seaflea

06-13-2007, 08:58 AM

Thanks for posting that info Roger.

on a side note: it was also great wheeling with you on lower 2 last weekend. :grinpimp:

Never Monday

06-13-2007, 12:30 PM

We must find some way to control the idiots or eventually Tellico will be closed to all.

Does the Cherokee Co. SO have any authority on the FS property? Why couldn't we volunteer to drive one of them around?
Aw hell...let's build an XJ/4Runner...etc for LEO's to use in the park. I'm thinking lights and everything..

s10er8

06-13-2007, 03:54 PM

I suggest not getting so carried away with law enforcement in Tellico, it may turn against the honest wheelers. I think letting people know would help a lot... their perception of wheeling out in the woods is it's a "free for all" a lot of people, including myself, have mostly wheeled on private land where anything goes and there are no rules. Put up a few signs or better yet be at the sign-in station shaking hands and talking to people... maybe hand out flyers with a trail map on one side and some trail reminders on the other.

I have only been to Tellico one time and am already in love with the place... let's please do what we can to keep it open.

broncomania79

06-17-2007, 09:27 AM

anyone recognize this dumb ass? if so ask him what the fawk he was thinking?

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/jamio42/100_0657.jpg

and just to make sure...

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/jamio42/100_0658.jpg

KY plate

good job. i keep my camera in my rig at all times.
i admit to using a bypass . but didnt know it was illegal. after reading all this helpful info from you guys, ill never do it again. thanks for the heads up and hard work posting up all this useful info. much appreciated. i would hate to see a great place close down because of dumbasses. thanks again. (mike)

LR Max

07-11-2007, 10:22 AM

Sorry to dig this up from the grave, but I do have a question about the Lower 2 "bypass".

Just so I understand, this is referring to the big-ass rock in the middle of the trail toward the end, with the "bypass" going to the left while the hard line to the right?

I'd rather ask the question now rather than get my junk impounded.

seaflea

07-11-2007, 10:29 AM

LR Max

07-11-2007, 10:32 AM

The "alternate route" is to the left of the big ass rock. The illegal bypass has been taken care of.

Werd. Sounds good.

I also noticed that almost all of the trees have guards around the base of the tree. Thats good. I love trees and want to keep them alive. Hell knows when I get stuck in the EXACT same spot I am gonna have to winch off the same tree again :laughing:

kirbyiv

07-11-2007, 05:43 PM

Skippie

07-16-2007, 08:22 PM

Pretty off topic, but is this the same Chris Hyde from Whitewater Express years ago?