See http://www.sfwda.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=171

To summarize, the EA will be out (released to the public) on Friday. Southern has been asked to attend a meeting where they (the FS) will summarize their findings and their alternatives. We will be attending.

To combat their science, SFWDA has been working behind the scenes and paid for our own analysis and has developed our own alternatives. THIS IS WHAT YOUR RESCUE TELLICO MONEY IS PAYING FOR.

Our study is meant to give us good solid standing for our comments to the EA. It is also a short and long term maintenence plan for the area. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE USFS HAS FAILED TO DO FOR 10 YEARS. We decided that if we are going to keep these trails open, we were going to have to do their jobs and take matters into our own hands.

We will be posting our study up on Southern's website (www.sfwda.org) as soon as we can too.

So it's time folks. Get ready...we'll report back as soon as we know anything.

We owe a big THANK YOU to the efforts of SFWDA during this ongoing battle for Tellico.

Get ready and spread the word!

So is the meeting Friday open to the public if we RSVP?

Great!! Now the cat is out of the bag. As I have stated to many of you, SFWDA was not sitting on their hands. This is fight of fights to keep Tellico OHV open. We need everyone to band together to show that we will not just take it. Get your pens and paper ready, I mean literally. Lets flood them with actual snail mail, that they will have to actually read and file away. The impact will be much greater to feel the weight of the off road community in their hands. :mr-t:

Excellent. I am hoping to see some good news. Danny, you have our support.

So is the meeting Friday open to the public if we RSVP?

No, I don't think that is the case. I think that it is invitation only.

The Forest Service personnel in Asheville routinely attend Trout Unlimited meetings. I wonder when they will be able to attend meetings of the other stakeholders? This might be a good question to pose on Friday. In a polite way, of course.

Two more days!!! Everybody stay on this. We need a huge response!!!!!

Can anyone call in on the confrence line?

Can anyone call in on the confrence line?

I think not. And honestly, I do not think that they intended on this information being public. This is a meeting for a small group of stakeholders. Think of it like a breifing. Once we have the info and the documents, you will have it.

I have sat back idle for the last while seeing what will happen but it looks like there will be some action soon. I am looking forward to hearing the results good or bad. It is rediculus what the USFS has done with the whole situation but now that it's time to take serious action, I'm ready. Please make sure to post where to sent the response letters when the time comes.

So just to be clear, is this the info that will tell us the future of tellico?

So just to be clear, is this the info that will tell us the future of tellico?

It is the Forest Service's final "proposal", which will include their preferred actions. Our job is to review the proposal and recommend changes as necessary. We only have 30 days for our voices to be heard and it's important that we have a strong showing in letters and emails.

subscribed

subscribed

x2

I have been losing sleep all week over this week and can't wait to hear what the FS wants in their so called, preferred plan. They may be under funded, but they really should use the positive statistics to justify their jobs, instead of trying to get less money by attempting to close the most famous "Natural" Off Road park on the East Coast. Another huge factor, that has been proven in the UT economic study is that YOU guys and gals are extremely (over$8,500,000 annually) important to the local community. While the other user groups (also important) only bring in a little over $1,500,000 annually(mostly over in TN).
I will have paper, pens and envelopes at the Spring Fling. If you don't want to hand write, please type it out and bring it with you. I will make sure they get into the mail box. I really want to flood them with paper. The FS really needs to "feel" the weight of the off road community.

I specifically wrote in my letters to the FS last time that I wanted a detailed list/explanation of what exactly was too much in the way of funding for maintenance and repair. If you remember in the last proposal they just said that they couldn't repair it because it costs too much. We'll see...

I'm sweating over here! Is it Friday yet?

x 2 on that!! I am getting my wife to write a letter as well, maybe even the kids!:D But we really need to show who we are with letters this time. Let's see what happens. Fingers crossed!!

I'm sweating over here! Is it Friday yet?

Yep, lets hear some good news!

When can we hope to find updates on this today and where?

anxiously waiting...

http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/tusquitee/tellico/tellico.htm

Lots of reading for this weekend.

This is the letter I got:


Dear Interested Party:
The USDA Forest Service is seeking comments on two proposals regarding management of the Upper Tellico Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) System:

1. An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the long-term management of the Upper Tellico OHV System. You may download a copy of the EA and related graphics at http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/tellico. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the EA, please e-mail your request to: comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us or call (828) 257-4817, and one will be mailed to you. For questions concerning the project or the EA contact Candace Wyman, Project Coordinator, at 828-257-4816.

2. A temporary closure of the Upper Tellico OHV System for resource protection, effective April 1, 2009. This closure would prohibit possession or use of a motorized vehicle on a road or trail within the Upper Tellico OHV System, with the exception of highway-legal vehicles on 420-1 and certain other exceptions described in the closure order until a final project decision is implemented.The Upper Tellico OHV System is located on Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, Cherokee County, NC. In June 2008, we publicized a proposal for long-term management of the System, designed to greatly reduce the amount of soil leaving the System and entering the Tellico River and its tributaries, while still providing an OHV trail system. This proposal is referred to as the “proposed action” or Alternative B and is described in detail in Chapter 1 of the EA. We received around 1,500 public comments on the proposed action. Alternatives to the proposed action were developed in response to the comments and environmental issues identified by the Agency. A wide range of comments was received, so six alternatives are analyzed in the EA, identified as Alternatives A through F. We would now like your review and comment on the alternatives and analysis before making a final decision on long-term management of the System.

The following is a brief description of the alternatives analyzed in detail in the EA. Please refer to the EA, Chapters 2 and 3, for more information about each alternative.

• Alternative A is the “no action” alternative that reflects the existing trail system with 2007 management and funding levels.
• Alternative B is the “proposed action” that was released in June 2008 for public comment. It was developed to address the problems initially identified in trail condition surveys conducted in 2007-2008.
• Alternative C closes the OHV System, but maintains over 10 miles of existing Forest system roads in the area, open year-round or seasonally, to provide for public highway-legal vehicle access for hunting, fishing and other recreation uses. It was developed in response to public concerns that the proposed action (Alternative B) did not go far enough in eliminating trails on sensitive soils and trails near water.
• Alternative D was developed in response to public concerns that the OHV Trail System should meet current trail density and challenge level standards, and not require a Forest Plan amendment.
• Alternative E was developed in response to public concerns that the proposed action (Alternative B) would eliminate too many high challenge OHV experiences.
• Alternative F was developed in response to public concerns that the proposed action (Alternative B) would eliminate too many OHV trail miles.

The environmental concerns that initiated the proposed management changes are described in the EA, as are the projected direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects of each of these Alternatives.

The EA shows that the Upper Tellico OHV System has extensive damage and contributes unacceptable levels of sediment into the Tellico River and its tributaries. Sediment is leaving the OHV System from more than 2,000 locations along the trails. The Agency is in violation of North Carolina state water quality standards because of the conditions on Upper Tellico OHV System. Since the Upper Tellico River watershed is located in an area of steep terrain, highly erosive soils, and high rainfall, maintaining an OHV trail system without causing significant environmental damage is extremely difficult.

While I understand how important the Upper Tellico OHV System is to OHV users, the impacts to water quality are so significant that I cannot recommend keeping the System open at this time. After careful consideration of the environmental effects of the alternatives as presented in the EA, my preferred alternative is Alternative C, which closes the OHV System. Alternative C would maintain over 10 miles of existing Forest system roads (currently also OHV trails), open year-round or seasonally, to provide public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation uses. Trail 1 (FS Road 420-1) would be paved and kept open as a through route for highway-legal vehicles.

I want to emphasize that a final decision has not yet been made. This public review period is an opportunity for you to give us constructive feedback. I encourage you to review the environmental assessment and provide us with any information that you think we have not considered adequately. Your comments need to be as specific as possible and you must provide the following information: 1) Your name and address; 2) Title of the project; 3) Specific substantive comments on the proposed action, along with supporting reasons that I should consider in reaching a decision; and 4) Your signature or other means of identification verification. For organizations, a signature or other means of identification verification must be provided for the individual authorized to represent your organization.

Comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days beginning the day after publication of this notice in The Asheville Citizen-Times. Comments may be mailed electronically, in a common digital format, to: comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-tusquitee@fs.fed.us; or by regular mail to: National Forests in North Carolina, Attn: Candace Wyman, 160 A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801, or faxed to 828-257-4263. Hand delivered comments must be received within our normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thank you for your continued interest in management of the National Forests in North Carolina and the Tusquitee Ranger District.

Sincerely,



MARISUE HILLIARD
Forest Supervisor

Bullshit!

We are dumbfounded at this letter (EA) proposed alternative.
EVeryone is studying the paperwork/documents to see just WTF happened.
Del

From the FS supervisor:
While I understand how important the Upper Tellico OHV System is to OHV users, the impactsto water quality are so significant that I cannot recommend keeping the System open at this time.After careful consideration of the environmental effects of the alternatives as presented in theEA, my preferred alternative is Alternative C, which closes the OHV System. Alternative Cwould maintain over 10 miles of existing Forest system roads (currently also OHV trails), openyear-round or seasonally, to provide public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation uses.Trail 1 (FS Road 420-1) would be paved and kept open as a through route for highway-legal
vehicles.

I want to emphasize that a final decision has not yet been made. This public review period is anopportunity for you to give us constructive feedback. I encourage you to review the environmental assessment and provide us with any information that you think we have not considered adequately. Your comments need to be as specific as possible and you must provide the following information: 1) Your name and address; 2) Title of the project; 3) Specific substantive comments on the proposed action, along with supporting reasons that I should consider in reaching a decision; and 4) Your signature or other means of identification verification. For organizations, a signature or other means of identification verification must be provided for the individual authorized to represent your organization.

Comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days beginning the day after publication ofthis notice in The Asheville Citizen-Times. Comments may be mailed electronically, in acommon digital format, to: comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-tusquitee@fs.fed.us; or by regular mail to: National Forests in North Carolina, Attn: Candace Wyman, 160 A Zillicoa

That's a bit of bad info. b/c we can see the FS' stance on the issue is to close the whole system which isn't altogether suprising. Alternative E looks like it might work for us without looking too closely at the map provided.

So I guess they are closing it all!!!!! :mad3::barf::mad3::barf:

Is this right??

No, Marisue recommends total closure. We have 30 days to make comments and prove our case.

I started a new thread...but here is what it says...

Today the SFWDA met with the USFS and heard a presentation on what will be in their Environmental Assessment. While they have 6 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: http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/tusquitee/tellico/temporary_closure.pdf. 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 (http://www.sfwda.org/trails/tellico/study09/)) and that you download the FS’ EA which is posted here (Upper Tellico OHV Area (http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/tusquitee/tellico/tellico.htm) ) 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 it 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 (http://www.sfwda.org/trails/tellico/donate.html)

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 U4WDA 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

We have her #. Should we start calling????

We have her #. Should we start calling????

LETTERS!!! We need substantive letters!!!! Don't call and bitch, that won't do a damn bit of good. Write her a letter, make it good. Tell her how much money you were going to spend to go to Tellico in this horrible economic time. Whatever, but make it constructive and ON PAPER!!!!!

You got it. I will start today!!

Dear Interested Party:

The USDA Forest Service is seeking comments on two proposals regarding management of the Upper Tellico Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) System:

1. An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the long-term management of the Upper Tellico OHV System. You may download a copy of the EA and related graphics at http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/tellico. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the EA, please e-mail your request to: comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us or call (828) 257-4817, and one will be mailed to you. For questions concerning the project or the EA contact Candace Wyman, Project Coordinator, at 828-257-4816.
2. A temporary closure of the Upper Tellico OHV System for resource protection, effective April 1, 2009. This closure would prohibit possession or use of a motorized vehicle on a road or trail within the Upper Tellico OHV System, with the exception of highway-legal vehicles on 420-1 and certain other exceptions described in the closure order until a final project decision is implemented.
The Upper Tellico OHV System is located on Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, Cherokee County, NC. In June 2008, we publicized a proposal for long-term management of the System, designed to greatly reduce the amount of soil leaving the System and entering the Tellico River and its tributaries, while still providing an OHV trail system. This proposal is referred to as the “proposed action” or Alternative B and is described in detail in Chapter 1 of the EA. We received around 1,500 public comments on the proposed action. Alternatives to the proposed action were developed in response to the comments and environmental issues identified by the Agency. A wide range of comments was received, so six alternatives are analyzed in the EA, identified as Alternatives A through F. We would now like your review and comment on the alternatives and analysis before making a final decision on long-term management of the System.

The following is a brief description of the alternatives analyzed in detail in the EA. Please refer to the EA, Chapters 2 and 3, for more information about each alternative.

· Alternative A is the “no action” alternative that reflects the existing trail system with 2007 management and funding levels.
· Alternative B is the “proposed action” that was released in June 2008 for public comment. It was developed to address the problems initially identified in trail condition surveys conducted in 2007-2008.
· Alternative C closes the OHV System, but maintains over 10 miles of existing Forest system roads in the area, open year-round or seasonally, to provide for public highway-legal vehicle access for hunting, fishing and other recreation uses. It was developed in response to public concerns that the proposed action (Alternative B) did not go far enough in eliminating trails on sensitive soils and trails near water.
· Alternative D was developed in response to public concerns that the OHV Trail System should meet current trail density and challenge level standards, and not require a Forest Plan amendment.
· Alternative E was developed in response to public concerns that the proposed action (Alternative B) would eliminate too many high challenge OHV experiences.
· Alternative F was developed in response to public concerns that the proposed action (Alternative B) would eliminate too many OHV trail miles.

The environmental concerns that initiated the proposed management changes are described in the EA, as are the projected direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects of each of these Alternatives.

The EA shows that the Upper Tellico OHV System has extensive damage and contributes unacceptable levels of sediment into the Tellico River and its tributaries. Sediment is leaving the OHV System from more than 2,000 locations along the trails. The Agency is in violation of North Carolina state water quality standards because of the conditions on Upper Tellico OHV System. Since the Upper Tellico River watershed is located in an area of steep terrain, highly erosive soils, and high rainfall, maintaining an OHV trail system without causing significant environmental damage is extremely difficult.

While I understand how important the Upper Tellico OHV System is to OHV users, the impacts to water quality are so significant that I cannot recommend keeping the System open at this time. After careful consideration of the environmental effects of the alternatives as presented in the EA, my preferred alternative is Alternative C, which closes the OHV System. Alternative C would maintain over 10 miles of existing Forest system roads (currently also OHV trails), open year-round or seasonally, to provide public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation uses. Trail 1 (FS Road 420-1) would be paved and kept open as a through route for highway-legal vehicles.

I want to emphasize that a final decision has not yet been made. This public review period is an opportunity for you to give us constructive feedback. I encourage you to review the environmental assessment and provide us with any information that you think we have not considered adequately. Your comments need to be as specific as possible and you must provide the following information: 1) Your name and address; 2) Title of the project; 3) Specific substantive comments on the proposed action, along with supporting reasons that I should consider in reaching a decision; and 4) Your signature or other means of identification verification. For organizations, a signature or other means of identification verification must be provided for the individual authorized to represent your organization.

Comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days beginning the day after publication of this notice in The Asheville Citizen-Times. Comments may be mailed electronically, in a common digital format, to: comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-tusquitee@fs.fed.us; or by regular mail to: National Forests in North Carolina, Attn: Candace Wyman, 160 A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801, or faxed to 828-257-4263. Hand delivered comments must be received within our normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thank you for your continued interest in management of the National Forests in North Carolina and the Tusquitee Ranger District.

The link to the EA DOES NOT WORK!!

I called Candace Wyman and told her that it was broken and to get it fixed. NOW!!! :mad3:

I'm so pissed I don't know where to begin.

edit: Found it.

http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/tusquitee/tellico/tellico.htm

The link I sent out works...

http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/tusquitee/tellico/tellico.htm

Complete BS! I never would have thought they would close it. :mad3::mad3:

If you look at the pictures documentation on the FS website, it is pretty clear that their intent is to leave nothing but graded trails without a rock or obstacle left on them.

It is such a shame, even in a "compromise" solution other than "C" we will lose Tellico as we know it.

The places that they site as needing improvement are the ones we look forward to driving on.

This is a real shame no matter what is decided.

If this sticks the Ga FS needs to add to the Beasley trail system and pick up some revenue for Blairsville.

And if we cant us FS lands I say no more fishing in the river!

Well guys this is how the government treats us all. The perception of freedom, liberty and justice for all has gone down the crapper. The people we have entrusted to make fair decisions have done nothing more than lined their buddies pockets and created opportunities for their contributers. As a campground it is down hill from here. We still want to fight for the ultimate cause. This situation happening right here in Tellico is only going to spread like cancer across the nation. These enviro-nazi's are going to push what they believe is right for us right down our throats until we have to pay tax on the air we exhale. It is time to throw out political correctness and start voicing what you really want to say. Our country was built on freedom from oppression and overbearing government control. The very things our ancestors fled from we are living in right now.

SWFDA and I still want to put on the Spring Fling Rescue Tellico Fund Raiser. I believe the leaving "Tellico Closed until a final decision" is made is just to make everyone go away and loose interest. They know that this money will ultimately be used against them. If wheeling anywhere is your passion, the line has been draw in the sand at Tellico OHV. We must treat this as our last stand. If all SELC has to do is make a threat and a major designation shuts down, just think how easy it is going to be.

Come on out, lets have a good time and raise some money for SFWDA. Hell, this may be the last time I get to see everyone unless you want to go fishing. Me personally, I think I will dedicate the rest of my time here fishing for the Brookies and throwing them on the bank to rot!:mad3:

:mad3: What a skewed view of the situation FS has generated. I have a lot of questions for whoever is knowledgeable/in charge...

What type of substantive comments are best to put in my letter? Should I study both their assessment and the SFWDA documents and challenge their individual findings or be more general?

Are we going to get the letter generator going for this, or are hardcopy letters best?

Should we propose comprehensive solutions in our letters? Such as suggesting which trails to leave open and how to fund any repair projects that might serve as a compromise in their eyes?

What's the likelihood of getting of getting stimulus dollars for repairs (like the ones proposed in the SFWDA package)? IIRC, there was a ~25 million figure included in the stimulus bill for ORV area maintenance and repair.

Now I hope this doesn't come off as an immature question but what would be the legal reprocussian to us going beyond the barriers and using our public land anyway? Not to say that I would do it but it seems like the USFS has made their decision and there is ne need to go down without a fight. What would happen if the barriers were removed by an unnamed group of individuals and the trails were available for use by MANY?

You would go to jail. Period.

I have a better idea... how bout a few hundred of us show up and just stand there, and do not let the fishermen in.

Support E mail sent.

I had 0, zero, idea about this was coming until today. A shame. I guess time makes us complacent. I wish I had known.

i'm cool with towing down to the tennessee trailhead and completely filling the road and all parking spots with rigs/trailers if you guys wanna protest? Imagine if we could fill all those parking spaces/campgrounds for 1 weekend....

Will be writing a letter and posting this on our local board.:mad3:

Is there a forum where the Trout enviro junkies talk about trips to Tellico? I think we should fill up the road with vehicles whenever they try to go out there and fish. I can't explain how I feel about the closure of Tellico forever:mad3:

convert the energy from your anger into energy to get people involved and comments made..... :bounce:

This is a little bit of a ramble but I have reason. I didn't start riding at Tellico until last year. I went the first time in October. From October until Dec. 31st I went 18 times. That is 180 bucks in three months. Often I saw many of the same folks up there. I am willing to spend more cash this year even in economic hardships.

In 1973 my grandfather was bit with the wheeling bug. He bought a 1970 ford bronco that he has taken on every trail in the south up until 1999. He was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease. In 2007 they realized it was Parkinsons disease and not Lou Gehrigs. This whole time he has barely been able to ride in a car to the hospital let alone drive his rig. In 04 he gave me his bronco to restore. Two years and about 24,000 bucks later it looks like it did the day he brought it home.

I have been wheeling a little budget YJ on 33's, nothing extreme or tall. He thinks he can get in the passenger seat and ever since Christmas has been dying to take a trip to Tellico again. It will be hard on his body but he is tough enough to ride through the easy trails. He has become a nice little old man now and all he wants is a nice day through Tellico. These people have no clue how much this is going to crush this mans small dream that could easily be accomplished if they would just allow us to still enjoy it. :shaking:

I don't mean to bring a sob story or anything but I am sure every person has some type of emotional connection to this place somehow. I guess USFS has no feelings anymore nor does all the others attempting to shut one thing down and not another. IF we can't wheel we should not be allowed to fish.

File a suit under the Americans With Disabilities law

Wonder what the effects of silting/ sediment are from one good rainstorm

Wonder what the effects of silting/ sediment are from one good rainstorm

Dunno, but I wonder how much worse is it than what would normally be there in a rainstorm? I mean it is the mountains.

Wonder what the effects of silting/ sediment are from one good rainstorm

Per the EA: For NC Wild Trout Waters, the max turbidity level is 10 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). During a heavy rain on March 4, 2008 this level was exceeded in "virtually all" surveyed streams. They don't specify how many were over or under. They just chose to editorialize.


Key note: That was during the last month of the winter closure. No OHV use since Dec 31, 07. Erosion is definitely natural.

Per the EA: For NC Wild Trout Waters, the max turbidity level is 10 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). During a heavy rain on March 4, 2008 this level was exceeded in "virtually all" surveyed streams. They don't specify how many were over or under. They just chose to editorialize.


Key note: That was during the last month of the winter closure. No OHV use since Dec 31, 07. Erosion is definitely natural.

Did they measure in any areas nearby with the same slope and no trails? I bet it's about the same. What would they do then, condemn the mountains?

You know all of this might be easier to take if there were native trout in the river but they are raised in the ponds and released for the Orvis clothed masses to catch.

If you ask me some asshole lawyer didn't want his fishing interupted by us rednecks in our loud trucks driving to the store to get coffee.

F'in SELC pricks in their Mercedes that think they are in the west fishing steelhead.

What were they using to catch them corn?

You know all of this might be easier to take if there were native trout in the river but they are raised in the ponds and released for the Orvis clothed masses to catch.


There is native Trout... but the fish that get stocked are taking over the streams and pushing the native trout out. At least thats what I read on it.

Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service, summed up the mission of the Forest Service— "to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run."

http://www.fs.fed.us/aboutus/

I think the Forest Service has failed and needs to be fired.

I think the Forest Service has failed and needs to be fired.

Their hands were tied long ago... Their definatly needs to be some changes made.

This situation happening right here in Tellico is only going to spread like cancer across the nation. These enviro-nazi's are going to push what they believe is right for us right down our throats until we have to pay tax on the air we exhale. It is time to throw out political correctness and start voicing what you really want to say. Our country was built on freedom from oppression and overbearing government control. The very things our ancestors fled from we are living in right now.
:mad3:

Never thought I'd see this day. :mad3:

Tellico was where I first got a taste of Serious 4-wheeling (Dixie Run 1998) and where I Last wheeled with one of my dearest friends in 2006.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/whitfimb/Tellico/6170622.jpg

My friend (pictured above), 7th Army Special Forces Master Sgt. Art Lilley aka NC_Zuk was killed in Afghanistan June of 2007 fighting to protect our freedom. I feel part of this this freedom that he died protecting is now being torn from us. Art like many others, Art worked day in and day out fighting for our country, all while dreaming of that next big Tellico Trip with his wife / kids.

What Crawfords Campground wrote is a painful statement of the obvious. Our country was built on freedom from oppression and overbearing government control. The very things our ancestors fled from we are living in right now.

We are as passionate about 4-wheeling and preserving / protecting the trails as any other group is about supporting their favorite recreational past time. Why are we being forced / strong armed by the government we support to unconditionally give up access to the lands we enjoy and work so hard to save. No one here blindly believes that Tellico was without it's faults. We all saw first hand the challenges that the forest service faced and the need for better management / funding. No one here is afraid of hard work (planning / labor / $$$) to save our trails. Why would the government / forest service single us out and recomend to cut us off / abandon us? We demand equal representation!

Wow....you really need to put this in a hand written letter . I read this and the story about the one about the guys grandpa and realized that we need to make sure we ALL write some letters . If you have never took the time to write or you have written more than a few times , NOW is the time to make your letter count . Don't look back and wish you would have done something when you had the chance .

Something everyone needs to do, is order a paper copy of the EA. I think it is important that the FS provide all concerned stake holders with a complete copy of the EA so we can accurately complete a response. This thing is thick and you really need a copy. Don't let them try to talk you out of it, I understand that this will be a HUGE expense and TIME CONSUMING effort on the FS part, many trees will parish, but we deserve this consideration. I highly suggest sending an OFFICIAL e-mail request first and then a follow up phone call. This will assure that Candace gets your request and you get what you need.

1. An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the long-term management of the Upper Tellico OHV System. You may download a copy of the EA and related graphics at http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/tellico. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the EA, please e-mail your request to: comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us or call (828) 257-4817, and one will be mailed to you. For questions concerning the project or the EA contact Candace Wyman, Project Coordinator, at 828-257-4816.

The link to the FS EA does not appear to be working. Is anyone else having problems?

The link to the FS EA does not appear to be working. Is anyone else having problems?

Works for me. Do you have the latest version of Adobe? Maybe an update to Adobe would help, but it is a huge document so it may take a bit to fully open.

Something everyone needs to do, is order a paper copy of the EA. I think it is important that the FS provide all concerned stake holders with a complete copy of the EA so we can accurately complete a response. This thing is thick and you really need a copy. Don't let them try to talk you out of it, I understand that this will be a HUGE expense and TIME CONSUMING effort on the FS part, many trees will parish, but we deserve this consideration. I highly suggest sending an OFFICIAL e-mail request first and then a follow up phone call. This will assure that Candace gets your request and you get what you need.

1. An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the long-term management of the Upper Tellico OHV System. You may download a copy of the EA and related graphics at http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/tellico. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the EA, please e-mail your request to: comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us or call (828) 257-4817, and one will be mailed to you. For questions concerning the project or the EA contact Candace Wyman, Project Coordinator, at 828-257-4816.

I received my copy in the mail yesterday. It was $6 just in postage! Holy crap is this thing a gaint waste of money!

i just sent an email... no one answered the phone.