Hello, I'm Sean McLeod, a member of SFWDA, and I was there at the work weekend on July 13-14. I am in favor of the new and old rules that have been established for Tellico. For those of you who only ride there and have no idea of what has to occur to keep it open, let me tell you a few things. SFWDA was started in 1987 by a handful of men who volunteered their time and money to build and maintain the trails at Tellico. Still today, those same few men keep on giving of themselves because they love the area and want to see it remain open. Three FS officers were present while we were working on making trail 5 accessable for work on the bridges that will take place on '03 at the earliest. The main issue at Tellico for OHV use is SILTATION. According to the FS, if Tellico and it's run-off problems were observed by the powers that be this past weekend, Tellico would be shut down to all use by the OHV community. At the drop of a hat Tellico could be shut down. For some of you that said lets pack up and go to Windrock(other than the ones I know on this board), you can take your junk and ride there all you want. Chances are you all are the ones that don't show up at work days and take Tellico for granted. Work at Tellico does not just misteriously happen. There must be a joint effort from the members of SFWDA to keep the area alive. I am glad to see that ATV are banned on 2 and 9. They have no business being there anyway. The FS has just outfitted an officer with a new ATV to help monitor those two trails BTW! Rail buggies do most of the damage by rutting out the trails because they are rear wheel drive only and have to use an excessive amount of throttle to get over the obstacles. Camping: pick up your damn trash!:mad3: Respect the beautiful area that's around you and respect the others that are with you and all of those that will follow. If you care about our hobby and are concerned about the well-being of riding in the South, then get involved by joining SFWDA or one of the many daughter clubs of Southern. Respect the simple rules and be considerate when using the area because Windrock may become our only area to locally. If you are so in love with Windrock, why can't you feel the same way about Tellico? Coal Creek Mining is letting us use their land and the same attention needs to be given to the rules and regulations over there as well. That my $.02
very well said Sean, I didn't realize this weekend was gonna be a work weekend (I remember you telling me you going down there). Keep me updated on when you find out when the next workday will be.
-Ed
I was up there during the 4th of july and I noticed alot of work being done to trail 5. I was actually disapointed that some of the obstacles had been leveled out on 5. I asked around and no one was able to tell me why. I was guessing to build a bridge at the creek crossing. Which is great. Would you please email me in the future in reference to any work days they have in tellico I would love to help out and I have plenty of fellow wheelers that would love to help out also. I love it there and I want tellico to be around until im gone. Thanks for the heads up and you all keep up the good work. tacodrvr@aol.com
Well said Sean, I was the heavy set guy there helping this weekend with the white F-250 Crew Cab. I couldn't stay for Sunday, Sorry . I agree with everything you said. I ride at Tellico and Windrock and want to see them both in use for years to come. I try my best to promote SFWDA and helping with trail maintence. Part of the problem I see is letting people know when there is going to be a work day. I found out mid week last week. I'm the Vice President of Southern Jeeps and I've been really pushing SFWDA's goals. I hope that I can do some good. It really bothers me when I see the abuse that some people do there. Like the guy you told me about that was pulling the stakes up on Lower 2. That kind of crap makes it bad for all. The only rule I don't like is the one closing it from Jan 1 thru Mar 15. Everything else is reasonable.
See ya there next time.
Well said Sean! I wish I lived closer to Tellico, or else I would volunteer my time there. Currently I do volunteer at work weekends at Uwharrie NF to maintain those trails. By far, no where close as exciting as Tellico, but it's our local wheelin' spot.
I hope all this catches the eyes and minds of those that visit this board that are from the south. Amen to all who are for getting involved and becoming affiliated with Southern. Thanks DRM for putting up Southern's link. I really think www.sfwda.org needs a board like you have established on MTTR's board. That would tremendously aid in communication on important issues and events. More times than none, not too many folks are required for WORK days. From what I've heard and observed as of late is that there is a crap load of trash along the trail system. Southern and Trout Unlimited have a clean up day once a year and that does not cover the trail system. For those of you that are interested, lets propose to Bob and the board of directors of Southern a weekend that will be devoted to cleaning the trail sides. In March I saw many patches of trash along the top of 2 and on Schoolbus. The folks who hit Slickrock this past weekend said it looks like crap because trash is everywhere and that all of the fence posts have been knocked over. What a shame. To get involved check out www.sfwda.org and tennessee4x4.com
10-4 on that Brian. At the next Southern meeting or the Dixie Run, if you see Gunnar Byrd, Brad Headrick, Griff Shirley, or any others that devote as much time and money as they do, give them a big pat on the back. They are the backbone that supports Tellico. I have not been in Southern for long but I plan on being around for the duration and am looking forward to doing what it takes to keep it open. I feel very lucky to work with those guys and am glad they do what they do. It takes a true love for the area to keep on keepin' on like they have been for years.
10-4 on that Brian. At the next Southern meeting or the Dixie Run, if you see Gunnar Byrd, Brad Headrick, Griff Shirley, or any others that devote as much time and money as they do, give them a big pat on the back. They are the backbone that supports Tellico. I have not been in Southern for long but I plan on being around for the duration and am looking forward to doing what it takes to keep it open. I feel very lucky to work with those guys and am glad they do what they do. It takes a true love for the area to keep on keepin' on like they have been for years.
Yeah - they have all been a huge help. I feel bad that I've only been to 2 or 3 work days when these guys have been to them all.
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