Latest News?

[craigellis77]

What's the latest news from the goings on regarding Tellico? I haven't read anything new in a while...I know the FS must do something by the end of the year, so is there anything else we can do in the meantime?

[k9crazy]

Here's the update....

The FS is working quietly looking at alternatives and doing the Environmental Assessment that will analyze their preferred action and alternatives. Until that comes out, there isn't much we can do except COME TO TELLICO AND WHEEL.

Honestly, it's like the old saying "use it or lose it." That's where we are. Until they get to the next step and release the EA for comment, we need to show them that we WANT Tellico open.

Once the EA is out, then we'll organize comments and will need EVERYONE to step up and comment. Not form letters, but real substantive comments.

Also, the lawsuit is still percolating. The US has time to respond and we are waiting to hear. The UFWDA and BRC Lawyers are all over it.

The thing to keep in mind is that these things take time. A lot of it. So we do need to be patient, keep the faith, keep raising money, and go to TELLICO!!!

Oh, and so y'all know, SFWDA is pretty quiet on the boards, but that doesn't mean we aren't working. We are looking at proposing alternatives and are getting ready to need a slug of money to do some work on them.

That's what I know...

[Yotacrazy]

Good info, thanks for what you're doing.

[yellowxj]

If there were 2500 a month going to Tellico before, as the SELC/TU claim but the FS cannot substantiate, then I know there are still 1500 people a month riding in Tellico. I'll can vouch for that to the FS. It is still a super popular destination.

I wonder, if the proposed alternatives are approved, if we can get some of the companies who we support with our hobby to provide some donations...much as BFG does with their program donating money to trails all over...

[Crawfords Campground]

I got this e-mail yesterday!

Hello NRA Members and fellow supporters of access to public lands,

Wilderness bills are popping up everywhere as the political climate is ripe for them and we need to let our elected officials know we strongly oppose this trend. We can achieve this in both the voting booth and through letter writing, which brings us to the point of this alert.

Senator Boxer and Representative McKeon introduced the Eastern Sierra and San Gabriel
Wild Heritage Act, H.R. 6156 in the House and S. 3069 in the Senate last May.
It is an over the top bill that contains huge tracts of inappropriate wilderness, and Senator Feinstein is already working with wilderness groups drafting another one in Southern Inyo County.

Early wilderness legislation designated truly remote wild lands, but today's wilderness bills contain mine sites and roads that are merely cherry stemmed in if not closed entirely. Wilderness advocates shaky arguments supporting designation are easily countered, making it readily apparent that their true agenda is simply closing Americans out of their public lands.
They simply continue repeating their talking points, knowing that if enough letters are sent, lazy politicians wanting votes will buy into it.
We need to let our elected officials know we won't tolerate this rampant land grabbing that is robbing us of our rights.

I want to appeal to all NRA members receiving this to contact the NRA about getting involved in opposing this and future wilderness bills. These bills will impact hunters as much as any forest user group and having the NRA take a strong position is vital. Call or mail the NRA at:

800-392-8683 - Grassroots Hotline
When calling request "option 4" to speak with a live person and share your comments regarding how you would like the NRA to use its considerable combined voice to help oppose bad wilderness

NRA-ILA
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

PLEASE SUBMIT COMMENTS AND PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO ANY FRIENDS OR ASSOCIATES
THAT SUPPORT PUBLIC ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS.

FURTHER DETAILS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOXER/McKEON WILDERNESS BILL:

Maps associated with the bill are at:

http://mckeon.house.gov/eastern_sierra_maps.aspx

The original text of the bill as introduced on May 22. 2008 can be found at
the following website but it hasn't been updated to reflect subsequent
amendments shown on the maps.

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...=f:h6156ih.txt

To all the signers of the petition to establish a wilderness alternative:
AAPL has been gearing up for an assault on the rampant legislation of wilderness through the alternative designation that was the subject of the petition you so graciously signed. In conjunction with the Blue Ribbon Coalition, AAPL has begun to draft legislation to create a Semi-Primitive Backcountry Roaded Designation that will carry equal weight to wilderness, insuring reasonable access to all recreationalists on select lands not yet wilderness.

We are busy gathering more grassroots support for this effort and look forward to working with you all as we bring this effort to fruition.
Meanwhile, VOTE in candidates that support conservative values and stay tuned for more Land Use Action Alerts.


Thank you for stepping up,

Greg Weirick
President-Advocates for Access to Public Lands
www.access-advocates.org
You are subscribed to the Advocates for Access to Public Lands mailing list.

To unsubscribe click here: http://www.spaceweather2.com/u?

[craigellis77]

Thanks for the update Heather. That's exactly what I was looking for. Kudos to Southern, United, and the BRC for what you guys do.

Maybe I missed this sometime along through this discourse, but does the FS use in-house people to create the EA? If it's a third party, then I think we could have a conflict of interest.

I'll be waiting to send my substantive comments when the time comes.

[Crawfords Campground]

Everyone can support SFWDA by registering for Dixie Run 2008. This is a large fundraiser...show up and show your support for the fight. The Forest Service will more than likely drop the bomb like last year just before Christmas. My kids got to feel that decision all this year, thanks TU!

[McCracken]

Presidents Corner
By Gary Parsons

The Upper Tellico OHV Area is NOT Closed!

There seems to be a perception that is spreading throughout the four wheel drive recreation community that the Upper Tellico OHV Area is closed. That perception is not correct. Currently the only trails closed are Lower 2, Trail 7, Trail 9 and a portion of Trail 8 with the remainder of the trails being open. There is a winter seasonal closure but this only affects the winter months.

Proposed actions by the Forest Service published in the scoping letter (which SFWDA is countering) would affect more trails but these are as stated “proposed actions” that are not in effect. This is not to say that we can rest on our laurels however. The risk is still there and we must continue with the Rescue Tellico efforts and maintain our stance for what we believe in. I have stated before and will state again that as an association our commitment to this effort is unwavering but it takes all of us to make it happen. Southern Four Wheel Drive Association, United Four Wheel Drive Associations, and Blue Ribbon Coalition are united in this effort but once again it takes all of us.

Dixie Run registration is on the SFWDA web site (www.sfwda.org). The event is the premier four wheel drive event east of the Mississippi and if you are not aware is held in the Upper Tellico Area. It is great time for everyone and helps support the Southern Four Drive Association efforts with the public lands we support. If you have not attended the Dixie Run and have been on the fence about coming, please come check it out. I think you will have a good time. If you planning to attend, we will see you there and thank you in advance for putting this event into your busy calendar. As I wrote in a previous Presidents Corner, it truly is the “Dixie Run Experience”.

In closing: The UPPER TELLICO AREA IS NOT CLOSED! Only the trails mentioned at the beginning of this article are closed. Go ride, support and enjoy this beautiful area. Also, we ask that you help us pass this message along.

See you there,
Gary

RESCUE TELLICO!

[Crawfords Campground]

I stopped by the Rangers office this morning and tried to get some information as to when the proposals will come out for comment. I was told that it would be Mid January because of the administration change in Washington. They also stated that the head honcho at the top of the Forest Service would also be out of a job. This basically means that the new folks will have to see everything all over again and decide if the proposals fit their plans as to the direction they want to go. Lets see the "CHANGE" that the Obama Administration will want to bring. Wonder what he thinks of the Off Road Community?

[k9crazy]

Danny, we've heard the same thing. January. I don't think this is very surprising given the changes in Washington and the fact that the FS can't prepare an EA in 30 days. Not judging, not hating, just stating fact. The red tape just doesn't clear that fast.

[4-lo]

Dont they have to make the decision within one year of the original proposal?

Do/should the trails automatically open if they dont?

1. A Forest Supervisor’s Order prohibiting motorized vehicles on Lower Trail # 2, Trail # 7, and Trail # 9, duration of order not to exceed one year or until a reasonable plan is in place to prevent adverse impacts to the aquatic resource.

[BadAssXJ]

Originally Posted by 4-lo

Dont they have to make the decision within one year of the original proposal?

Do/should the trails automatically open if they dont?

Good point, I am curious about this as well.

[yjwith60s]

Its a funny thing, tu can cry and trails close bam! But I bet it will be a cold day in hell before anything would be done to open them after a year even if that is the law. Hell when s4wd filed the suit they should have been able to see a judge to get them back open until a decision is made.I am pissed I love the place and still go but not as much because lower 2 was it for me, I loved it. Then to top it all off for me the dude from tu posting in one of the other threads had some snotty comments that pissed me, maybee all wont percive them as snotty but I did . what the fuck to we always get pissed off and pissed on? Im gonna go shoot trap in the dark fuck it.

[Crawfords Campground]

Seems like they would have to open the entire system up, unless the OR in the statement means indefinite until they get their shit together. I didn't understand the closure to begin with as we have never seen much business throughout the winter months. Usually a couple of cabins a weekend (8-10 rigs) when the whole park was open during Jan, Feb. Then they closed the Lower 2,7&9 for the winter and we really didn't see a drop in business(Becasue there wasn't much to begin with). The total closure for the winter and leaving Lower 2,7 & 9 closed for the season has been devistating. Makes us feel like the FS is seeing how much we can take. It sure would be nice to see the whole park at it's Pre-TU glory again. Still crossing my fingers! This place would have been long gone if not for the SFWDA, BRC and UFWDA and all of you. Thanks!!!!

[4-lo]

Originally Posted by Crawfords Campground

Seems like they would have to open the entire system up, unless the OR in the statement means indefinite until they get their shit together.

The way I interpret that is like a warranty 3 years/ 36k miles. Whichever comes first.

[tierodking]

what if we can divert some of tu focus point from us to another sport that pollutes the water more than they claim we do,...say speed boat racing.
Was watching "destoyed in seconds" tonight & saw 2 boats both lift out of the water, flip, then break into thousands of pieces. Do you think they cleaned up every last piece? Granted, this isn't in a river, but it still pollutes the H2O.,
If we can show the FS that tu will go after anybody that enjoys sports on the water, then the fs might think this is just a bs claim to keep wheelers out. If tu goes after the sponsored sports, i'm sure the spnsors would make a big stink and put tu in its place & the fs might thinkthat this is just a frivilous claim.
Also, if tu is complaining that we are affecting the trout population & growth in the Tellio river, maybe the fs should close down the river to all fisherman for a period of 5 years to allow the trout to replenish themselves.
this way, everybody loses.
what about the lady that owned the convenience store at the top on the TN side? she must be losing alot of money, I'm sure she is aware of whats going on. Having business owners on our side is huge since it affects the state & counties revenue.

just a thought

[Crawfords Campground]

You have a point...unfortunately we really don't want an all or nothing scenario. You can argue the points of who is doing more all day long. Hell, the enviro's of the early 70's thought that the earth was going through a global cool down period. Their answer was to spread volcanic ash on the polar ice caps to warm things up. The other huge environmental polluter is Asphalt. The entire life span of this road material is based on evaporation and run off of the petroleum products in it. How nice is that to the fish to pave trail#1 and let that stuff enter the water or even better yet the cancer that stuff causes to the people down stream. The point is that we tend to make matters worse by getting involved with controlling mother nature. A little sediment in a stream, creek or river is not a bad thing. I don't see any silt traps along the Grand Canyon or Mississippi River. This issue with TU is nothing more than one group pushing another user group out of their way for their own benefit using environmental leverage. They hate kyakers as well...they think the THUD of the paddle hitting the boats are giving the fish headaches and causing them to beach themselves as well.

[Mike327]

Originally Posted by Crawfords Campground

A little sediment in a stream, creek or river is not a bad thing. I don't see any silt traps along the Grand Canyon or Mississippi River. This issue with TU is nothing more than one group pushing another user group out of their way for their own benefit using environmental leverage.

Silt/sediment is a good thing in the deep south. The Louisiana marsh needs it. So keep sending the silt. I know the Tellico watershed does not go to Louisiana.

[tierodking]

What about the local business owners? Aside from the wheelers opinion being very important, the local small business owners opionion matters more.
I,m sure that its been done, but incase not, have the owners voiced their opinion on the topic, how it would affect their business & the local tax income? Not just Crawfords, the lady @ greencove, not just 4x4 shops, but gas, food, & supplies stores>

this is more than just a closure, but maybe a decimation on steady revenue.

trying to explore every basic, logical,non logical, obvious & non obvious ideas to help out!

[yellowxj]

We're still waiting for the Univ. of Tenn. survey results to come out too. Anyone hear anything about that?

[k9crazy]

Originally Posted by yellowxj

We're still waiting for the Univ. of Tenn. survey results to come out too. Anyone hear anything about that?

That won't be a public document. They were doing that work in support of the FS' EA. We'll see the "results" boiled down the way the FS wants them to look in the document.

[GSW]

Originally Posted by yellowxj

We're still waiting for the Univ. of Tenn. survey results to come out too. Anyone hear anything about that?

[pessimist/on] If the results are favorable to our position in any way, they will never see the light of day. [pessimist/off]

Anybody have a contact person at T that could shed some light on this?