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Tellico Logging Pictures

14K views 37 replies 24 participants last post by  BlueMagoo 
#1 ·
#7 · (Edited)
Weekly update to Con. Shuler

I wanted to post up my latest e-mail to Con. Shuler's Office.

Sqeaky Wheels get more grease!

Hello Ryan,

Good Morning. I just wanted to update Con. Shuler on the logging operation that is under way in the borders of the Tellico ORV area. The operation starts just inside the border entering the Allen Gap parking area and will continue to Harshaw Gap. If the area environment is of the such importance, how come this is acceptable, versus the right to recreate in the area by motorized vehicle? The environmental damage caused by a clear cut operation is far more damaging to the established Eco system than the proper management and maintenance of the Tellico ORV trail system. The pictures below show just a glimpse of the damage, petroleum spills and disturbed soil conditions, which leads to many years of soil erosion that ultimately enter the creeks and streams. That scenario is believed to be the largest contributor to the silt entering the waterways in the Upper Tellico watershed that ultimately makes it's way into the Trout waters from a clear cut logging operation that occurred several years ago above the Tipton Creek area. We understand that the US government profits off the sell of timber from public lands, however profit over the very popular recreation of a large user group is not an acceptable reason for double standards by our government. Business and citizens alike in your district are feeling the loss of the Tellico ORV system and it's positive economic impact. We need your assistance to regain our use of this area and feel that the small investment by the government with monies, management and proper maintenance of the Tellico ORV area will benefit the intended user groups and have huge impact on our local economy. I have also provided a link to the front page article from this past weeks Cherokee Scout Newspaper if you haven't already received it from Sandy Zimmerman.

http://s997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/yellowxj_photos/
http://www.thecherokeescout.com/arti...e839874297.txt

I appreciate the opportunity to work with your office on this important issue and look forward to your response.
 
#9 ·
I wanted to post up my latest e-mail to Con. Shuler's Office.

Sqeaky Wheels get more grease!

Hello Ryan,

Good Morning. I just wanted to update Con. Shuler on the logging operation that is under way in the borders of the Tellico ORV area. The operation starts just inside the border entering the Allen Gap parking area and will continue to Harshaw Gap. If the area environment is of the such importance, how come this is acceptable, versus the right to recreate in the area by motorized vehicle? The environmental damage caused by a clear cut operation is far more damaging to the established Eco system than the proper management and maintenance of the Tellico ORV trail system. The pictures below show just a glimpse of the damage, petroleum spills and disturbed soil conditions, which leads to many years of soil erosion that ultimately enter the creeks and streams. That scenario is believed to be the largest contributor to the silt entering the waterways in the Upper Tellico watershed that ultimately makes it's way into the Trout waters from a clear cut logging operation that occurred several years ago above the Tipton Creek area. We understand that the US government profits off the sell of timber from public lands, however profit over the very popular recreation of a large user group is not an acceptable reason for double standards by our government. Business and citizens alike in your district are feeling the loss of the Tellico ORV system and it's positive economic impact. We need your assistance to regain our use of this area and feel that the small investment by the government with monies, management and proper maintenance of the Tellico ORV area will benefit the intended user groups and have huge impact on our local economy. I have also provided a link to the front page article from this past weeks Cherokee Scout Newspaper if you haven't already received it from Sandy Zimmerman.

http://s997.photobucket.com/albums/a...llowxj_photos/


http://www.thecherokeescout.com/arti...e839874297.txt

I appreciate the opportunity to work with your office on this important issue and look forward to your response.
Links didn't work for me.
 
#11 ·
Friendly information for anyone concerned about the mess

A toll-free hotline has been set-up for citizens to report possible violations to the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.
1-866-STOPMUD (786-7683) or
North Carolina Erosion Watch


Please use this hotline link to:
Report erosion problems you see*
Request information or comment on the N.C. Erosion and Sediment Program
Comment on our web site.
Contact:
Gray Hauser, P.E., CPESC.
State Sediment Specialist,
Land Quality Section
Phone: 919.733.4574
E-mail: Gray.Hauser@ncmail.net
 
#12 ·
Find out who's logging and then who's brother in law he is. Surely Trout Unlimited knows about this.

If I can find Skeet's number (or whatever his name is) I will call him tonight and ask him if they know about the logging that is taking place. Of course, the way they are stalking us I'm sure he will be expecting my call.

If anyone knows his number post it up.
 
#16 ·
So here is a question.... If there were people/website communities with enough pull to help get Tellico closed, wouldn't they possibly be interested in what the place is actually gettin used for now? And possibly help push for the common goal of gettin these actions stop? Now granted, I'm not real up to date on who was all pushing for the closing of tellico, I know the forestry service i believe it was but wasn't sure if there were groups also...

makes me sick to my stomach to see loggin in such a gorgeous area!
 
#18 · (Edited)
The best thing is to get the politicians involved. They hate to be dropped into something that people will watch how they react. They know the best political action on an environmental issue is to not get involved or pick the winning side. The problem with that strategy in this case is that the politicians are the government and since they are basically in bed with the FS, they hate getting dragged into an issue of governing themselves. Send letters to the newspapers and your state Representatives. Send letters to the Department of Environmental Protection Agency. Most importantly, make sure you tie the Representatives name in the paper. They hate it and will be more apt to get involved. Some say the letters have no weight(not naming names-He's lurking and ready to pounce:D). They are wrong. I usually get a response to my letters and calls back when I leave a message now from Shuler's office. I am on a first name basis with his man servant "Ryan" and have even met the guy during a class field trip with my kids to Washington D.C.. They will get to know you and once you brake that barrier of just another concerned citizen, they will at least listen to the complaint.
 
#20 ·




Just to the left of the middle in this pic, you can see where they are cutting. Viewed from Trail 1 and Upper 2 intersection. I have better pics of this on the way.




And I dont know if any of you every drove the narrow, overgrown road to the top of the bald way beyond Upper 2 but this is what it looks like now.
 
#31 ·
My opinion is that sustainable logging can be very helpful to the OHV community. There are many example of privately and publicly owned logging/mining areas being turned into OHV recreation areas and timber can continue to be harvested on an ongoing basis. The real enemy is those people that what to protect public land, not for the public, but FROM the public. This typically consists of enviromental groups with incorrect ideas about the nature of OHV use and the purpose of publics lands. The fundemental question they need to be asking is this: Why should the public PAY for public lands if they are not able to use them?
It is clear to me that these groups are not against a perticular activity on these lands. They are against ALL activity on these lands. Lets make sure we keep the focus on the real "enemy" don't drag logging or other groups that have a proven record of being positive forces in the OHV community.
 
#34 ·
careful what you wish for...round where i live(the pnw) the government is simply selling public land to timber companies. the rules governing logging on private land are far less stringent than those concerning public land...so now instead of running into temporary closures, you get more clear cuts, gravel roads, and locked gates. none of this goes to a public vote, the whole process is kept out of the public eye, and we're the only ones that seem to care....
 
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