Tellico Decision

[k9crazy]

SFWDA participated in a conference call today with the USFS and learned that they intend on permanently closing the Upper Tellico OHV System.

The decision will be posted on the North Carolina USFS website soon (National Forests in North Carolina). When it is posted, there will be some detail from the agency about the decision, how it was reached, and what we can do to protest.

My understanding is that there will be a 45 day appeal period, followed by a 45 day period for USFS review. Once that review is complete, the decision will either be upheld or overturned. If upheld, we go into the courts.

SFWDA, BRC and United will have a news release out ASAP detailing our reactions to the decision and our next steps. We will also be asking for everyone to help us with the appeal and to step up the communications to the USFS about the decision (more letter writing, calling elected officials, peaceful protests, etc.).

Sorry this isn't a lot of information, but I haven't seen the documents yet. When I do, I'll post up more about what we need to do.

[SKINUM]

k9crazy previously said:

SFWDA participated in a conference call today with the USFS and learned that they intend on permanently closing the Upper Tellico OHV System.

The decision will be posted on the North Carolina USFS website soon (National Forests in North Carolina). When it is posted, there will be some detail from the agency about the decision, how it was reached, and what we can do to protest.

My understanding is that there will be a 45 day appeal period, followed by a 45 day period for USFS review. Once that review is complete, the decision will either be upheld or overturned. If upheld, we go into the courts.

SFWDA, BRC and United will have a news release out ASAP detailing our reactions to the decision and our next steps. We will also be asking for everyone to help us with the appeal and to step up the communications to the USFS about the decision (more letter writing, calling elected officials, peaceful protests, etc.).

Sorry this isn't a lot of information, but I haven't seen the documents yet. When I do, I'll post up more about what we need to do.

Thanks for keeping us informed. I'm afraid a court battle is ahead.

[Brock]

Me as well...unfortunately. what a shame and waste of valuable resources on both sides.

[k9crazy]

October 14, 2009

To All Southern Four Wheel Drive Association Members and Supporters:

The long awaited Forest Service decision concerning the fate of the Upper Tellico OHV Area is now known. In a conversation with Forest Supervisor Marisue Hilliard I was informed of agency’s decision to permanently close this beautiful area. I don’t think anyone is surprised by the decision based on Forest Service’s past comments and published preferred alternative. We are however extremely disappointed in this decision and as I told Marisue during our conversation we believe that they are wrong in making this decision.

From an association stand point, we will handle this professionally and along with Blue Ribbon Coalition and United Four Wheel Drive Associations move forward with the battle to get this area back open. While not the decision we wanted, it is the decision we have been handed and we now know the direction we must follow. More information will be shared over the next few days but I wanted to get this message out to everyone today.

Let RESCUE TELLICO be the battle cry! We have only begun to fight.

Thanks for your support,

Gary Parsons
President
Southern Four Wheel Drive Association

[cgbrocksmith]

Every 4 wheel drive owner needs to stand up and be counted....