To summerize the screwing we are getting: The whole place is shut down until final choice of alternative (one of which is keep it closed PERMENANTLY). The permenate closure is perferred alternative per the Forest Service.

We now have a 30 day comment period, the purpose of which is constructive feedback. We as a community need to send in comments now!

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-nan...itee@fs.fed.us; or
by regular mail to: National Forests in North Carolina, Attn: Candace Wyman, 160 A Zillicoa

this is on the SFWDA website.....

Today the SFWDA met with the USFS and heard a presentation on what will be in their Environmental Assessment. While they have 7 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/tu...ry_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) and that you download the FS’ EA which is posted here (Upper Tellico OHV Area ) 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

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



they also had a link to the report....

http://www.sfwda.org/trails/tellico/study09/

EDIT: STRAIGHT FROM THE FORREST SERVICE.

http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/tu...ver_letter.pdf

 

you are right, I have been.
the "Great Debate" has bee that it will close PERMANENTLY.
I don't think that will EVER happen,but it's a TEMPORARY closure.
it's definately closed temoprarily.
most people think it will close forever.No, won't happen.
I only posted this up so that people would not make plans to go THIS YEAR.
I read the whole thing. the plan is, close until they can come up with a plan for repair. I think it'll reopen, but not this year. if everything is approved, I say late summer before opening any of it. no matter what, it need to be closed for repairs, that should have been done years ago, but they keep putting it off. I've been following this for years. If wheelers let it close for a year, let them get the repairs done, then we won't have to worry about it for a LONG time.

 

Here is another site with General information about the Tellico closure:

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