[HENDOG]

The USFS has issued a proposed temporary closure notice prohibiting all use of the Upper Tellico OHV system effective April 1, 2009.

REPAIRING THE AREA IS THE BEST SOLUTION:
o OHV enthusiasts spend 4 times more money on lodging, food, and gas than other outdoor sportsmen
o $4.8 million annually in tourism revenues by OHV users
o Repairing contributes $1.5 - $2.6 million in OHV revenue annually
o Repairing would create more than $1.4 million in local jobs
o Nearby streams are currently healthy
o Nearby streams have excellent water quality per North Carolina standards
o Nearby streams are capable of sustaining viable, reproducing native trout populations
o Nearby stream channels are very stable
o Nearby stream channels convey stream flows without streambed erosion
o The trails are repairable and very much maintainable/sustainable after repair

CLOSURE IS A BAD SOLUTION:
o Closure creates ZERO OHV tourism revenue
o Degradation of water quality and degradation of aquatic habitat in Upper Tellico is non-existent
o Historic clear-cutting of land in Upper Tellico has contributed more to the off-site sediment transport than the trail system
o Closure of trails is neither warranted nor recommended by USFS trails experts!