Tellico is still OPEN

[DSLTOY]

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!