Tellico Camping Please Read!!

[Land Speeder]

I haven't been up there since this ban. I had a friend at this past GMSTR get a ticket for having alcohol in his possesion at camp grounds, they searched his wagon and cooler for no reason other than he was within the forest. If I'm in Tennessee or on the trails I will have no alcohol simply because I do not have the money to pay the fine. This is almost a good enough reason for me to camp at Crawford's. Lucky enough I don't NEED beer, just WANT beer, errr Jamison Irish Whiskey more so though.
I figure most have seen this on the board somewhere, but I'll post it again.

The following is a copy of the order:

04/24/2006 13:24 FAX 4234763727 CHEROKEE NF LEI -» TELLICO @002/OC

ORDER NO. 301
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cherokee National Forest

Alcohol Beverages Restriction

Pursuant to 36 CFR, Section 261.50 (a) and (b), it is hereby ordered that the prohibitions
hereinafter set forth apply to the Tellico Ranger District, within the Cherokee National
Forest, shown on the attached map.

1. Possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law.
261.58bb

Areas Affected By This Order

Young Branch Horse Campground Jake Best Campground
Walnut Grove Picnic Area North River Campground
McNabb Creek Group Campground Spivey Cove Campground
Dam Creek Campground & Picnic Area Pheasant Field Picnic Area
Tellico River Corridor Campgrounds Big Oak Cove Campground
Indian Boundary Recreation Area State Line Campground
Citico Campground #11 (Doublecamp) Bald River Falls Day Use Area
Cidco Campground # 13 (Warden Fields) Davis Branch Campground

The above-prohibited act is set forth in Title 36 C.FJBL Section 261,58.

Pursuant to 36 CFR, Section 261,50 (e), the following persons are exempt or areas
are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a special use permit specifically authorizing the otherwise
prohibited act or omission, issued by the District Ranger.

Executed in Cleveland, Tennessee, this twenty-fourth day of April 2006.

<ii-^

H.THOMAS Speaks, JR
Forest Supervisor
Cherokee National Forest

ORDER EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM DATE OF SIGNATURE

Violation of the prohibition set forth above is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and $ 10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. See
16U.S.C.551.18U.S.C.3559and357l.

 

[Gundy]

Thanks Land Speeder

I had read that before GSMTR. Thanks for the post.
I think that clears up my bumbling attempt to warn
attendees.

Tellico!

 

[Capt. Jim]

Quick note about coolers:

You will get a ticket for a cooler that is left out, alcohol or no alcohol. Also applies to any other type of unsecured food that a bear might get into. This is because of the bear population up there. Last GSMTR, I had a conversation with one of the rangers, he told me he was more concerned about finding food or coolers unsecured than finding us drinking.

Disclaimer: The preceeding should not be considered an endorsement to drink up.

That being said, have a good trip, party responsibly, and have one for me.

 

[CruisinTiger]

Jim is right about the bears....couple suggestions....if you are drivin a 40 and you can't lock it up...i.e. a soft top and you are bringing food and there is room we need to put it in a hard top cruiser....if you would rather not impede on anyone bring about 200 ft of rope and a big canvas bag and we can hang bear bags(unless tellico forest forbids those) which I doubt the would...if hung correctly then they are perfectly safe. Coolers are another item...those we may have to truck over to the room at night or put them in a hard top...I plan on sleepin in my 60 but I'll be locked in.....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not have any food or water containers with gatorade in them in your tent...you take the chance of gettin eatin....I worked out west and we had to put several bears down because of this. Bears have a very intense smell and can smell the gatorade you mixed in your water bottle. Just some FYI if anyone else has some input follow up...I can't wait....later on folks

 

[Capt. Jim]

The ranger was specific about having all food and coolers secured from bears. At the last GSMTR, the bed of my pick-up was the storage place for several coolers. No hard cover, just tarped. Hell, if a bear wanted those coolers, he had 'em. We were just lucky, I guess. We tarped them over to keep them out of the ranger's view. I believe he told me hanging food from the trees was not acceptable.

One year in Spivey, we were infested with bears. I resorted to strapping my coolers down to my trailer with 2" webbed straps. The ranger said that would still be a violation. It was almost funny watching a bear try to get into them. Finally scared it off.

I would just be vigilant and stow them wherever you can. Remember, the ranger told me he was more concerned about food-storage violations. Don't let a food storage violation be the impetus for the ranger to pay you a visit.

BTW: Maple syrup or honey poured around your neighbor's tent is great bear insurance for your tent.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

BTW: Maple syrup or honey poured around your neighbor's tent is great bear insurance for your tent.

I like this idea it could make for some great late night entertainment

 

[Capt. Jim]

Be sure to have your cam-corders ready!

 

[cruiser4life]

Something similar happened last year I do believe...

 

[Gundy]

bears

I've seen a bear or two there as well.
One from about 6 feet away standing, snarling and hissing
and popping it's jaw.
I plan on storing my food stuffs and beverages at
the room each evening. It's nearby and would
help to keep bears from prowling around the camp.
If you are packing the stuff in your tent.....don't
camp next to me.
Last year Matt helped me round up all the coolers,etc
after the crowd pooped out latenight. We all need to police the
area each evening and days if the camp will be unattended
during wheeling.
Having the stuff stored away from camp each night
should make us all sleep with a little more peace of mind.
Bring your camera. I've got a feeling we'll get a visit or two.
At least there aren't any Grizzlies there.
I think last year a coyote came through camp as well.
A little awareness and attention to details is all that is required
for a safe visit to the critter's domain.

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

wardens, coyotes, and bears......... oh my!!!

 

[Gundy]

bring your cameras

wardens, coyotes, and bears......... oh my!!!

Throw in great wheeling and fellowship and all the right things for great memories
are there!
This going to be FUN!!!

 

[informationjunky]

Quick note about coolers:

You will get a ticket for a cooler that is left out, alcohol or no alcohol. Also applies to any other type of unsecured food that a bear might get into. This is because of the bear population up there. Last GSMTR, I had a conversation with one of the rangers, he told me he was more concerned about finding food or coolers unsecured than finding us drinking.

Disclaimer: The preceeding should not be considered an endorsement to drink up.

That being said, have a good trip, party responsibly, and have one for me.

Just to add to Capt Jim's statements, I was there when the ranger stopped by and...I believe he also stated that empty cans (coke) etc left on a table could be worthy of a ticket (see Jim's statement of any other type of unsecured food). The Ranger seemed pretty adamant that they were going to be real sticklers ($$$) for anything contributing to the bear problems.

 

[Capt. Jim]

Good point, John. I forgot about the empty can issue. (Empty beer cans are frowned upon more.) Also, don't leave any other trash or trash bags laying around.

 

[ALEXGAR]

As stated earlier: The Club is renting a room at Green Cove which is a motel approx. 3/4 of a mile from our camp. The purpose of the room is for folks to take a shower, store their adult beverages, change or even sleep. However, the MAXIMUM number of people that can sleep there is 2.

Since this is being used for the benefit of any UC member who would care to use the facility, I would like to ask that you would be kind enough to reimburse the club through either David Harrison or myself. The purpose of this is to defray the finances a bit and I do not wish to police this matter.

Okay...now I can go back to being myself again

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

As stated earlier: The Club is renting a room at Green Cove which is a motel approx. 3/4 of a mile from our camp. The purpose of the room is for folks to take a shower, store their adult beverages, change or even sleep. However, the MAXIMUM number of people that can sleep there is 2.

Since this is being used for the benefit of any UC member who would care to use the facility, I would like to ask that you would be kind enough to reimburse the club through either David Harrison or myself. The purpose of this is to defray the finances a bit and I do not wish to police this matter.

Okay...now I can go back to being myself again

party pooper

 

[Trollhole]

unsticky

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

you just wish you had the power

 

[swampyCU]

my cruiser has issues

sorry wrong place to post...