Tellico OHV Area Appeal Denied by USFS

[jeepndel]

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC.


NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Greg Mumm, BlueRibbon Coalition
208-244-2112
Date: January 22, 2010

FOREST SERVICE DENY APPEAL ON TELLICO

POCATELLO, ID (January 22) - On January 15, 2010, Southern Region Deputy Regional Forester Jerome Thomas adopted the recommendation of the internal Appeal Reviewing Officer and denied the Upper Tellico OHV Area appeals submitted by the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), and the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). "We are disappointed but not surprised by this outcome," observed Jay Bird of the Rescue Tellico Committee and Past President of SFWDA. "This was a mandatory step in an ongoing process, and it would be unusual for an agency that has been for years locked in on the outcome of closing Tellico to reverse course at the last step of the administrative process," added Greg Mumm, BRC Executive Director. "We remain committed to restoring some form of meaningful vehicle recreation at Tellico, will carefully review the appeal decisions, and will take appropriate next steps," Mumm concluded.

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[DSLTOY]

"The BlueRibbon Legal Team, in conjunction with Rescue Tellico and other interested parties, is in the process of implementing a multi-faceted response to the Forest Service appeal decisions dated January 15, 2010. These decisions affirmed the Forest Supervisor's decision to continue closure of the Upper Tellico OHV Area to meaningful vehicle use. Federal court litigation, particularly in this setting, requires experienced counsel and other professional staff able to create or take advantage of unique circumstances to allow for any likelihood of success. Such a challenge will be heard not in a court of opinion, fairness, or even justice, but one of law. These steps cannot be properly taken in the heat of the moment, and we ask for the understanding and patience of our supporters as we proceed in this important effort."

SFWDA and the Rescue Tellico Committee are proud of the efficiency of our legal effort and what we have done with limited resources. Any future success at Tellico will require further support from the OHV community and others implicated by the Tellico closure. To assist these efforts, you may make a contribution which will be fully dedicated to project Rescue Tellico via the following portals: Rescue Tellico Fund