From what I've read there may be some logging activities in the area before too long. They mention the availability of logging roads and usability but it doesn't outright say "we're gonna log it."
The HORROR!
- Thread starter Hilldweller
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From what I've read there may be some logging activities in the area before too long. They mention the availability of logging roads and usability but it doesn't outright say "we're gonna log it."
I thought the EA (or whichever document it was) had some info in it about logging, stand ages, etc.
I remember reading some sections in the report that much of the Mull Creek area and up to the balds was not suitable for logging, but don't remember which sections were suitable. Sounds like the only way to get into this area now is on foot. The shortest distance would be from the parkway on the north side of the area (where the Mtn to Sea trail comes in). Unfortunately almost no parking off the roadway there.
Guys, The new parking area i refered to above is literally at the base of the lower bald at the top. It's a very short hump on foot. Just sux that it's on foot on not wheels. I hiked to the top of the uppermost bald at the mountains-to-sea trail area. Took about 15 or 20 minutes. Be prepared if you go however. Since there is there is no vehicle activity the bears are coming in on the blueberries and there are alot of them. Bear scat about every 20 feet on the old road.
We're planning some time up there labor day weekend. it was this LD weekend last year we camped at the upper field, and picked blueberries, and stepped around bear scat LOL.
Guess we'll be spending a little time toward ruff butte and sugar creek....
This thread has fallen quiet for a few weeks - will hopefully have an update later this week.
If y'all just let this go by the wayside then it will be yet another loss. Don't be complacent. Get organized and do something...
If y'all just let this go by the wayside then it will be yet another loss. Don't be complacent. Get organized and do something...
So, does anyone want to get involved???
I had a meeting today with 97TJGUZZY. We are starting to work on making something happen with him taking the lead.
We can't do this on our own. I've already tried to do it on my own and we all know how far that got...
Post up or PM 97TJGUZZY to offer your assistance.
I had a meeting today with 97TJGUZZY. We are starting to work on making something happen with him taking the lead.
We can't do this on our own. I've already tried to do it on my own and we all know how far that got...
Post up or PM 97TJGUZZY to offer your assistance.
I'm sure there's a couple of us that have it in us. Shoot me an email, I'll rally a few folks.
I'm always up for something and have been saying for a while that keeping this place secret will only backfire in the long run, but was shouted down every time I brought it up.
Join the club.
Now the choices are either get active and work to keep open what FS roads are still legal or sit back, keep quiet and watch 'em all close.
Apathy won't get any roads reopened.
Who wants to give their time???
- Thread starter
- #112
Speaking of logging, we came home via Hanging Dog (etc) yesterday and I am APPALLED by the amount of destruction caused by recent logging in the Upper Tellico area!
Holy Crap.
It looks like a Walmart parking lot in 3 or 4 areas; it's that big and empty ---- right off trail 1, just above the pay station.
And they've paved the section from trail 2 all the way to the State Line Campsites. Yup; the whole way. Blacktop.
I nearly had to stop; I got headspins I was so mad....
I felt like the Indian in the old commercials:
YouTube - 70's PSA Keep America Beautiful (Crying Indian)
Holy Crap.
It looks like a Walmart parking lot in 3 or 4 areas; it's that big and empty ---- right off trail 1, just above the pay station.
And they've paved the section from trail 2 all the way to the State Line Campsites. Yup; the whole way. Blacktop.
I nearly had to stop; I got headspins I was so mad....
I felt like the Indian in the old commercials:
YouTube - 70's PSA Keep America Beautiful (Crying Indian)
If someone wants to propose a plan i'll drum up some interest in ONSC to get out there and help do something.
Plan is in the works. PM 97TJGUZZY - looks like he will be the ring leader.
I'll offer assistance when I can, but it's a pretty good ways from me.
bump.
anyone?
It's been awhile since I dug into the pages upon pages of FS reading on this. From memory, there was a hearing on this way back in March 2008 announcing their intent to close the area due to "Illegal Traffic". Ironically, this announcement was several months before one of the UC guys had approached the FS about adopting the area. also ironically, this hearing was never mentioned during the course of their conversations and Steve was more or less blown off. Unfortunately, this flew under the radar of most of us.
Again, from memory I had read of additional closings possible/coming perhaps as soon as now in the "Shock Snapper" area. Since I haven't been up there since November I can't confirm this ever happened or will happen but it's worth checking out. In the EA there is a reference to a land swap with private land owner, not knowing the area real well I got the impression the swap was strategically placed and would serve to cut off further access over and above the first round of closings.
In short, it's not a pretty picture and it appears to be lost for the foreseeable future. A personal note; it's a shame we're (myself included) not more aware of what's going on out there. While the FS quietly did what they did they are still obligated to publicly announce their plans and did so on the NC FS website going back into 2007/2008. Maybe we should use this as a very expensive lesson learned.
Is it me or does this all seem to be happening in NC while TN and AL are expanding their wheeling access?
Again, from memory I had read of additional closings possible/coming perhaps as soon as now in the "Shock Snapper" area. Since I haven't been up there since November I can't confirm this ever happened or will happen but it's worth checking out. In the EA there is a reference to a land swap with private land owner, not knowing the area real well I got the impression the swap was strategically placed and would serve to cut off further access over and above the first round of closings.
In short, it's not a pretty picture and it appears to be lost for the foreseeable future. A personal note; it's a shame we're (myself included) not more aware of what's going on out there. While the FS quietly did what they did they are still obligated to publicly announce their plans and did so on the NC FS website going back into 2007/2008. Maybe we should use this as a very expensive lesson learned.
Is it me or does this all seem to be happening in NC while TN and AL are expanding their wheeling access?
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Yep NC seems to be ground zero for land closures.
There must be a large group of well prepared, well financed greenies behind the scenes in my state.
There must be a large group of well prepared, well financed greenies behind the scenes in my state.