Achmed
05-29-2007, 11:33 AM
Good morning fellow SCF members,
There have been some concerns floating around the 4x4 community in regards to certain Tellico trail closures, bypasses, etc. Please read this so that you are completely informed of the final word in regards to this information.
PLEASE POST THIS ON ANY OTHER FORUM THAT DISCUSSES THE UPPER TELLICO OHV.
I just had a lengthy conversation with the N.C. Rangers that handle the Tellico OHV, received some useful information and was asked to pass it on in order to keep the trails in good shape. At this point, the trails will not close, but if the following things are not observed, they will continue to raise the fee until it is outrageous, which will cover repair of the trails via the outsourced trail maintenance contractors. I do not want to see $40 - $50 fees to ride.
First and foremost, the main thing they are trying to control right now is erosion and sediment around any streams, creeks or rivers. Secondly, ALL man made ATV bypasses are FORBIDDEN. If you are caught on an ATV bypass, you're vehicle WILL be impounded and you WILL be fined. Here is the word, directly from the horses mouth as to the other obstacles. No more speculation.
1. LOWER 2: This obstacle is not closed. You may NOT take a bypass. Stay on the main trail, take tag numbers (if available) of vehicles that attempt otherwise and report to the Ranger district at (828) 837-5152.
2. SLICKROCK: You may NOT take the bypass on the upper half or the ATV bypass to the right. This trail is under a maintenance contract and the bypass is for maintenance vehicles only. Stay on the main trail and take tag numbers (if available) of vehicles that attempt otherwise and report to the Ranger district at (828) 837-5152.
3. GUARDRAIL: You MAY take the lower route to the left around the main line to get to the top. This is not considered a bypass.
4. SCHOOLBUS: You MAY take the right line (the lesser of the evils) on the main trail. You MAY NOT use the "ATV bypass" off to the far right.
5. ALL OTHER OBSTACLES: You are NOT to manually disturb any of the land features or terrain. Winching logs or rocks out of the way is forbidden and you will be fined and/or possibly jailed.
Again, the USFS is mainly concerned about unnecessary erosion and sediment around water. I was specifically told that they were not as concerned about the upper ridge as they were at lower elevations by the water sources. If you would like to verify anything posted, please call (828) 837-5152.
Thank you,
Chris Hyde
There have been some concerns floating around the 4x4 community in regards to certain Tellico trail closures, bypasses, etc. Please read this so that you are completely informed of the final word in regards to this information.
PLEASE POST THIS ON ANY OTHER FORUM THAT DISCUSSES THE UPPER TELLICO OHV.
I just had a lengthy conversation with the N.C. Rangers that handle the Tellico OHV, received some useful information and was asked to pass it on in order to keep the trails in good shape. At this point, the trails will not close, but if the following things are not observed, they will continue to raise the fee until it is outrageous, which will cover repair of the trails via the outsourced trail maintenance contractors. I do not want to see $40 - $50 fees to ride.
First and foremost, the main thing they are trying to control right now is erosion and sediment around any streams, creeks or rivers. Secondly, ALL man made ATV bypasses are FORBIDDEN. If you are caught on an ATV bypass, you're vehicle WILL be impounded and you WILL be fined. Here is the word, directly from the horses mouth as to the other obstacles. No more speculation.
1. LOWER 2: This obstacle is not closed. You may NOT take a bypass. Stay on the main trail, take tag numbers (if available) of vehicles that attempt otherwise and report to the Ranger district at (828) 837-5152.
2. SLICKROCK: You may NOT take the bypass on the upper half or the ATV bypass to the right. This trail is under a maintenance contract and the bypass is for maintenance vehicles only. Stay on the main trail and take tag numbers (if available) of vehicles that attempt otherwise and report to the Ranger district at (828) 837-5152.
3. GUARDRAIL: You MAY take the lower route to the left around the main line to get to the top. This is not considered a bypass.
4. SCHOOLBUS: You MAY take the right line (the lesser of the evils) on the main trail. You MAY NOT use the "ATV bypass" off to the far right.
5. ALL OTHER OBSTACLES: You are NOT to manually disturb any of the land features or terrain. Winching logs or rocks out of the way is forbidden and you will be fined and/or possibly jailed.
Again, the USFS is mainly concerned about unnecessary erosion and sediment around water. I was specifically told that they were not as concerned about the upper ridge as they were at lower elevations by the water sources. If you would like to verify anything posted, please call (828) 837-5152.
Thank you,
Chris Hyde