Four-Wheel Drive
2003-02-27
group is dedicated
Dear Editor:
Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) is a family- oriented
non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of four-wheel drive
recreation, responsible land usage, conservation, and education. Formed
in 1987 the association covers the southeast encompassing the states of
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Tennessee and consists of member families that belong to one or more of
the 33 clubs within the association or are individual members.
A recent article run by The Daily Times focused on problems in the
Foothills Wildlife Management Area with ATV's illegally entering the
area and causing damage to the land. Southern Four Wheel Drive
Association is dedicated to upholding the rights of everyone to use
public lands, but trespassing and other illegal and irresponsible
actions described in the article cannot and should not be tolerated.
It is also unfortunate that the actions of a few unorganized and
uncaring individuals taint the reputation of motorized off highway
recreation in general and help infringe on the privileges of everyone
to have access to areas such as this. SFWDA applauds TWRA's efforts to
step up enforcement in the area and agree that the maximum $50 fine
structure is grossly inadequate.
As an association SFWDA places strong emphasis on the guidance and
education of four-wheel drive vehicle operators to help ensure safe and
courteous driving and proper vehicle use off-highway. Through the
Four-Wheel Drive Awareness education program novice and experienced 4x4
owners are taught about general off-highway principles, techniques, and
courtesies related to four-wheeling and more specific skills related to
driving off-highway, elementary vehicle mechanics, recovery techniques,
four-wheel drive safety, and recommended equipment to stock in their
vehicles when on a trail ride.
Environmental concerns and treating the lands we ride with respect
are also a major part of the awareness program with the ``Tread
Lightly!'' philosophy highly emphasized when taking a vehicle
off-highway. We feel that this message needs to be passed on to all
persons who participate in the sport of off-highway recreation.
Every year literally thousands of volunteer hours are spent by SFWDA
members at workdays performing trail maintenance and other activities
that keep trails in the southeast open for everyone. Trail maintenance
projects include putting fencing in place, digging water bars and silt
traps and any other maintenance that is needed.
Public areas that SFWDA members are actively involved in are: Royal
Blue Recreation Area located just north of Knoxville; Anderson Creek
OHV Area, Beasley Knob OHV Area, and Rich Mountain Trail, all located
in Georgia; Upper Tellico OHV Area and Uwharrie National Forest, both
located in North Carolina; and trails located in the Livingston, Ky.
area.
These projects area carried out in close cooperation with the
respective land use agencies for each area such as TWRA (for Royal
Blue) and the United States Forest Service and the association has an
excellent working relationship with these agencies. In addition to
trail maintenance, SFWDA members participate in forest and land use
advocacy such as speaking at Forest Service meetings and staying active
in political issues concerning public lands.
Legislative bills are monitored and elected officials are contacted to give input on these bills.
The association has also been active with the Tennessee Off-Highway
Vehicle Committee to help bring self-funded OHV areas to Tennessee in
the future. On the national level delegates are sent to United Four
Wheel Drive Associations meeting to discuss land use and favorable
rules and decisions have been made regarding these areas. The
association has actively opened new trails and deterred many unwanted
and unjustified land closures. Also, through these efforts the
association has gained the recognition and respect of state and federal
agencies.
As already mentioned SFWDA is committed and dedicated to upholding
the rights of everyone to use public lands and help set a positive
direction in the use of these lands. through this commitment using
education and conservation, we are letting our voices be heard along
with millions of enthusiasts who are striving for the same goal. For
more information on Southern Four Wheel Drive Association go to
www.sfwda.org
Sincerely,
Gary Parsons
116 Pebble Creek Road
Franklin, TN 37094
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