Tellico Lawsuit

July 2, 2007

Southern Environmental Law Center files a 60-day Notice of Intent to Commence Civil action at the Upper Tellico ORV Area

On June 28, 2007, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Commence Civil Action under Section 505 of the Clean Water Act. SELC is acting on behalf of the North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited, the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, and the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project.

The NOI alleges violations under Sections 301, 313, 401, 402, 404, and 505 of the Clean Water Act; violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); and various violations of North Carolina and Tennessee state water quality laws and standards. In the NOI, the SELC calls for seasonal and permanent closures of trails within the Upper Tellico ORV Area.

Southern Four Wheel Drive Association is keenly awareof this Notice and intends to follow its progress carefully. In conjunction with the United Four Wheel Drive Association and the Blue Ribbon Coalition, SFWDA is preparing a statement and will be providing it to the U.S. Forest Service to support their defense of the claims in the NOI.

The Southern Four Wheel Drive Association was founded in 1987 to promote responsible land use and to keep public lands accessible for motorized recreation. Since the formation of Southern Four Wheel Drive Association the focus and mission is to promote responsible land use and to help keep public lands open for motorized recreation. Southern's committment along with United's is as strong today as ever. Events such as these magnify the need for what we do as clubs and associations. We ask that you support Southern and United in this effort.

Southern Four Wheel Drive Association: www.sfwda.org

United Four Wheel Drive Associations: www.ufwda.org