Land Use Info:
Land Use Information
The Upper Tellico ORV Area is located near Murphy, NC and is considered by many the premier trail system east of the Mississippi. Members of Southern 4WD Association take great pride to be the only trail maintenance volunteer group for the last 15+ years. We have worked hard with the dedicated staff from the Forest Service's Tusquitee Ranger District in the Nantahala National Forest to provide a challenging trail system for enjoyment by the public.
Tellico Bridge Work
On September 11, 2001 we received a letter from Charles Miller, District Ranger, asking for input on a number of issues in his district. One of these issues is the proposed construction of a bridge to cross the Tellico River on trail #5 (Rough Crossing). The deadline for public comments was October 12, 2001.
Click here to read a complete copy of the letter.
Pertinent parts of the letter are shown below:
The Tusquitee Ranger District is proposing to implement
the following projects as part of its program of work for FY 2002. These
land and resource management activities are planned to achieve desired
conditions and goals as described in the Nantahala and Pisgah National
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP, March 1994). Projects
include actions to build new or maintain existing recreation sites to
provide for public enjoyment, health and safety. Other projects include
actions to improve timber stands, wildlife habitat or water quality. Sincerely, /s/ Charles N. MillerDear Friend:
.....
5) It is proposed to construct a bridge to cross
the Tellico River on Trail #5 in the Tellico ORV Area.
.....
Please send your comments to District Ranger Charles N. Miller, Tusquitee
Ranger District, 123 Woodland Drive, Murphy, NC 28906, phone (828) 837-5152.
To help us with this process please send your written comments no later
than October 12, 2001. Thank you for your interest in the management
of your National Forest.
CHARLES N. MILLER
District Ranger
Southern 4WD Association recognizes the need for a bridge at this location to prevent soil erosion into the river. The greatest danger to the existence of Tellico is downstream water quality. We have talked and written about this many times. As long as vehicles are allowed to drive through the river crossing, people who want to close Tellico can keep pointing their finger at the river crossing and use it as a reason to justify their unreasonable demands.
Note that the proposal does not specify a schedule or a bridge design. First, an Environmental Assessment will be performed to determine the environmental effects of the bridge and the extent of the allowable structure. Then an engineering evaluation will be done within the environmental constraints. The user needs, design, and funding will determine the final bridge type. We will most likely be assisting the Forest Service with construction and placement of the bridge.
If you wish, please send a letter to Mr. Miller as outlined above and write in favor of the need for a bridge at the river crossing on trail #5. Please be positive and also write about your enjoyment of driving your vehicle on the Tellico trails and thank the Forest Service for providing this recreational opportunity (and politely ask for more trails).
Thank you.