Tellico Work Accomplishments for 2006

August 2006

The following information was provided by Bill Champion, Supervisory Forester, US Forest Service, at the Annual Tellico Stakeholders meeting on August 25, 2006. Note that these figures are only through August, while the fiscal year ends September 30.

Operations & Maintenance Update

Tellico Annual Meeting, August 25, 2006

1. Accomplishments
• Approximately $45,000 to date in contributions of labor and equipment from volunteers.
• Annual clean-up day
• Trail maintenance on approx. 10 miles of trail
• Hauling and placing surge stone
• Closing/rehabilitation of illegal trails
• Cleaning of silt traps
• Completion of parking lot at State Line.
  
2. Bridge Update
   • Contract has finally been awarded for the bridge at Rough Crossing.
   • Bridge at Fain Ford – site survey completed, design is supposed to be complete in FY 07.
     
3. Current Work in progress or just completed:
• Contract has been let for gravel/surge stone etc.
• Just completed cleaning all silt traps on Trail 5, Trail 1, Lower Trail 2, etc. along with closure of illegal trails, and reconstruction of dips.
• Purchased 24 culverts to be installed in FY 07.
• Purchased new trail signing material to be installed in FY 07.
  
4. Strategic Plan Updates on Status
   
5. Plans for FY 07
• Bridge Construction at Rough Crossing (Trail 5 will be closed during construction)
• Attempt to find funding for Fain Ford Bridge
• Continue water quality monitoring
• Install/replace 24 culverts
• Heavy maintenance on approximately 25 miles of trail.
• Closure of illegal trails/bypasses/etc.
• Inspect/repair as needed all wooden bridges.
• Re-sign trails as needed.
• Parking lot @ Allen Gap
• Increase user fees to $10/$60 sometime in FY 07
• Locate/field review by-pass route from Allen Gap to Trail # 4.
• Implement new Supervisors Orders – camping restrictions and winter time closures.
• Rehab/close campsites along Tellico River and Tipton Creek after closure order is in place. Also includes designation of a few camp sites which will be hardened and rehabbed to accommodate camping.