The Rescue Tellico coalition, SFWDA, UFWDA and Blueribbon Coalition have filed an appeal with the Forest Service asking for the Decision Notice to permanently close the Upper Tellico OHV trails to be overturned.
Blueribbon Coalition counsel, Paul Turke, filed an appeal on Monday, November 30th. The appeal can be read at:
http://www.sfwda.org/forum/uploads/5/Tellico_215_appeal_11-30-09.pdf
SFWDA member and registered Environmental Engineer Flint Holbrook also filed an appeal last weekend. After reading both of these well written appeals, it is hard to imagine that the Forest Service will be successful in closing the Upper Tellico OHV trails permanently. Reason would argue that at the very least the Forest Service will need to do more studies to justify their position.
The appeal filing deadline was Monday, November 30, 2009. The Forest Service will now have 45 days do decide the appeals. After this 45 day process is complete, all of the avenues of due process will have been exhausted. If the Forest Service Deciding Officer affirms the Forest Service Supervisor's Decision Notice for the closure of the trails, the appellants can proceed with a suit in the courts of law as a final recourse.
SFWDA, along with their partners UFWDA and Blueribbon Coalition, is dedicated to fighting this unethical, illegal and immoral closure action by the Forest Service and will pursue any and all avenues available to support the public's right to 4wd recreation on public lands!
Be assured that SFWDA is actively involved in advocating and protecting your interests in this matter and needs your continued support!
