To All Southern Four Wheel Drive Association Members and Supporters

October 14, 2009
To All Southern Four Wheel Drive Association Members and Supporters:
The long awaited Forest Service decision concerning the fate of the Upper Tellico OHV Area is now known. In a conversation with Forest Supervisor Marisue Hilliard I was informed of agency’s decision to permanently close this beautiful area. I don’t think anyone is surprised by the decision based on Forest Service’s past comments and published preferred alternative. We are however extremely disappointed in this decision and as I told Marisue during our conversation we believe that they are wrong in making this decision.
From an association stand point, we will handle this professionally and along with Blue Ribbon Coalition and United Four Wheel Drive Associations move forward with the battle to get this area back open. While not the decision we wanted, it is the decision we have been handed and we now know the direction we must follow. More information will be shared over the next few days but I wanted to get this message out to everyone today.
Let RESCUE TELLICO be the battle cry! We have only begun to fight.
Thanks for your support,
Gary Parsons President Southern Four Wheel Drive Association