http://www.bigredforums.com/forums Forums dedicated to the Honda Big Red UTV / Side by Side Vehicle en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:20:01 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/images/freshred/misc/rss.jpg http://www.bigredforums.com/forums http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72797-help.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:42:12 GMT Has anyone figured out how to do away with the speed limiter/rev limiter on the br? this thing is driving me crazy. Thanks Has anyone figured out how to do away with the speed limiter/rev limiter on the br? this thing is driving me crazy. Thanks ]]> General Honda Big Red Discussion biggreenmachine http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72797-help.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72796-did-anyne-else-see.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:45:47 GMT I was watching one of the news channels showing pictures of North Carolina's cape when they were evacuating for Earl. They had about a minute worth of two police officers using a Big Red with flashing lights mounted to it warning people at houses along the beach. ]]> General Honda Big Red Discussion Dr_Al http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72796-did-anyne-else-see.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72795-take-back-utah-rally-huge-success.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:17:15 GMT BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT UPDATE!

TAKE BACK UTAH RALLY - Huge Success

Hey BRC Action Alert Subscribers!

The Take Back Utah Rally was a huge success! Kudos to the organizers for their time and effort and also to the thousands of Utahans who attended.

Here is a round up of the news. Read and enjoy!

Thank you to all who participated,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208.237.1008 ext 107
brrichard@sharetrails.org

Ralliers throng Capitol to voice love of recreational access to Utah lands
http://www.standard.net/topics/environment/2010/08/28/ralliers-throng-capitol-voice-love-recreational-access-utah-lands

Utahns at State Capitol protest federal public land policies
http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-utahns-protest-federal-public-land-policies,0,5219272.story

5,000 rally to "Take Back" Utah's public lands
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700061067/5000-rally-to-Take-Back-Utahs-public-lands.html

Outdoor Advocates and Enthusiasts to Rally for States' Rights
http://kcpw.org/blog/local-news/2010-08-27/outdoor-advocates-and-enthusiasts-to-rally-for-states-rights

Thousands of off-road enthusiasts ride to the Capitol
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50179959-76/utah-access-herbert-rally.html.csp

Let the Hate Mail begin!
Teabaggers' vision
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/50165948-82/utah-national-vision-future.html.csp ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72795-take-back-utah-rally-huge-success.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72794-brc-americas-great-outdoors-initiative-update.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:44:48 GMT BRC AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE UPDATE - August 30, 2010

The two key goals of the American's Great Outdoors Initiative

I want to begin by saying this update will not speculate on what President Obama will do insofar as exercising his authority to designate National Monuments. We'll wait until after the November election for that. And we wont be speculating on how the Treasured Landscape Initiative is related to the America's Great Outdoors Initiative (AGO Initiative) - yet.

There seem to be two key goals in the American's Great Outdoors Initiative. One is to facilitate another omnibus public lands bill and the other is to increase White House involvement in the Departments of Interior and Agriculture's activities.

Underneath all of the 'let's get America recreating outdoors' rhetoric, President Obama's Memorandum lists three "functions:" 1) outreach; 2) coordination; and 3) reports. The outreach function includes the various listening sessions we've been alerting you about, as well as the information obtained by the Department of Interior (DOI) website http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/. The result of which will be included in a report due November 15, 2010, just in time for a lame duck Congress.

At this point its obvious that the "outreach" function is all about pushing a legislative agenda. The AGO Initiative has already been used by the Wilderness activists to push several wilderness bills. There are a couple of dozen bills that are already queued up and could pass via a "pass all or nothing" omnibus or separately. Either way, wilderness advocates are hopeful the AGO Initiative, and the attention in the media, will push several bills through during the next session of Congress (scheduled for September 14 through October 8).

The second goal of the Initiative is embedded in the "coordination" function of Obama's Memorandum. It directs the Environmental Protection Agency, Council on Environmental Quality, the Departments of Ag and Interior to "identify existing resources and align policies and programs to achieve its goals." The Memorandum also requires the Chair of the CEQ to issue a report by November 15, 2010, and Annual reports by September 30, 2011, and 2012.

At first glance, that doesn't seem all that significant. The administration, via CEQ, can already get into AG's and Interior's business, and for many previous administrations has been used to advance various White House programs. Still, adding a formal coordinating function is one more way the Executive Branch is putting its fingers in what is properly Congress's business.

Is it really all about the money?

At second glance, this new coordination function could be a very clever way to have the administration's hand on a billion dollar money spigot.
Right now, Congress is debating whether or not to fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and if yes, how to fund it and for how much. LWCF is a fund that diverts federal excise taxes from offshore oil and gas development for state and local conservation programs such as buying private lands and otherwise increasing the federal estate. But it is sporadic because Congress must allocate funding each fiscal year.

Congress is considering giving it long term funding authorization via a comprehensive energy bill (HR 3534) that would guarantee the program funding for the next 30 years, but there is a lot of opposition.

A separate source of funding is also on the horizon. Every version of climate change legislation has provisions that would establish some sort of "climate adaptation fund" (or similar), that would provide billions of dollars for all kinds of "climate change mitigation" projects, including buying private lands. The source of funding varies with the legislation, but essentially it's a carbon tax. Potentially, such legislation would eclipse the LWCF both in scope and the amount of tax dollars spent.

The agencies are literally salivating at the prospect of this new source of tax dollars. As far back as 2009, when the first climate bill was making its way through the House, federal bureaucrats and environmental groups have been making plans to spend it. Actually, for the last couple of decades, preservationist oriented employees inside the land managing agencies have been promoting a ambitious conservation agenda, seeking not only to greatly expand the federal estate, but also to influence what activities occur on adjacent private and state owned lands. All of the work and preparation is done. All that is needed is a source of funding.

It seems obvious that this administration, under Secretary Salazar, is determined to get it -whether through climate legislation or direct taxes. When reporting about the AGO Initiative Jim Coffin wrote in a June 28 edition of Public Lands News:

The administration under the lead of the Council on Environmental Quality will have its hands full trying to come up with a conservation consensus after the listening sessions. Citizens have focused on everything from a demand for guns to broad conservation agendas.

Instead of beginning the initiative with a set of concrete proposals the administration said it will listen to interest groups and the American people first. If and when the initiative is fleshed out, insiders believe it could include:

* full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund,
* revitalization of the National Park System in time for its 100th Anniversary in 2016,
* the designation of a number of national monuments on Bureau of Land Management land,
* an omnibus public lands and parks bill (as is in the works now in Congress), or
* all of the above.
The source of the billions of dollars to accomplish such ambitious goals will be most controversial and has of course not been identified. However, Salazar has given broad hints in a dozen Congressional hearings that he has his eye on offshore oil and gas royalties. And, perhaps, on a sharp increase in onshore oil and gas royalties.

We're now 78 days away from the final report, we've had 27 meetings, and about a gazillion hits on the DOI website. It looks as if Coffin's sources will be right. Reports from meetings in CA, MT, UT, OR, CO (and other states) certainly confirms that input the agencies are getting is all over the map. Every interest group imaginable is pitching the administration for funding. At the Salt Lake City break out session, I got the impression that every "save the bug," "save the bog" and "save the beast" group in the Northern Hemisphere was angling for their piece of those carbon taxes.

Then you have input from farmers, livestock growers, and recreational users. The input is so wide ranging and general in nature that the administration could decide on virtually anything and the report would justify it as "reflecting the view of a majority of Americans." Sadly, such is an all-too-typical result of federal land manager's "public outreach" these days.

It's always tricky to make land-use predictions, however, I do feel it is safe to say the AGO Initiative will at least include two key tenets. One is directly related to the next omnibus public lands package, the other is to increase White House involvement in the day-to-day activities of the Department of Interior and the Department of Agriculture, and to influence where the Natural Resources Climate Adaptation Fund is spent. ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72794-brc-americas-great-outdoors-initiative-update.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72793-klim-usa-blue-ribbon-coalition-team-up-again.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:53:10 GMT Klim USA and Blue Ribbon Coalition team up to preserve snowmobile access to public lands

Rigby, ID (August 30, 2010) -Nate Blaylock announced today that the two Idaho based entities will partner this winter to increase membership in the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and to drive involvement in the public lands debate.

"Klim has long held a concern for the preservation of riding areas." said Mr. Blaylock. "Snow machine enthusiasts do not destroy, they enjoy. The tempo of land use closures have dramatically increased in the last year. We are concerned, but not dismayed. We are determined to do our part."

The BlueRibbon Coalition has admirably fought for recreational access to public land since 1987. With members in all 50 states and its headquarters just 60 miles south of Klim in Pocatello, Idaho, the nonprofit organization has represented the OHV enthusiast in significant national battles and often come away with important victories for the industry.

From September 1st to November 30th 2010 everyone that joins, extends or renews a BRC membership will receive a $25 dollar gift certificate good for snow products from Klim's technical riding gear line.

For more information visit www.klimusa or BlueRibbon Coalition: Protecting your recreational access to public lands. ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72793-klim-usa-blue-ribbon-coalition-team-up-again.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72792-roll-over-tendency.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:03:38 GMT Took my new Big Red out last evening for its maiden voyage on my VERY mountainous farm. I could not get a feel as to how prone it is going to be to rolling over on side slopes. I have ridden my Kawasaki Prairie over this place over this ground a lot, and it feels more stable that BR. Have any of you rolled your BR, and how much effort did it take? I know that is subjective, but give it a shot. Thanks. Took my new Big Red out last evening for its maiden voyage on my VERY mountainous farm. I could not get a feel as to how prone it is going to be to rolling over on side slopes. I have ridden my Kawasaki Prairie over this place over this ground a lot, and it feels more stable that BR. Have any of you rolled your BR, and how much effort did it take? I know that is subjective, but give it a shot.
Thanks. ]]> General Honda Big Red Discussion tricuspid http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72792-roll-over-tendency.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/new-member-introductions-site-assistance/72791-new-u-p-michigan.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:42:44 GMT Greetings from Upper Michigan. We just got our BR. We have about 45 miles on it. We have hundreds of back roads and trails to ride in our area (Hiawatha National Forest). We are anxious to get back into the woods. BR has allowed us to visit some remote areas again. We are now able to get to areas that we could not visit anymore. I am glad to have found this site. I had questions that I have found answer to on this site. I am excited to find a place for unbiased advice from people that have experience not just from the dealer. My wife and I are both retired and intend to enjoy the freedom BR and no schedule provide. My neighbor has already decided that I can help him get his ice fishing shack out on the ice. Not sure that this is a good idea with the weight of BR. Greetings from Upper Michigan. We just got our BR. We have about 45 miles on it. We have hundreds of back roads and trails to ride in our area (Hiawatha National Forest). We are anxious to get back into the woods. BR has allowed us to visit some remote areas again. We are now able to get to areas that we could not visit anymore. I am glad to have found this site. I had questions that I have found answer to on this site. I am excited to find a place for unbiased advice from people that have experience not just from the dealer. My wife and I are both retired and intend to enjoy the freedom BR and no schedule provide. My neighbor has already decided that I can help him get his ice fishing shack out on the ice. Not sure that this is a good idea with the weight of BR. ]]> EskymoEric http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/new-member-introductions-site-assistance/72791-new-u-p-michigan.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/off-topic/72790-extra-gas.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:08:16 GMT Other than the fact the guy had a Honda Foreman this has nothing to do with Big Red's but I just had to post it.

I just got back from my two week holiday in Maine and New York and was talking to a couple who had two ATV's on there truck and trailer. The first story the guy told me was how they went out on this trail that they had never been on and on there way back to camp well after dark they realized the 3 of them were all getting low on fuel. So knowing that they wouldn't make it they stop and siphoned two of the bikes dry and used what little gas they had to put in the tank of the third bike. After a few more miles that bike also ran out of gas and the guy riding it had to hike back a few miles to camp to get the extra gas they had. I thought this was all fine and could of happened to anyone. Then he goes on to tell me another story with the same out come and then his wife pipes up and reminds him of two other times this has happened and they all get a laugh out of it.

I thought to myself this is a great way to get oneself into a world of trouble real quick and these two seem to do it all the time and even on some weird level enjoyed it.

I always ride with a 20L tank on the back even if I am just running around some of the local trails. I also always have my GPS with me as I have had to look for people lost in the woods to many times. This couple said they have one but never took the time to learn how to use it and just leave it at home.

Anyway just venting. ]]> Off-Topic sfrankland http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/off-topic/72790-extra-gas.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72789-weekend-ride.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:40:18 GMT Rode my br about 100miles over the weekend, very happy with it, I had no problems and it has not died on me anymore. My br is stock and it will take you places you don't need to go. I hit some major mud and some good hill climbs. I plan to add a winch before next ride, and am considering a lift kit, wheels, and bigger tires in the future was wandering about a snorkel anybody have one, need a little info on it thanks. ]]> General Honda Big Red Discussion biggreenmachine http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72789-weekend-ride.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72788-congress-considering-public-lands-omnibus-bill-again.html Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:40:52 GMT

Weigh In to Encourage Your Members to Reject Omnibus Approach

As you may recall, last year Congress approved a massive omnibus public lands bill that cobbled more than 160 separate pieces of legislation into one massive bill. The bill permanently eliminated the potential for motorized recreation on more than two million acres of public lands that were designated as wilderness in nine states. In addition, the package added three new national park units, a new national monument, three new national conservation areas, more than 1,000 miles of national wild and scenic rivers and four new national trails. Also signed into law as a part of the omnibus package was the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) Act, which is currently being used to limit motorized access on Bureau of Land Management lands.

Now Congress is considering creating another public lands omnibus package. Key Members of Congress have indicated that they would like an omnibus this year and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has made it clear that he would like Congress to move one as well.

It is important that you contact your Members of Congress and key Congressional leaders to let them know you oppose a new massive omnibus public lands law and that a repeat of the 2009 law will mean more restrictions to access.

Please click the TAKE ACTION link below to urge your Members and key Congressional leaders to oppose a massive omnibus bill in favor of ensuring that all public lands bills have hearings to allow for full local input.

https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=241 ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72788-congress-considering-public-lands-omnibus-bill-again.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72787-managing-increased-use-ohvs.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:15:24 GMT GAO
Report to the Subcommittee on
National Parks, Forests and Public
Lands, Committee on Natural
Resources, House of Representatives

FEDERAL LANDS
Enhanced Planning
Could Assist Agencies
in Managing Increased
Use of Off-Highway
Vehicles

The following are excerpts from a study commissioned by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) which was conducted from 2004-2008 and dated June, 2009.

The full document can be found here . . . http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09509.pdf

“Over the past 5 years, OHV use has increased on federal lands and has
emerged as a national issue. Federal land management agencies have only
recently begun to respond to this trend by revising their plans and how
they manage OHV use, but they are having to do so in an environment of
constrained budgetary and staff resources and other competing
management priorities. Although they reported taking a variety of actions
to manage OHV use in this environment, agency field unit officials
reported that they cannot sustainably manage their OHV route systems.

To help provide quality OHV recreational opportunities while protecting
natural and cultural resources on federal lands, we recommend that:

• the Secretary of Agriculture direct the Chief of the Forest Service to
identify additional strategies to achieve the agency’s goal of improving
OHV management, as well as time frames for carrying out the strategies
and performance measures for monitoring incremental progress; and

• the Secretary of the Interior direct the Director of BLM to enhance the
agency’s existing “Priorities for Recreation and Visitor Services” by
establishing performance measures and time frames for carrying out its
stated goals for OHV recreation.

Additionally, to improve communication with the public and enhance law
enforcement efforts regarding OHV use on federal lands, we recommend
that the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior direct the Forest
Service and BLM, respectively, to take the following actions:

• enhance communication with the public about OHV trails and areas
through, for example, developing user-friendly signs and maps to improve
visitors’ experiences; and

• examine fine amounts across various U.S. district courts to determine the
range of fines for OHV-related violations and petition appropriate judicial
authorities to make modifications where warranted.”

If you read the entire document you will see what we are facing and how this report could likely be directly linked to the rash of Public Land closures and restrictions, The President’s leaked secret DOI “National Monument” plan and his “America’s Great Outdoors Initiative”.

These proposed land grabs appear to be tied to a recently exposed giant “Omnibus” package of “One Size Fits All” legislation which seems designed to significantly reduce OHV access opportunities on OUR Public Lands.

Stand-by and watch it happen or STAND UP and get involved in fighting this!

And just in from the BRC’s Recreation News . . .

AGO Initiative Update:

BLM document on monument proposals made public
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20100817/NEWS01/8170308

Salazar says they aren't going to propose monuments where there isn't local support. So we can expect the administration will remove this monument from consideration?

I'm not holding my breath...

Lewistown meeting shows monument opposition mounting
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/Lewistown-meeting-shows-monument-opposition-mounting

Lawmaker: Monuments a matter for public
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/lawmaker_monuments_a_matter_fo/
By Gary Harmon

Wilderness, resource issues discussed at public "gathering"
http://www.illinois-valley-news.com/archive/2010/08/18/gathering/

And the "Listening Sessions" continue. I hope you've logged onto the DOI website and weighed in...

It's interesting to read the different take from the Listening Sessions in other parts of the country...

Smokies doing its part to advance Great Outdoors Initiative
National parks play key role in creating nature enthusiasts
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/aug/22/smokies-helping-lead-the-way/

And...as is to be expected... greenie's will be chiming in in praise of the AGO Initiative goals and encouraging more National Parks and Monuments...

National Treasures or American Wastelands, the Choice is Ours
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/philippe-cousteau/national-treasures-or-ame_b_684481.html
Philippe Cousteau
________________________________________
Forest Service Planning Rule Update:

Lame stream media doing their part to advance the USFS "all lands" approach to forest planning...

USFS Report: 'Ecosystem Services' at Risk From Suburban Development
http://www.nytimes.com/19greenwire-usfs-report-ecosystem-services-at-risk-from-sub-6173.html

Private Forests Public Benefits: Download Report
http://www.fs.fed.us/openspace/fote/benefits_download.html

The other day the US Forest Service blasted a Planning Rule update informing the public that they've dismissed the many serious concerns over this concept of planning for state and private lands within the Forest Planning process. Doing so before the Draft Rule is out is not a good sign.

More here . . . http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=BRC_Recnews&rnid=97 ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72787-managing-increased-use-ohvs.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72786-parts.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:22:12 GMT just wandering were the best place to buy parts and accessaries for the br. I am having trouble finding very much for it. just wandering were the best place to buy parts and accessaries for the br. I am having trouble finding very much for it. ]]> General Honda Big Red Discussion biggreenmachine http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72786-parts.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72785-light-bar.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:33:17 GMT Does anyone know of manufactures for overhead light bars? Would like to install one just below the roof of my BR with individual lights, something like Hellas. Thanks. Does anyone know of manufactures for overhead light bars? Would like to install one just below the roof of my BR with individual lights, something like Hellas. Thanks. ]]> General Honda Big Red Discussion donreno http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72785-light-bar.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72773-air-filter.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:42:48 GMT Is anyone using an aftermarket air filter?? I notice the UNI filter is advertised everywhere and wonder if anyone has had any experience with this filter in the Big Red?? Does K&N make a filter for the Big Red?? If so, what is the part number?? ]]> General Honda Big Red Discussion lomac http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/general-honda-big-red-discussion/72773-air-filter.html http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72772-tellico-update.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:51:20 GMT Tellico Update- August 24, 2010

From: Greg Mumm
Executive Director
BlueRibbon Coalition

These days, we are often asked one or both of the following questions, 1) "What is going on with the Tellico lawsuit?" and 2) Why bother with the fight there when the trails are being obliterated before the courts can decide anything?"

For those who aren't familiar with the issues surrounding Tellico, it's appropriate to start with a brief history. Mind you, there is more to it than what we share here—much more—but that is an emotionally charged discussion for another time.

For all intent and purpose, the Forest Service, under outside pressure of a threatened lawsuit, began the process of closing the trail system in Tellico in late 2007. It began with an emergency closure order. Following that, and arguably as a result of pressure from a legal action of our own, the Forest Service conducted formal planning that predictably resulted in a decision to permanently close the system and "rehabilitate" most of the trails.

We don't agree with that decision. The partnership of Southern, BRC and United filed an administrative appeal, as did others, all of which were denied by the appeals deciding officer. Faced with the outcome of either quietly accepting the decision of the Forest Service to close Tellico or take legal action, we opted for the latter, and the partner groups filed the necessary 60 day notice of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act.

Ironically, as we did so, the Forest Service quickly began the process of obliterating the trails. That action on the part of the Forest Service necessitated the step of the partnership groups formally filing a separate legal action in May of 2010.

Cases like this are not simple to litigate. Nor are they quick. In fact, the proposed litigation schedule on the current case stretches into mid-July of 2011. Meantime, through their contractor, the Forest Service is continuing to obliterate the trails and the bottom line is there are only two ways to get a quicker answer from the courts: 1) a preliminary injunction, or 2) seek a solution through mediation. We debated both options and, under the advice of legal counsel, the partner groups decided to seek a solution through mediation, and with good reason.

Contrary to what many assert, obtaining an injunction is very challenging to achieve. The courts give broad deference to agency actions as long as the agency isn't acting irrationally.

Many would rightly argue that it is the lack of rational thought in all of the Forest Service actions in Tellico that is at the core of the whole issue here. However, it is another thing altogether to convince a federal judge that, under the law, the recreation groups have or will suffer "irreparable harm." Especially since the counter argument is simply that anything being done in Tellico now can just as easily be undone later should the judge ultimately rule in our favor.

On the other hand, choosing the mediation route, as we have, allows for "out of the box" solutions to come into play, and the potential for long-term solutions is only limited by the resolve and the creativity brought to the table. If no solution is reached, mediation also leaves the door open to put it back in the hands of the judge to decide on the merits of the case.

So, the answer to the first question is that we are going to mediation, the first session of which is scheduled for mid-September.

Which brings up the second question regarding what is there to gain through mediation or the lawsuit in Tellico, particularly once "all the trails are gone." The fact is there is not only much to be gained, but so much more to avoid losing.

There are three primary goals that we have always had and will continue to have for the Tellico legal action:

1) Turn the corner on advocacy encouraging the Forest Service to manage FOR this type of recreation instead of FROM it
2) Establish meaningful and well managed trails in Tellico and beyond
3) Ensure confidence in the validity of the public process and agency partnerships

What is happening in Tellico won't stay in Tellico. Frankly, we have seen this ongoing saga everywhere across the country. If we don't draw the line here, what is going to happen with the next planning process… and the one after that? Whether you want to define it as the Agency lacking the necessary skill-sets to manage for recreation, or whether you want to call it a fear of being sued by the extreme anti-access crowd, or even just a negative OHV attitude, something has to change or we are going to continue to be steamrolled into oblivion. It is time to send a very clear message that the Forest Service can no longer play "dumb" and ignore their Congressional mandate to take an active role in managing for recreation.

Yes, we are hopeful of re-establishing meaningful and sustainable, vehicle-based, trails in Tellico and/or other areas of the Nantahala National Forest. More importantly, this case has broader national implications.
There is no question that recreational access is under attack. Issues like Tellico provide an opportunity to demonstrate the resolve, effectiveness, and creativity of our advocacy effort.

We need your continued support and ask that you not listen to those who throw up their arms and walk away saying, "What's the point? The Forest Service is going to do whatever they want anyway." We cannot give up. Please donate to Rescue Tellico today to help protect the trails where you are. You can give that tax deductible donation quickly and securely online at www.sharetrails.org/rescue-tellico. ]]> Public Lands Advocacy The Lyin King http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/public-lands-advocacy/72772-tellico-update.html