Dear Interested Citizen:

On December 18, 2007 I signed the enclosed Decision Memo to put into effect two Forest Supervisor’s Orders for the Upper Tellico Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area on the Tusquitee Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest.  This decision is based on information gathered during a recent condition survey of high risk trail segments, and on public comments received during the scoping period.

The decision implements the following actions:

·        Proposed Action 1: A one-year closure of Lower Trail 2 (from the intersection with Road 420 west to Road 402), Trail 7, a portion of Trail 8 (from the intersection with Trail 9 to the intersection with Trail 10A), and Trail 9 in the Upper Tellico OHV area which prohibits operating motor vehicles on these trails during the closure period and sets penalties for violating the provision of this Order.

·        Proposed Action 2: A seasonal closure of the Upper Tellico OHV Area which prohibits operating motor vehicles on trails within the Area during the period between January 1 and March 31 each year and sets penalties for violating the provision of this Order.

The trails in Proposed Action 1 have been identified as contributing to sedimentation in the Tellico River system.  The closure will allow time for further evaluation of the resource condition associated with these trails, planning for long-term resource protection, and needed repairs to correct impacts to the area waters and aquatic resource.  The actions in Proposed Action 2 are needed to prevent resource damage during a period when the area is most vulnerable to resource damage.

These actions are categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment.  These actions are not subject to legal notice and opportunity to comment (36 CFR 215.14(a)).  Pursuant to 36 CFR 215.12 (f), this decision is not subject to appeal.

Please contact Rick Semingson, Nantahala Zone NEPA Coordinator, at (828) 837-5152 if you have questions concerning this decision.

Thank you for your interest in the management of the National Forests in North Carolina.

Sincerely,