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 Post subject: USDA issues Trail Survey Contract for Beasley Knob OHV
PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 4:39 pm 
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The USDA has put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to inventory and assess the sustainability and impact of the Beasley Knob OHV area. See the documentation here:

[url]https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=83e3b7c6df2708b224f1c65c25b2bc24&tab=core&_cview=1
[/url]

From the RFP:

"The Beasley Knob OHV Trail System is one of eleven OHV trail systems on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests. It is the only trail system on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests which allows for full-size passenger vehicles. [NOTE: This statement is not entirely true, as the Tatum Lead OHV area is also for full-sized passenger vehicles, a fact that the USFS keeps trying to down play. Also there were 3 other OHV areas for full-sized vehicles that the USFS has closed: Rich Mountain (2004), Bell Mountian (2004) and Anderson Creek (2005) --Colin] The system accounts for approximately 10 percent of all off-road mileage and nearly 100 percent of full-size vehicle mileage available on the two forests. Interestingly, it also accounts for approximately 10 percent of off-road mileage available on public land in the entire state of Georgia considering that the U.S. Forest Service is the only governmental agency to offer this type of recreation on public land.

The Beasley Knob OHV Trail System provides approximately 10.5 miles of recreational riding for OHV enthusiasts. The system is made up of interconnecting dirt trails, rock hill climbs and gravel roads through the Chattahoochee National Forest. The system is recommended for experienced riders, only, because of its challenging terrain and steep ascents. The trail system attracts recreationists from local Georgia communities, the metropolitan Atlanta area and surrounding states, especially those seeking to ride full-size four-wheel drive vehicles, such as jeeps and buggies. It is estimated that full size vehicles account for approximately 35% of the trail use, ATV’s 25%, motorcycles 25%, and buggies 15%. Based upon revenue figures, approximately 3000 riders use this system annually."

The trail assessment project timeline starts now (Oct 2010) and the final report from the awarded contractor is due January 18, 2011. The Beasley Knob OHV area is usually closed for the Winter from January 1st thru March 31st every year.

While there is not conclusive proof that this is a potential step in the closure of this OHV area, the process bears a strikingly similar tone to that employed in the assessment and closure of the above listed GA OHV areas and that of the 2009 closure of the Tellico OHV area in NC. Everyone is encouraged to keep an eye on this...

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 Post subject: Re: USDA issues Trail Survey Contract for Beasley Knob OHV
PostPosted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:08 pm 
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I was able to contact an acquaintance who has been working with the FS first hand on the Beasley Assessment - Just wanted to share this rare GOOD news about OHV use in Georgia.

Quote:
I sit on the RTP committee that approved the funds for the assessment.

And, I’ve sat with the Forest Supervisor for many hours. He feels that Beasley Knob IS an appropriate place for OHV trails.

I spent 2 weeks walking the trails in Beasley Knob with the Forest Service and the President of the Professional Trail Building Association during the assessment. We documented every inch of every trail. How wide is it? How steep is it? How deep are the walls? We GPS’d it with $6,000 GPS units strapped to our backs. And, it rained most of the time…what fun. LOL. Then the team looked at possible new trail sections to create loops. And, at what sections may need to be closed or re-routed. A report will be generated for the Forest Service offering professional advice and ideas. Then the Forest Service will decide what to do first, second, third, etc. It will depend on the time and budget they have.

The report is due in January. There will be public Scoping letters available before any work is done.

On a side note, I’ve introduced a few of the Georgia Cruiser’s officers to the Forest Service Ranger for the Chattooga District. We met and looked over the maps. The Cruiser guys are supposed to be out scouting trails…

Dave Logan
http://www.4wdschool.com

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