FETA Newsletter Fall 2008

Last year FENCE's Board of Directors approved a Conservation Easement to the Pacolet Area Conservancy to ensure that FENCE's land will remain permanently protected from development. FETA's Board responded to the challenge. To help raise the Stewardship funds needed, well known artists Phyllis Eiffert and Sarah Holmberg were commissioned to create a print of the FETA Trails Area. The prints have been sold to raise the money pledged by FETA. These lovely limited edition, signed prints have been enthusiastically purchased by many members of FETA and the community, raising almost $5,000 toward FETA's pledge to date. Prints are still available, and make wonderful gifts, 'closing presents' for realtors and, of course, a wonderful addition to your home or office. Be a part of protecting the FENCE legacy. A limited number of prints are still available. If you would like to help FETA meet its goal to help permanently protect FENCE's open space, please contact Sarah Holmberg at 828-894-3780.

HEADS UP! TIMMMM....BER!!! Yes, the trees are crashing out there. Dead and dying trees are coming down at an increased rate. Be sure to look down the trail for dangerous leaners and call them in. Sometimes they give no warning, however, so be careful especially after rain (remember rain?) or on windy days. You ride at your own risk and the landowners and FETA cannot get all the trees down so watch your heads! Also, deer hunting season begins on September 8th. Many of our landowners permit hunting and, of course, many trespassers hunt without permission. Wear bright colors and avoid dawn and dusk, and be sure to use caution.

LITTLE MOUNTAIN TRAILS UPDATE A number of our members have asked about the status of the Little Mountain property and the County landfill. Hat Creek Cattle & Timber Company, LLC purchased the Champion Paper property several years ago, and has added to the acreage with additional purchases. They have developed part of the property as Hughes Creek Preserve, an upscale equestrian development, with easement protected FETA trails. They have no current plans to develop the remaining property, approximately 400 acres, which also has many miles of beautiful trails. FETA entered into an agreement with Hat Creek to be the sole user of the trails. This means that people cannot use the riding trails unless they are FETA members, and that other uses are not authorized by the owner. In exchange, FETA restored the trails and will maintain same. A clean up day is scheduled on November 8th to work on the smaller trails.

FETA will be trying to establish some 'order' on the property, but you should be aware that there is a long history of trespassing and illegal hunting there. If you see other users on the property, particularly ATV's, please report it to Don Lyons at 828-894-2975 or foxchapelfarm@yahoo.com. Many thanks to FETA Board members Bill Ennis and Mike Stone, Hat Creek's partners, for allowing exclusive trail use to FETA's members. Let's be sure to be very good stewards. Come join the Clean Up day crew to make the area even better.

HELP SHOW OUR THANKS!
Have you or a loved one needed the help of EMS, Rescue Squad or the St. Luke's ER this past year? They are here for us year round, and each year FETA volunteers make a basket of cookies and other goodies to give to them while they are working over the holidays. It would be fun if everyone they helped were to contribute to the baskets, and maybe send a personal note or card. Interested? Call Dot Moyer at 828-606-6571 or dotmoyer@alltel.net