Summer camp is always an option to keep young minds and bodies busy, so Johnson City Parks and Recreation is offering several day camps through June and July.

Registrations for the various camps are open through May 31, and some of the more popular programs are already filling up. Robin DiMona, Johnson City Parks and Recreation services manager, says there are about 20 spots left for the Fit-to-Play Camp, which focuses on fitness.

“They get a chance to try all the sports, but they don’t have to be good at all of them,” DiMona said. “It gets them involved and they get to try things they’ve never done before.”

Fit-to-Play is a six-week camp held at the Freedom Hall auxiliary gym that begins June 11 and costs $150. It and other summer programs are open to ages 6-12, with the exception of the new Challenge Adventure Camp for eighth-10th graders.

The new program is an extension of Fit-to-Play, with the addition of more team-building activities and physical fitness. It’s a pilot program that Parks and Recreation has discussed adding to their summer lineup for several years.

“We wanted to try something that would get the younger teens involved instead of just being at the mall all day,” DiMona said. “We’re going to give them some different things to do that a 6-12-year-old wouldn’t be able to do.”

Challenge Adventure Camp is limited to 45 participants and begins June 11. The cost is $220.

DiMona says those who have outgrown the Fit-to-Play Camp will be excited that they can continue and go through a similar program, instead of their only option being to volunteer as a junior camp counselor.

Aside from full-time Parks and Recreation Staff, an additional 20 summer camp counselors will help supervise about 500 children who partake in summer programming.

“When the summer is out Parks and Recreation is in,” DiMona said. “We gear up for the summer.”

Although the most popular camps focus on fitness, there are several nature camp offerings, including the new Children of the Earth Camp.

Johnson City Parks Naturalist Brad Jones will host the weeklong camp at Robert Young Cabin in Winged Deer Park. Campers will play animal clue games, nature bingo and learn about the water cycle and food chain.

DiMona says the Youth Conservation and Ranger Camp, plus the Jr. Naturalist Camp, fill up quickly since there are only 35 spots in each one. The cost is $40 per camper.

Parks and Recreation also offers a seven-week Discovery Camp, broken into three session that begins June 4. This year’s theme is “My city in the country” and will include lessons about city government and the local transit system, as well as field trips to Tipton Haynes Historic Site and the Johnson City Farmers’ Market.

Campers can choose from a variety of programs during session two, beginning June 25, that focus on sports, nature or art. Even those who don’t sign up for Discovery Camp can still partake in these programs.

Each day of the City Slicker Sports Camp, held during session two, will be devoted to a different sport, and there will be a Color My City Art Camp and Nature in the City Camp.

Session three of Discovery camp begins July 2. The cost is $115 for the full seven weeks or $40 per session.

“I think we’re very special in that a lot of areas don’t have this variety of opportunities for the kids,” DiMona said. “Ours are always priced well because we want to make sure everyone can afford it.”

Summer camp registration is available online at www.myjcparks.org. Questions and paper registration forms can be found at Legion Recreation Center, 111 Legion St., or by calling 361-4850.

Also available in Thursday's Outdoors section is a column by Johnny Molloy, who provides some advice for fishing. James Brooks' weekly column about birdwatching can also be found in today's Outdoors section.

The two of us were floating the shoreline in a canoe. Wes was in the bow, throwing a small rubber grub lure, sort of jigging it off the bottom as we moved along the shore. I, on the other hand, was throwing floating top water plugs, such as a Heddon frog.

Wes was catching almost exclusively walleye, while I was catching exclusively smallmouth bass – from the same boat. See, what type of lure you cast matters as much as what type of water into which you are casting.

I learned a lot that day about spin fishing. Consider what lures you will use next outing. Below is a suggested list for a spin fishing base kit that has worked for me on streams, rivers and backcountry lakes throughout the U.S.

As far as specific spin fishing lures to take, always take into account individual stream regulations – but this is a base list of lures from which to work. The first choice is a 1/8th ounce gold Panther Martin spinner, with orange trim. Gold seems to work everywhere a lure will work.

You can see the gold spinner run through the water and consequently see the strike. That’s half the fun. I would have at least 3 of these at all times, even on a day trip. Panther Martin spinners are superior because of design. The blade is mounted directly on the spinner shaft, forcing a spin no matter the speed of the current or your retrieve, whereas the blades of other spinners are hooked to metal that is hooked to the shaft. Contemplate making one of your Panther Martins a ¼ ounce lure. This way you can cast farther and bigger lures, catch bigger fish (but not always more fish). The smaller lure, 1/16 ounce, can be prohibitively small, especially when it comes to distance casting. They are preferred only on the smallest of trout streams.

Secondly, I would have a gold Mepps Agila, dressed with a brown “squirrel tail,” which disguises the hook and gives added action. It is tried and true, outlasting trendy lures.

I always take three plugs. The first is a floater/diver Rebel Crawfish. I recommend the Teeny Wee Crawfish and the Wee Crawfish for most waters. Speaking of twos, what about two different fish, two different sizes, on one Rebel Crawfish?

My pal Kent Roller and I were on West Virginia’s Greenbrier River when he threw a crawdad into a midstream hole. He got a strike right away and to his surprise he pulled up a smallmouth bass and a rock bass, each latched onto their own treble hook on the crawdad. I have had my own “double-doubles” as well.

When it comes to trout I have better luck with the smaller size crawfish. As with all lures I am a fan of realistic colors. Go with red/brown or green/brown. This can be used for trout, panfish and bass. The Rebel Crawfish can be operated as a topwater lure, and for deeper action. If you aren’t having luck, try reeling at different speeds, and bang off rocks to recreate the erratic movements of a crawfish. Sometimes, an ultra-slow retrieve will bring in the fish when nothing else is working.

The second plug would be a gold floating Rapala, 3 1/8 inches, with two treble hooks. This can be effectively used as topwater bait in lakes and in still water on streams, and can also bring out some big fish from larger stream pools. It can also draw in trout and smaller bass in moving water. The third and final plug in the arsenal would be a Heddon Baby Torpedo with the blade on back.

Specifically, I use the green and white baby bass and the green and yellow bullfrog Heddon. These can be deadly when operated correctly in still water, but are much less effective in moving water. Sometimes, while stream fishing, if I get to a particularly large hole, I will change to a plug from a spinner to see if I can catch the big one. The best multi-use plug from the above is the crawfish.

This aquatic arsenal has evolved over the years. I was once a big fan of Roostertail spinners but found the blades less effective in waters of varying current speeds. If you want more variety in your spinners, vary your colors, including silver-based Panther Martins and Mepps. For faster moving waters, you may also want to include a Panther Martin with a wider, heavier body.

So whether you are on a lake in Ontario, Canada, or the Nolichucky River in Greene County, Tennessee, your choice of lures can alter your fishing experience.

“It’s exercise with a view,” said Mary Ann Kinch, marketing and special events coordinator for Johnson City Parks and Recreation.

—————————————————

Subscribers to either the print or online version of Johnson City Press have full access to our electronic edition. The complete text of this article appears ) on page 6B of the Wednesday, April 4, 2012, edition.

The bright green moss covering the rocks and dead tree trunks is the most colorful feature along Hartsell Hollow Trail. Everyone from runners to dog walkers to mixed martial arts fighters is soothed by the sounds of water trickling down the mountain.

“I don’t enjoy running on the roads, I enjoy it here. It’s cooler,” said Rick Gray, who trail runs at Buffalo Mountain Park with his wife, Tammy, on a regular basis.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the couple spent more than an hour on Buffalo Mountain. They say trail running is a way to see a lot of scenic spots on the mountain in a short period of time, but they’re always prepared to fall or tumble since it’s easy to get tripped up on a rock or a root.

When the temperatures really heat up, Rick says they’ll splash around in the creek to cool off after making the trek to one of Buffalo Mountain’s main attractions – White Rock and Tip Top, each at elevations above 3,000 feet.

The Tuco O Tapa Mixed Martial Arts Team occasionally runs to White Rock and Tip Top as an alternative training method.

“It’s a nice day, so why train inside?” said Jason King, a member of Tuco O Tapa.

With their next fight three weeks away, six of the MMA fighters pushed one another up the gravel road/trail that winds up to White Rock. Kings says a couple of the fighters need to lose weight, and a long, calorie-burning run is a good way to do it.

They got to White Rock in about 30 minutes, but by the time they wandered back to the trailhead, the guys were ready to visit a local sandwich shop before heading to the gym.

“This is fun and we don’t get to do it often,” John said. “It’s good for team building and camaraderie.”

Rick and Tammy Gray say Buffalo Mountain Park is a nearby hiking destination that a lot of locals don’t take advantage of simply because they don’t know it’s there.

“Everyone can enjoy it, and you can’t get lost,” Rick said.

A map of all the available routes is posted at the trailhead of the park, 5070 Highridge Road, and online at www.myjcparks.org. Johnson City Parks Naturalist Brad Jones recommends Huckleberry Knob for anyone looking to do a shorter, less strenuous hike than the march to White Rock.

Even though it took the MMA team a mere 30 minutes, Jones says it normally takes about an hour and an additional 30 to 40 minutes to get to Tip Top.

“Gosh, it’s just beautiful up there,” Jones said.

Jones recommends leaving for a long-distance hike early in the day in order to arrive back to the parking lot before the park closes at sunset.

“A lot of what the draw is to Buffalo Mountain is getting exercise and getting into the mountains and just going for a nice hike,” he said.

Though much of the beauty is a result of the spectacular views from White Rock and Tip Top, the wildflowers, such as Jacob’s Ladder, are another Buffalo Mountain Park attraction. Jones says there are about 210 species of plants on the mountain, more than any other city park. The Friends of Nature group has put all the plant varieties together in book form and will be selling them at Buffalo Mountain Park Days on May 18-20.

A forest fire consumed about 400 of the 723 acres of the park almost four years ago, yet many species of plants continue to flourish.

“It knocked down a lot of the shrubs,” Jones said. “The big trees seemed to survive. The fire literally almost came down to the road that goes around picnic area. If you look around there at times you will see burnt pieces of tree. The fire at its peak was incredible.”

Other than spotting the rare charred remains of the 2008 blaze, Jones says this is a perfect time to see migratory birds on Buffalo Mountain.

“They come up over the mountains and settle back down into the valleys,” he said. “We have so many birds that live here all year round.”

When summer arrives, Jones says trail users should be aware that Buffalo Mountain does have a snake habitat.

For more information about Buffalo Mountain Park, call 283-5815.

“It looks like it’s going to be great hunting with nice, warm weather,” said Toy Simpson, a charter member of the Bays Mountain Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

All winter long the Kingsport native has been monitoring his secret hunting spot in “Deep Woods” to figure out where the flocks of turkey are. He says wild turkey thrive in East Tennessee, even though there was once a time when there were few to be found. Things have turned around since then, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced record-breaking turkey harvests.

“This was their natural habitat and there was no control over them and people killed them out,” Simpson said.

Hens are out in the thickets looking for nests and will be laying eggs soon. Since spring arrived early this year, Simpson fears an unpredictable cold snap could “chill the eggs” and force them to have to lay a second clutch. Nevertheless, he’s optimistic about his chances of harvesting another trophy-winning turkey.

“I’m going for the biggies,” Simpson said with a grin. “If he’s a got a long beard, more than likely he’s got long spurs. For a turkey to be really mature, he has to be 7-8 years old.”

Although Simpson is a selective turkey hunter, his methods are basic. He sets up blinds in “Deep Woods,” but also does a lot of walking while he hunts.

“Once I hear him gobble, I usually try to get as close to him as I can and I set up and gobble and start calling him in,” he said.

Simpson doesn’t expect to have much luck calling any gobblers in until the hens have found their desired nest and start laying their eggs, which they lay on for 28 days.

“Those ol’ boys are going to get lonely,” he said. “You could hit a call and he’s going to hammer down and gobble, gobble, gobble because he thinks he’s found a girlfriend. It’s like taking candy from a baby, you can call him right in.”

Simpson paints a pretty picture of spring turkey season, but it isn’t always as easy as it sounds. In fact, the sounds being sent to surrounding gobblers can make or break a hunter’s chances of bagging one of the four bearded turkeys allowed this season.

Undercalling and overcalling can send gobblers in the opposite direction. Simpson said it’s kind of like that country song by Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler.”

“You have to know when to call and not to call. Like you’ve got to know when to hold ’em when to fold ’em,” he said. “You pick that up from experience.”

Simpson recommends box calls that are “nothing but a musical instrument” that hunters can use to make 10-12 different sounds in order to find their own turkey voice. Slate, mouth and wingbone calls are also available, but Simpson said the mouth and wingbone calls are hard to get used to and take a lot of practice. In order to learn the various turkey calls and when to use them, Simpson says the Internet is a great resource for picking up the cluck and purr or fly down cackle.

A good call can bring on the most exciting part of the turkey hunting experience.

“When you call one in, he’s usually putting a show on for ya,” Simpson said. “He blows up and struts around because he’s looking for the hen. His waddles are red white and blue. He’s looking for a girlfriend. I like watching that show.”

Then comes the hard part.

“They can see you bat an eye,” Simpson said. “They have really good eyesight and they can hear. If they could smell like a deer I don’t think you could ever kill one, I’ll be honest with you.”

Simpson will hunt during most days of the season, whether its looking for his own harvest or helping someone else call in their first turkey. He’s the go-to turkey hunting guy who doesn’t mind the time and the patience turkey hunting takes, even on those days when he doesn’t hear one gobble or even when he lets one get away.

“I just enjoy being out and I just like turkeys,” he said. “My parents raised domesticated turkeys. I’ve been around them all my life. Just like people like dogs or different things, I like turkeys.”

The 2011 spring season, followed by the fall season, were the third highest harvests on record in the state. In 2011, Tennessee hunters harvested more than 34,000 birds during the spring hunt and more than 2,600 in the fall.

One change this year is that there is no restriction on shotgun gauges. Shotguns using ammunition with No. 4 shot or smaller is legal hunting equipment this spring. There is no restriction on the number of rounds in the magazine. Longbows, re-curve bows, crossbows and other bows drawn or held by a mechanical device are legal.

The Young Sportsman Hunt will give the youngsters the first opportunity for a wild turkey harvest. Youth hunters ages 6-16 are allowed one bearded turkey which counts toward statewide bag limit unless taken on a Wildlife Management Area where turkeys are designated as bonus birds. Multiple youths may be accompanied by a non hunting adult, 21 or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. The adult is not required to have a license.

The hunting hours are 30 minutes before legal sunrise to legal sunset (unless otherwise listed).

During the statewide season, one bearded turkey may be taken per day not to exceed four per season. Turkeys taken on all quota hunts and specially designated WMAs are bonus turkeys. Most WMAs are open with statewide seasons and bag limits. However, some have restricted dates or quota hunts.

For more information, see the 2011 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available at www.tnwildlife.org.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will kick off the launch of the site with outdoor adventure-inspired contests. The grand prize features three ultimate fishing getaways throughout Tennessee. Headlining this contest is an exclusive opportunity to win a fishing trip with angling legend Dance on a private lake. In addition to this rare fishing opportunity, the winner will receive two additional professionally guided outings; one near Dandridge and another near Spencer.

To enter, fill out the form located at spring.tnvacation.com. The contest runs through May 15.

For the latest tourism happenings in Tennessee, visit www.tnvacation.com.

Generally considered to be the biggest natural bridge in the East, these two arches, located side by side, will meet your high expectations. But this isn’t the only highlight on this 4.8-mile loop hike.

Beyond the Twin Arches you will descend to Charit Creek, and the Charit Creek Lodge, where visitors can overnight in rustic wood buildings. The loop then travels up Middle Creek by the old Tackett homesite, marked by a small grave and chimney. At the confluence of Mill Creek, Middle Creek and Andy Creek you will come to Jake’s Place, another historic homestead from the 1800s.

Leave Jake’s Place to come along an amazing cliff line that has numerous bluffs and rock houses that will draw your attention. The loop then circles back under the Twin Arches, which deserve a second viewing, before returning to the trailhead.

The paths are well marked and well maintained. Elevation changes are gradual. The only difficulties may be found as you pass along the base of rock shelters on the latter part of the loop, where boulders and rocks make the trail a tad rough.

The trailhead has a small picnic area and restrooms. Join the hiker-only Twin Arches Trail, descending southeasterly in a dry oak forest with blueberries and mountain laurel. Sidle along the edge of a bluff to reach a trail split after a quarter mile. Stay straight, as your return route leaves left. Obscured views open into the valley below. Ahead, stairs lead over a rock bluff. A view opens of the Station Camp Creek valley below.

Unbeknownst to the first-time hiker, you are actually standing atop the sandstone deck of the Twin Arches, partially wooded with gnarly pines. Travel stairs off the Twin Arches to reach a junction at .4 mile. Now, explore the arches. Their sheer size is amazing.

The South Arch is the largest, over 100 feet across and 70 feet wide, with a sturdy bulk to it, not slender at all, even though it retains a classic arch shape. The North Arch is over 60 feet high and 50 feet wide and also has a classic arch shape. The side-by-side arches are part of the same ridge line that you were just atop. Take your time to walk under both arches and observe them from different vantages.

You will return to the arches later, but to continue the loop head toward Charit Creek Lodge, descending by switchbacks under beech and sugar maple. At 1.1 miles, come alongside Charit Creek in a rich wildflower area. Reach a major trail junction and Charit Creek Lodge at 1.4 miles. The rustic lodge, which operates without electricity, offers overnight accommodations and food. For information about lodging, visit www.charitcreeklodge.com.

The lodge and trails down Station Camp Creek and up to Hatfield Ridge are left across a bridge over Charit Creek. Keep right on a wide track, following the signs for the Twin Arches Loop. At 1.5 miles, a hiker-only trail leaves left on a suspension bridge over Station Camp Creek. Not far ahead you reach the Tackett homesite, marked by a crumbled chimney and a grave. Beyond the Tackett homesite watch for big hemlock, sycamore and beech trees in the streamside flats.

At 1.7 miles, the Twin Arches Loop splits right as a single-track path, as the wide Charit Creek Horse Trail leaves left. Continue up deep moist woods, ironically agriculture fields a century ago. Look for piled stones that were cleared from the fields. Short-leaf pines and tulip trees rise where corn once grew. Bridge Andy Creek and make a trail junction at 2.5 miles.

A connector trail leads left to Slave Falls, while the Twin Arches Loop curves right, passing a campsite and entering the remaining fields of Jake’s Place, a homesite occupied by Jacob Blevins Jr. and his family in the 1880s. Buildings from here were moved to the nearby lodge. Daffodils still come up in the springtime. The Blevinses must’ve visited the Twin Arches.

The hike continues upstream along Andy Creek amid cedars, crossing the stream at 2.7 miles. Ascend by switchbacks between huge mossy boulders, stepping over a beech-bordered tributary of Andy Creek at 3.0 miles.

The trail circles around a dry ridge, then joins a cliff line. The geological adventure resumes. Come along the first of numerous rock houses, scattered boulders and tall bluffs. Your footsteps will echo off the walls. Split a gap at 3.8 miles, then curve along the west side of the ridgeline of the Twin Arches, passing under the North Arch at 4.2 miles. Follow the sign for the parking area, now along the same cliff line of Twin Arches, except on the east side. Reach steep steps to gain the top of the Twin Arches ridge and backtrack to the parking area, completing the hike at 4.8 miles.

From Johnson City, drive to Knoxville then take I-75 north and on to Oneida. From Oneida take Tenn. 297 to Tenn. 154. Turn right on Tenn. 154 north and follow it to Middle Creek Road. Turn right on Middle Creek Road and follow it for 4.0 miles to Twin Arches Road. Turn right on Twin Arches Road and follow it 2.1 miles to a dead end at the trailhead. The major turns are signed, especially once you reach the federal recreation area. For more information about the Big South Fork, visit www.nps.gov/biso.

The third annual tree giveaway will be held at the Guaranda Gardens Pavillion in Metro-Kiwanis Park, 817 Guaranda Drive, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Members of the Johnson City Tree Board and the Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener Association, as well as students from East Tennessee State University, will distribute the seedlings of six different types of trees on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“Because of the species and size, these are trees you wouldn’t find at garden centers,” said City Forester Pat Walding.

Seedling recipients may choose from three medium shade trees – Lacebark Elm, River Birch and Bald Cypress. There will also be three ornamental options – Serviceberry, Carolina Silverbell and Amur Maple.

The unique seedling freebies are the result of Walding’s trying to avoid large trees like oaks and poplars that most homes don’t have room for, he said.

Information about how to plant the trees and their expected growth will be provided at the giveaway. Both the River Birch and Bald Cypress will need to live in moist soils, Walding said. The Carolina Silverbell is a heavy flowering tree that produces a beautiful white bloom and the small, seedy fruits on the Serviceberry are actually edible. The only non-native tree, the Amur Maple, will turn to a crisp red each autumn.

The tiny trees won’t have to be planted right away, as long as they stay cool and moist, Walding said. Planters should also consider spacing their seedling at an appropriate distance from their home and placing it on the southwest side of their property in order to take advantage of the shade once it matures.

For those who are unsure where to put their new tree, Walding reccommends planting it in a 1-foot diameter pot with top soil. Several months later it can be transplanted, but gardeners must remember to water it regularly.

“If you don’t know where to put it, grow it for a while and then decide,” Walding said.

Each person will be given at least one of the 2,800 free seedlings and if there are leftovers, recipients may return to the event around noon to pick up more tiny trees, Walding said.

The giveaway event is a localized Arbor Day celebration and is part of a campaign to plant 10,000 trees in Johnson City. After this year’s giveaway, the city will have completed about 75 percent of its initial plan.

“It’s a lofty goal, since there are 20,000 households in Johnson City,” Walding said.

Since the event is in its third year, Walding is beginning to spot mature trees around town that were once free seedlings handed out to citizens.

“I saw a man taking pictures of the blooms on some ornamental cherry trees that were planted several years ago,” he said. “It’s a feel-good moment when people appreciate what you do.”

To help parents and guardians decide how to keep their youngsters from coming down with a severe case of boredom, the Lake Ridge Elementary School PTA will host a summer camp fair featuring 20 area organizations offering programs throughout the summer.

Unseasonably warm temperatures have people clamoring to soak up some sun, but users should be reminded that there are guidelines to follow when spending time in a park. “Don’t do things that you wouldn’t do in your own back yard,” said Mary Ann Kinch, marketing and special events coordinator for Johnson City Parks and Recreation.

(This full story begins on Page 1D of the Thursday, March 15 edition.)

The disco skate parties and big-time boxing matches were fads that the 21st century seemed to leave behind in favor of youth soccer and other sports leagues, after-school programs at the recreation centers and plenty of visual and performing arts classes.

(This full story begins on Page 1D of the Thursday, March 15 edition.)

Tennessee waters offer opportunities for anglers of all ages, experience and interests. Tennessee has 29 major reservoirs, 19,000 miles of streams, plus thousands of smaller lakes and ponds.

The new guide has nearly 100 species or subspecies, including aquatic nuisance species currently present in the state or may be found in the future. Each species is depicted in a photograph with most having a description of their preferred foods and habitat.

Tennessee has one of the most diverse fish populations in the nation with at least 315 species. Of the species, approximately 280 species are considered native to Tennessee.

The free burn permits are required in all areas of the state by law until May 15 unless otherwise covered by local ordinances. Residents should check with their city and county government for any local restrictions.

Permits can now be obtained online for small scale burning of leaf and brush piles measuring less than 8 feet by 8 feet in area. The online system was developed to more efficiently issue permits to landowners conducting small scale or debris burns, and to provide better access through the weekend and after-work hours for landowners. These permits can be obtained on days and in counties where burn permits are allowed by visiting www.burnsafetn.org. The website is also a good source of information for safe debris burning practices and fire prevention tips including how to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.

The permits can also still be obtained by calling your local Division of Forestry office between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Permits are generally good for 24 hours and can be issued for weekend burning. Those living in Washington and Unicoi counties should call 753-4011 and Carter County residents should call 725-3281.

Once a burn permit is obtained, debris burners should practice common sense while conducting a burn. This includes:

n Establish a control line around the fire, down to bare soil before conducting the burn.

n Notify neighbors and local fire departments in advance as a courtesy.

n Have tools on hand such as a leaf rake and garden hose or bucket of water to help control the fire.

n Watch for changing weather conditions as winds can blow the fire in the wrong direction.

n Always stay with your fire until it is completely out. It is not only the smart thing to do, but it is also illegal to leave an open fire unattended.

Escaped debris burns were the leading cause of wildfires in Tennessee last year accounting for 409 fires that burned nearly 2,500 acres. Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $50.

For more information on the TDA’s Division of Forestry, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forestry.

Cory Click and Steve McQueen, both graduate students in the Department of Environmental Health at East Tennessee State University, carried a kickscreen up the creek and submerged it for a few moments. Once they lifted it out of the water, the thin screen held some sediment, a crayfish and a few mayflies and stoneflies.

The number of these critters found in the water is an indication of the stream’s health. Kurt Maier, a professor of environmental health at ETSU, says the number of flies in this section of Sinking Creek isn’t what they’d like to see, but improvements are being made.

Sinking Creek gained a reputation due to the E. coli contamination that placed it on the 303(d) list of “impaired streams” issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Further awareness about the problems plaguing Sinking Creek has come from concerned citizens like Bill Francisco, a Johnson City attorney whose son Jacob died in 2004 from complications of an E. coli infection. He and the members of the Boone Watershed Partnership continue to work on the Sinking Creek Restoration Project.

Phil Scheuerman, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Health at ETSU, calls Sinking Creek a laboratory where students learn how to conduct water quality studies and theorize about the possible sources of contamination and the solutions, or best management practices, that would remediate the stream.

The group that most recently sampled a portion of Sinking Creek is no stranger to the area. Graduate student Clara McClure has been there at least 10 times and Scheurerman says it’s common for students to build their entire theses on data collected from Sinking Creek.

The testers used a flowmeter to find how fast the water was moving and they collected numerous samples of the water that they will analyze for traces of E. coli, nitrates and phosphates as well as basic information like pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen.

Scheurerman has been leading groups to the site for various projects over a 10-year period and at one point was testing every month when funding was provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Now water sampling at Sinking Creek is more random, but the ETSU Environmental Health Department is seeking funds from the National Science Foundation so that it may continue the monitoring process. They often compare data collected from portions of the stream that run through urban areas to data from a “reference point” near Buffalo Mountain where Sinking Creek is more stable.

“Sinking Creek is a typical stream for the watershed in East Tennessee in that it runs from a forested, relatively low-activity (area), through agricultural and urban areas,” Scheurerman said. “Because of that it does have some stresses on it.”

Additionally, Scheuerman says it’s those stresses that have put Sinking Creek on the 303(d) list. Contamination from agriculture usage, failing septic tanks and runoff are contributors.

To best predict the source of contamination and the best management practices, long-term studies are needed. Examples of possible best management practices include fencing cattle out of the stream, placing shrubbery along the bank to trap runoff and filter it out, enhancing the canopy over the stream, which affects water temperature, and bank restoration.

Scheuerman says the Boone Watershed Partnership is already implementing many of these best management practices that could save other streams such as Boones Creek, Cash Hollow Creek and Beaver Creek that are facing the same kinds of threats as Sinking Creek.

“There are a lot of streams that are being impacted by human activity as we expand through the area,” Scheuerman said. “Streams are almost all in a state where they can easily be restored to a clean condition. They may not look like they did before all the impact, but they can be restored to a condition where they wouldn’t be listed as impaired.”

And even though a lot of attention has been placed on Sinking Creek, it’s not the worst.

“It probably falls in the middle of the spectrum of water quality issues in the area,” Scheuerman said.

With so many sampling sources, students studying environmental health don’t have to stare at a textbook for hypothetical problems and solutions. There’s a number of real projects needing attention locally.

“We have a gold mine here in terms of opportunities for students to see some really hands-on, interesting issues and participate in the solution,” Scheuerman said.

“I’d like to see us be more active at implementing these best management practices to try and demonstrate that we can clean some of these streams up, but that’s going to take people, money and time.”With waders and testing supplies in hand, several eager students headed down the bank to a stretch of Sinking Creek that runs underneath Joe Carr Road. Like clockwork, each person handled his or her specific task with ease, collecting samples to take back to the lab while also looking at some of the creatures living in the water.

Cory Click and Steve McQueen, both graduate students in the Department of Environmental Health at East Tennessee State University, carried a kickscreen up the creek and submerged it for a few moments. Once they lifted it out of the water, the thin screen held some sediment, a crayfish and a few mayflies and stoneflies.

The number of these critters found in the water is an indication of the stream’s health. Kurt Maier, a professor of environmental health at ETSU, says the number of flies in this section of Sinking Creek isn’t what they’d like to see, but improvements are being made.

Sinking Creek gained a reputation due to the E. coli contamination that placed it on the 303(d) list of “impaired streams” issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Further awareness about the problems plaguing Sinking Creek has come from concerned citizens like Bill Francisco, a Johnson City attorney whose son Jacob died in 2004 from complications of an E. coli infection. He and the members of the Boone Watershed Partnership continue to work on the Sinking Creek Restoration Project.

Phil Scheuerman, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Health at ETSU, calls Sinking Creek a laboratory where students learn how to conduct water quality studies and theorize about the possible sources of contamination and the solutions, or best management practices, that would remediate the stream.

The group that most recently sampled a portion of Sinking Creek is no stranger to the area. Graduate student Clara McClure has been there at least 10 times and Scheurerman says it’s common for students to build their entire theses on data collected from Sinking Creek.

The testers used a flowmeter to find how fast the water was moving and they collected numerous samples of the water that they will analyze for traces of E. coli, nitrates and phosphates as well as basic information like pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen.

Scheurerman has been leading groups to the site for various projects over a 10-year period and at one point was testing every month when funding was provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Now water sampling at Sinking Creek is more random, but the ETSU Environmental Health Department is seeking funds from the National Science Foundation so that it may continue the monitoring process. They often compare data collected from portions of the stream that run through urban areas to data from a “reference point” near Buffalo Mountain where Sinking Creek is more stable.

“Sinking Creek is a typical stream for the watershed in East Tennessee in that it runs from a forested, relatively low-activity (area), through agricultural and urban areas,” Scheurerman said. “Because of that it does have some stresses on it.”

Additionally, Scheuerman says it’s those stresses that have put Sinking Creek on the 303(d) list. Contamination from agriculture usage, failing septic tanks and runoff are contributors.

To best predict the source of contamination and the best management practices, long-term studies are needed. Examples of possible best management practices include fencing cattle out of the stream, placing shrubbery along the bank to trap runoff and filter it out, enhancing the canopy over the stream, which affects water temperature, and bank restoration.

Scheuerman says the Boone Watershed Partnership is already implementing many of these best management practices that could save other streams such as Boones Creek, Cash Hollow Creek and Beaver Creek that are facing the same kinds of threats as Sinking Creek.

“There are a lot of streams that are being impacted by human activity as we expand through the area,” Scheuerman said. “Streams are almost all in a state where they can easily be restored to a clean condition. They may not look like they did before all the impact, but they can be restored to a condition where they wouldn’t be listed as impaired.”

And even though a lot of attention has been placed on Sinking Creek, it’s not the worst.

“It probably falls in the middle of the spectrum of water quality issues in the area,” Scheuerman said.

With so many sampling sources, students studying environmental health don’t have to stare at a textbook for hypothetical problems and solutions. There’s a number of real projects needing attention locally.

“We have a gold mine here in terms of opportunities for students to see some really hands-on, interesting issues and participate in the solution,” Scheuerman said.

“I’d like to see us be more active at implementing these best management practices to try and demonstrate that we can clean some of these streams up, but that’s going to take people, money and time.”

The new licenses are valid through February 2013. License sales provide the primary funding for the TWRA, which does not receive any funding from the state’s general fund. The 2011-12 licenses expired Feb. 29.

Resident licenses may be purchased by: persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license, those who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home, military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families who reside with them regardless of resident status, and students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.

Licenses may also be purchased online at www.tnwildlife.org and charged to a credit card. Licenses may also be ordered by telephone and charged to a credit card by calling 1-888-814-8972. All licenses purchased by credit card will be charged a processing and handling fee. The fees over the telephone are $7.50 for those licenses mailed and $6.25 for those not mailed. Through the internet, charges are $4.25 for those licenses mailed and $3 for self-prints.

To expedite telephone orders, the caller should have ready the name, address, physical description, social security number, driver’s license number, TWRA ID number (if renewal), and credit card number.

Licenses are printed on a special tear-resistant, water-proof paper. In case of a lost license, duplicate licenses can be obtained from any REAL license agent for a $7 fee.

Hookemnow.com is an interactive, map-based web site that allows anglers to see what others are catching, and to share information and photos about their catches.

In its debut, www.hookemnow.com covers 32 major lakes in Tennessee, ranging from South Holston in the east to Reelfoot in the west. Other lakes will be added as the site grows.

On the website, fishermen are able to view a map of each lake to see what’s being caught, and where, add their catch to the map with a few simple clicks, see photos of catches from across the state and place free classified ads for tackle and boats.

Fishermen can find useful information about each lake – its history, its size and where it got its name. They can also find record catches from that lake, or from across the state. Fishing regulations for each lake are also included, along with a link to statewide regulations.

The proposal to build a diverging diamond intersection at the busy crossing was submitted to the Federal Highway Administration for its consideration in mid-December. According to The Mountain Press, the agency has since responded with support for the idea, which state engineers have projected will be instrumental toward alleviating congestion and improving safety in that area (http://bit.ly/wYEDPF).

A diverging diamond intersection gives left-turning vehicles uninterrupted access to the highway through their own ramps by channeling traffic temporarily to the other side of the road. Such intersections, borrowed from Europe, have been studied in the U.S. for the past few years.

The Mountain Press said approval by the highway industry is a key step toward making the proposal a reality. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has already signed on to the idea.

Highway 66 leads off I-40 and feeds traffic through the resort towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The 15 miles between the interstate and the park are among the most congested in Tennessee. According to TDOT, up to 45,000 vehicles pass between the interstate and the park daily.

Much of the way is lined with motels, restaurants, shopping malls, miniature golf courses, go-cart tracks, theaters, the Dollywood theme park and tourist attractions on both sides of the road.

According to the report, 47 percent of timber values are lost when a forest is burned by wildfire compared to what it would be if not burned at all.

“The financial losses from wildfire extend well beyond damage to individual trees,” said Dr. Jeff Stringer, professor of hardwood silviculture and forest operations at the University of Kentucky who led the study. “We found that repeated burning, a common occurrence in our region, changes the species and structure of our forests resulting in significant long-term losses.”

An average of more than 18,000 forested acres per year was burned by wildfire over the past 10 years in Tennessee. Based on the study, this burning caused an average annual loss of between $2.5 million and $10.4 million in timber value of our forests. Continued burning at this rate will increase losses as acres are re-burned and contribute to a steady loss of value.

About 90 percent of wildfires in Tennessee are caused by human activity, predominantly by escaped debris burns and arson. The Division of Forestry requires a burn permit to conduct a debris burn of leaves and brush where local ordinances do not exist through May 15. The free permit can be obtained online at www.burnsafetn.org or by calling your local forestry office. If you suspect arson activity in your area, please call the arson hotline at 800-762-3017.

Even with a fine springtime destination, sometimes you just can’t decide whether to go hiking or paddling. In that case, just do both. There are many such places where – with careful planning – you can paddle your boat down a river, then return by foot with your backpack – or in our case, hike upriver then return to your point of origin via boat.

One such place is Blackwater River State Forest, located in the northwest tip of the Sunshine State, near the Alabama line. My friend John Cox and I met at Blackwater River State Park, loaded our packs for part one, backpacking, where we headed north on the Juniper Creek Trail, roughly paralleling Juniper Creek, a canoeable feeder stream of the Blackwater River. We took the Juniper Creek Trail 6.5 miles to a trail shelter located atop a piney bluff overlooking the coffee-colored creek. A front had blown through and the stars were phenomenal, but the mercury went below freezing overnight. Winter happens in the Sunshine State.

We resumed our march, joining the northeast bound Jackson Red Ground Trail, named after one of ours, Andrew Jackson. Old Hickory headed through the Blackwater River Valley when running the Spanish out of Florida. John and I had it much easier than did Jackson and his soldiers. We rolled over longleaf pine woods on a long day, mostly spent in piney woods and rolling hills, occasionally lit by flowering dogwoods. The shadows were long by the time we hit the Wiregrass Trail. After 20 miles of hiking that day, we tiredly made camp on the banks of the Blackwater River. I scratched up a fire and boiled noodles for supper. Darkness fell and we were soon asleep.

Next day, we walked through lush bottomland woods to reach Kennedy Bridge, spanning the Blackwater River. I went up to nearby Hurricane Lake campground, where I had left my canoe before we started the hike, then brought the boat down for phase two of the adventure, canoe camping. We loaded the canoe and set off downstream on the Blackwater, relieved to let the river do the work for us. The skies were dark so we shortly made camp in the woods behind a sugar white sandbar (the Blackwater River is adorned with gorgeous sandbars) and battened down the hatches. The rains came, but not until long after we had retired to the tents.

Happily, the river hadn’t risen the following morning, day 4. We packed up the boat and floated those dark waters that resemble tea as they flow over sandy shallows. John and I each caught a few fish but mostly just enjoyed the wooded and wild scenery. Breezes sang through the pines overlooking the Blackwater River. A tall bluff fronted by a wide sandbar proved too alluring and we stopped for the night.

While gathering firewood I stepped into an ant nest, and was suddenly covered with hundreds of ornery insects, biting in revenge for disturbing their domain. I dashed into the river fully clothed, knocking the biting pests off as fast as I could. My right leg swelled up good. The night was quite pleasant nonetheless as the fire crackled and the owls hooted in the woods beyond our camp.

A heavy fog covered the river as we pushed off on our final full day. The river was quite fast here and the banks lowered, giving a swampier appearance. Ol’ Sol burned off the fog and left a bright day. The soggy shores made finding a campsite quite challenging. However, we found a camp below Bryant Bridge on a bank barely above the water. The night was quite mild and a few mosquitoes buzzed us. We reflected on how we had hiked approximately 30 miles and paddled the same distance on one adventure. It took some planning but there are many places I have canoe/backpacked, including Black Creek of Southern Mississippi, the Suwannee River near Suwannee River State Park and Tennessee’s Big South Fork River.

Our final morning dawned bright and clear. All too soon we were back at our starting point, Deaton Bridge in Blackwater River State Park. We had completed our adventure and looked forward to more ahead, hiking and canoeing in one trip.

March 3 – An 11.6-mile moderate to strenuous ramble with Dave on Iron Mountain – there will be some bushwhacking and 6 miles of road walking. Leave Long John Silver’s at 8 a.m. Leader, Dave McMillin, 913-2345. Combined two club hike with MAH.

March 10 – An in-and-out, strenuous 13-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail from Allen Gap at 2,234 feet to Camp Creek Bale fire tower at 4,844 feet. Leave the Jonesborough Post Office at 8 a.m. Leader, Joel Zabel, 926-3587.

March 17 – Moderate 8-mile hike in and out to historic Lost Cove. The leader will bring written history to share as the group tours what remains of the settlement. The 1,400-foot climb of more than 2 miles leaving Lost Cove is strenuous. Meet at Long John Silver’s at 9 a.m. Leader, Joel Zabel, 926-3587.

March 24 – Lower Higgins to Higgins Pond (aka Birchfield Pond) via Birchfield camp trail. In and out approximately 5 miles. Birchfield Camp trail is unmarked and should be considered steep off trail with the opportunity to get wet in the Birchfield Camp Creek since the group will spend some time crossing it. Meet at Long John Silver’s at 9 a.m. Leader, Melissa Braswell, 329-5148.

March 31 – An 11.5-mile hike in the Smokies; 7.4 miles of the hike will be in and out on the Porters Creek trail that Joy Cook now maintains – so the group will carry a handsaw to help her do the spring clean-up of her trail. The group will also ramble about 4 miles on the Rhododendron Creek trail; it is unmaintained with two creek crossings and some waterfalls. Leave the Jonesborough post office at 8 a.m. Leader, Joy Cook, 631-6587.

Old Timers Hiking Club

March 5 – A moderate 3.7-mile hike on the AT from Low Gap at US 421 to McQueen’s Gap. Leader, Jerry Jones, 282-2199.

March 7 – An 8- to 10-mile hike with Brenda Whitt at Big Bald. Leader, Brenda Whitt, 245-2550 or 676-5096. Leader from the church, Jerry Jones, 282-2199.

March 12 – The group will be hiking in Warrior’s Path State Park near Kingsport on the Devil’s Backbone and Fall Creek Loop Trails. This will be a 4-mile moderate in-and-out hike. Leader, Lamar Adcox, 234-0296 or cell 823-1768.

March 14 – Approximately 10.5- to 11-mile key swap hike to Sand Cave and Whiterocks and on over to the Hensley Settlement on the ridge trail. Rated extreme moderate to strenuous. Leader, Wayne Jones, 928-5398.

March 19 – Work Day – The group will start the spring clean-up of the group’s section of AT. If there are enough people, there will be a walk-through of the entire 11.9 miles. Leader, Mike Hupko, 929-2626.

March 21 – A moderate 9.3- mile hike from Cross Mountain – Bulldog Hollow via Holston Mountain Trail. Leader, Dave McMillin, 913-2345.

March 26 – A 4- to 5-mile moderate hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Mountains to Sea trail from Beacon Heights to Rough Ridge. Leader, Dave McMillin, 913-2345.

March 28 – A 9.2-mile strenuous hike on Pond Mountain: Rough Ridge to Laurel Fork falls and on to Dennis Cove. Leader, Dave McMillin, 913-2345.

The group leaves Covenant Presbyterian Church, 603 Sunset Drive, Johnson City. each Monday and Wednesday promptly at 8 a.m. Participation in club activities carries with it the obligation to hold the club and its representatives free of liability for individual safety. The group carpools and shares the expenses. Bring lunch, water, seasonal dress and gear and a smile. Everyone is welcome, member or not. For more information on the club, call President CB Willis at 282-3325 or email cbwillis@charter.net; or visit the website at http://oldtimershikingclub.org; or call Faye Guinn at 753-4072 or email wegonehiking@embarqmail.com.

Mid Appalachian Highlands Hiking Club

March 3 – Iron Mountain Loop Hike (beginning and ending on FR-4052– joint hike: MAHC & JC Hiking Club); hike, 11.6 miles, drive, 33 miles; depart, Arby’s 8 a.m. (Elizabethton 8:15 a.m.); leader, Dave McMillin, 913-2345, djmcmillin@comcast.net; rating: moderate.

March 8 – MAHC Board Meeting, Winged Deer Board Room, 6 p.m., call 773-8037 or email appyhiker@yahoo.com. Plan spring quarter: hikes, the annual picnic and slate of officers. All members are invited to attend.

March 10 – A.T./Indian Grave Gap to Rattlesnake Ridge to Rock Creek; hike, about 9 miles; drive, 25 miles; depart, Arby’s 8 a.m.; leader, Roy Holcomb, 926-1313, royholcomb@juno.com; rating: moderate.

March 11 – A.T./Indian Grave Gap to Beauty Spot & return; hike, 5.6 miles; drive, 27 miles; depart, Arby’s 1:15 p.m.; leader, Lou Hass, 202-6185 or 330-2122; rating: easy to moderate.

March 17 – Iron Mountain Trail/Shingletown to Damascus; hike, 5.7 miles; drive, 44 miles; depart, Arby’s 8 a.m. (Elizabethton 8:15 a.m.); leader, Ernie Hartford; 543-1276, ilydikh@embarqmail.com; rating: moderate.

March 18 – Bays Mountain Park; hike, 3-5 miles; drive, 25 miles; depart, Arby’s 1:15 p.m.; leaders, Alice and Mitch Link, 743-8003, alliekat309@comcast.net; rating: easy.

March 23-25 – A.T./Fork Ridge Trail to Devils Fork Gap (overnighter); hike, 10.7 miles; drive 36 miles; depart, Arby’s 3 p.m.; leader, Craig Haire, 737-0057, drdrhaire@charter.net; rating: strenuous.

March 25 – A.T./Devils Fork Gap to Flint Mountain Shelter and return; hike, 5.4 miles; drive, 31 miles; depart, Arbys’s 1:15 p.m.; leader Darrell Wright, 975-9942, d01wright@aol.com; rating: easy.

March 31 – Buffalo Mountain; hike, 4-plus miles; drive, 10 miles; depart, Arby’s 9 a.m.; leader, Tim McDowell, appyhiker@yahoo.com; rating: easy to moderate.

And before my mind completely wandered into thoughts of electric guitars and the cold, hard ground hidden under a layer of crunchy leaves, Rob Cole reached out his hand to help pull me to the next small platform.

The two of us were suspended by rope and cable on the “Hawk’s Nest” portion of Bays Mountain Park’s Adventure Course. The interactive ropes course will open for its second season next month with the aim of teaching teamwork and communication to each group that braves the high wire. Some may challenge themselves to complete the two-level high course, while others will choose a view of tree trunks instead of tree tops in ground-level challenges like “The Flying Fox” and “Wild Turkey.” The low course elements are designed for all ages as well as those with disabilities.

“Just getting people up here is a huge deal,” said Rob, the operations coordinator at Bays Mountain Park. “When they realize ‘I can overcome this,’ it’s a tremendous confidence boost.”

I will say that the urge to turn around and stumble back down the rope wall did cross my mind for a brief second when we made it to the first platform, but I was determined to get the scoop. This wasn’t something I could write about standing on the ground.

Apparently, my reaction was normal. Rob said he’s witnessed everything from fear to obvious excitement. And no matter how uncomfortable or resistant participants are to go across the “Hawk’s Nest,” no negative speech is allowed on the adventure course. It’s all about encouragement.

When I got terribly off-balance toward the end of the first exercise and my bottom fell below by feet, I thought Rob was going to have to come out and pull me back up on the cable, but somehow his patience and reassurance gave me the courage to swing right back up there.

Ignorantly, I told myself that this whole experience was going to be just like Adventure Mountain at Dollywood, one of the park’s newer attractions with a concept seemingly similar to Bays Mountain Park’s Adventure Course. At some point, when I realized I was surrounded by tall trees and not fake, concrete ledges, it became clear that this was the real outdoors experience that the theme park was trying to recreate.

“People love adventure and we’re teaching them an appreciation for the outdoors,” Rob said. “Lots of families spend a lot of time in front of the TV and computers. We’re trying to change their mind.”

The Bays Mountain Park staffers who run the adventure course were overwhelmed by its success last year. All kinds of groups from churches to corporations and sports teams requested to use the facility, and Rob is predicting that the same may happen again this year.

Those thrill-seekers who are ready to put on a harness and helmet and trust their fate to a rope attached to a cable via metal “lobster claws” should be sure to reserve a time slot early. Groups must consist of at least 10 people and the course is designed for ages 11 and up. There’s also a 250-pound weight limit.

“The goal is to offer this to as many folks as possible, with a fresh, new way to get visitors (to the park),” Rob said.

If a test of strength and balance on the “Hawk’s Nest” is out of the question, taking a 300-foot ride down “The Flying Squirrel” zip line may sound more exciting. The zip line is the final reward for those who make it across the adventure course, or Bays Mountain visitors can skip the tough part and zoom downhill for about $10. Rob said he’s seen a 3-year-old ride tandem on the zip line with a parent, as well as a 93-year-old who fearlessly scooted off the platform and let the attached rope guide him to safety.

The rush from the ride and ropes course was intense. By the end of it all I was ready for my nerves to return to a normal level of activity. Since I was still a little shaky from the experience, it was tough to climb up the padded landing area, but I made it through in one piece.

From now on, Stevie Ray’s “Tightrope” will take on a very literal meaning and will remind me of the day I conquered the “Hawk’s Nest.”

A variety of packages are available for groups ready to tackle Bays Mountain Park’s Adventure Course. Prices vary depending on how much of the course a group wants to utilize. To make a reservation, call 230-6357 or 229-9447.

The zip line will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning in March. Park staffers will take people up to “The Flying Squirrel” at 3 and 4 p.m. Rob encourages zip liners to call ahead to make sure it will be open and to arrive at least 30 minutes early in order to get all the proper safety equipment.

- New Victory Baptist Church in Jonesbough Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. The class will be taught by Rodney Hall.

- Gray United Methodist Church March 12 at 6 p.m. The class will be taught by Steve Whitfield. To pre-register, call Dawn at 477-3792.

- Unaka Rod & Gun Club March 12 at 6:30 p.m. The class will be taught by Stanley Shell. For more information, email shotshell@embarqmail.com.

“It just makes my heart hurt when I see people get hurt,” said Mike Farmer, a member of the board of directors for the Mountain Trail Riders Association, a local club of more than 450 members of ATV and off-highway vehicle riders who support safety issues and public trail systems.

Farmer says ATVs used to be slow and sluggish, but their increasing popularity as recreational vehicles has pushed the industry to create new classes of ATVs. Some can weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds and others will go about 70 miles per hour.

That much power can be dangerous, so the MTRA is attending safety fairs and talking to as many parents and children as they can about how to prevent ATV accidents.

“An ATV is not a toy,” Farmer said. “People buy them for themselves or their kids thinking that you just start it and ride it and that you can’t get hurt.”

The club, based out of Piney Flats, has a must-have safety equipment list that they pass along to ATV riders and anyone who has OHVs such as off-road motorcycles, a side-by-side or rock crawlers.

Their list includes:

n A Department of Transportation approved helmet. Farmer says most people think they can wear any helmet, but a DOT approved helmet is recommended because of the impact a rider can take from a fall off an ATV or motorcycle.

“It’s also extremely important that the helmet be strapped to your head,” he said. “The first thing that happens when you’re in an accident, your helmet will fly off.”

n An approved set of goggles or safety eye wear to keep debris out of riders’ eyes.

n A long sleeve shirt or jersey to protect riders from abrasions from bushes and sticks. Farmer says some shirts have pads in the elbows and shoulders to help protect riders in case of a fall.

n A pair of gloves so that OHV users don’t cut their hands if they fall.

n A pair of riding pants. Farmer says to always wear long pants or actual riding pants that have padding.

n Over-the-ankle boots to minimize the possibility of experiencing a leg injury.

“If you wear those items right there, you’re probably going to be protected,” Farmer said. “The problem is, that we don’t ever see people with those on. I think it’s because they’re uninformed.”

Farmer said a lot of people in the area grew up using ATVs on farms and have never really thought about using safety equipment. Plus, only riders age 16 and younger in Tennessee are required to wear a helmet.

“You can’t legislate safety on people,” he said. “You have to put the right programs together so that they want to wear a helmet.”

Many children are eager to use safety equipment because of its bright colors. The MTRA passes out activity books and CD-ROM games to children that teach them the basic safety techniques for ATV riding. And since young riders make up a significant portion of ATV users, Farmer and fellow club members also recommend that parents purchase a size-appropriate OHV for their children.

“Never put a child on an adult-size ATV because their frame does not fit it and makes it very unstable,” Farmer said. “When you hit a bump it can throw them off.”

Before buying, Farmer suggests that people get in contact with a local riding club, like the MTRA, to discuss sizes and types of OHVs currently on the market.

Once someone has made an ATV purchase, Farmer says it’s important to take a safety course offered by the ATV Safety Institute.

“Everyone who goes says they learned something,” Farmer said.

When new riders have figured out the safety basics, they’re ready to hit the trail. The MTRA hosts about 10 family-friendly fun rides each year to trails made especially for OHV users. Buffalo Mountain ATV Trail is the closest. Its trailhead is located off Dry Creek Road. The MTRA also visits the I-81 Motorsports Park in Greeneville and the Hatfield & McCoy trails in West Virginia.

Farmer says the club pushes the issue of safety to keep people from getting injured, but also in an effort to eradicate the reputation that the sport is too dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATV-related injuries nationwide have continued to stay above 100,000 since 2002, but the number of four-wheeled vehicle users also continues to rise, hitting 10.6 million in 2010

“If we don’t change the stigma and if we don’t actually start being strong proponents of safety issues, we are going to lose places to ride,” Farmer said.

For more information about the Mountain Trail Riders Association, visit www.mtntrailridersassoc.org. To learn more about joining the club or to request the safety activity booklet and CD-ROM for children, call 612-4091 or email mtntrailridersassoc@yahoo.com.