Johnson's Crook, GA

[trogman]

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_216520.asp
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/07/land-trust-gets-deal-at-dade-tax-auction/

Depending on which version of this story is accurate, the Lula Lake Land Trust has acquired either 266 or 350 acres of prime cave land. Either way, I think it is good news. This cave-rich area has been strictly off-limits for a number of years. Hopefully, this acquisition will mean re-opening the caves for exploration. One of the articles mentions the SCCI purchasing some tracts as well- any board members on the forum care to comment on this?
If the Land Trust keeps this up, they may convince me to join them. I have gone to one of their open-house days at the gorge, and it is a beautiful preserve.

Trogman

[Cody JW]

This area also has civil war history.

[graveleye]

I got to visit Johnson's Crook on a special permission trip a couple of years ago, and the place is stunning both above and below ground. I've been wanting to go back ever since. I hope this turns out to be a wonderful opportunity to open up a great caving spot.

[graveleye]

One of the articles mentions the SCCI purchasing some tracts as well-

I'm going to wait before I .

The SCCi is very about these things ya know!

OK...

I'm excited about the whole thing!

[trogman]

A little more information about this purchase:

http://www.dadesentinel.com/v2/content.aspx?module=ContentItem&ID=231110&MemberID=1338

"Buddy Lane, a caving enthusiast who at the auction bought a lot he believed to contain a cave, said the Southeastern Cave Conservancy may negotiate with the land trusts to buy other cave-rich acreage, and may also bid on Preserve land at another tax sale to be held in May.

And Lane said the cavers might also be interested in land now tied up in a bankruptcy filed Dec. 28 by TAS, a company owned by one of the Southern Group partners."

"

Very interesting! I wonder if Buddy bought the land for the SCCI, or with his own personal funds. I believe TAS is True Adventure Sports, a caving and climbing and adventure sports outfitter headquartered near Little River Canyon. I didn't know they had filed for bankruptcy, but it doesn't surprise me.

Trogman

[graveleye]

I was told by someone in the know to "stay tuned". It sounds positive.

[Batgirl]

Let's not speculate! Buddy bought the land with his own personal funds. There may be a bigger story coming, but for now it is my understanding that the land was not purchased by the SCCI.

[UnderGroundEarth]

Lynn,

It doesn't say Buddy bought it with his own personal funds... FYI, Buddy is the TREASURER for the SCCI... He also speaks for the SCCI in the article.

But of course we know the SCCI likes to be secretive so nothing interferes with what they are planning. Either way Southern Group has one year and one day to pay their back taxes plus 20% to reclaim their land... So don't go jumping for joy just yet. It will be at least that much time before the SCCI or the Lake Lula Trust legally own free and clear what they purchased. As cavers, we should also stay away from this property until it's official... I am glad it's a purchase and not a lease.

TAS is not True Adventure Sports. True Adventure is located in Alabama. TAS,LLC is a property company located in Tennessee that is associated with Southern Group.

Kelly
^V^

[trogman]

Lynn,

It doesn't say Buddy bought it with his own personal funds... FYI, Buddy is the TREASURER for the SCCI... He also speaks for the SCCI in the article.

But of course we know the SCCI likes to be secretive so nothing interferes with what they are planning. Either way Southern Group has one year and one day to pay their back taxes plus 20% to reclaim their land... So don't go jumping for joy just yet. It will be at least that much time before the SCCI or the Lake Lula Trust legally own free and clear what they purchased. As cavers, we should also stay away from this property until it's official... I am glad it's a purchase and not a lease.

Kelly
^V^

Nothing as secretive as being quoted in a local newspaper!
You are correct, though. But since this story has shown up with references to the SCCI in at least two online sources, I'd say the cat is out of the bag. I don't want to wish anyone ill will, but I sure hope they aren't able to reclaim the land. While the economic/housing downturn has been tough for a lot of people, it has been a boon for land conservation purchases.

TAS is not True Adventure Sports. True Adventure is located in Alabama. TAS,LLC is a property company located in Tennessee that is associated with Southern Group.

Thanks for the info. That makes more sense.

Trogman

[UnderGroundEarth]

Gotta love Google... You can also find records of the back taxes online and what was due for each parcel... All you gotta do is spend a little time searching... Both TAS & Southern Group share the same address in Kimball.

[graveleye]

any way you slice it, it's promising. At least they're not going to wreck the land and build mcmansions all up the side of the mountain.
Once the dust settles I think we're going to have a nice place to visit.... I hope at least.

[UnderGroundEarth]

any way you slice it, it's promising. At least they're not going to wreck the land and build mcmansions all up the side of the mountain.
Once the dust settles I think we're going to have a nice place to visit.... I hope at least.

Yep, I agree. It's a georgous area. I also had the opportunity to visit some of the caves in the area a few years back when trips were arranged. There were a few "plat forms" in the area close to Lost Canyon that have some amazing views of the valley below...! I guess they built the plat forms for potential buyers to see what their back yards would look like.

[Jany]

This indeed is exciting news, can't wait to see the final outcome!

Meadow

[UnderGroundEarth]

Meadow,

Sorry this forum never got updated.... Sadly, the deal fell through... The landowners filed bankruptcy and now the land is tied up in court...

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2012/1/20/2 ... son-s.aspx

[trogman]

Darn!
Who knows, though. If the owners filed bankruptcy, I assume the land will be sold one way or another soon. Maybe the SCCI or the land trust will still end up getting some of it.

Ttogman