DS, backup a minute here.
Want a story on the allmighty and his deep pockets?
In 1993 while I was working for the Sheridan Ranger district Ted acquired the Snowcrest Ranch south of Alder MT from the Von Tropp family.
My crew partner Shawn Gleason and I were conducting some work in the Greenhorn MTs just behind the Snowcrest. Theres an access road at the mouth of willow creek that we used for access to greenhorn creek and the greenhorn mts. All was well until one day we pull up and the gate was chained and locked right off the main Ruby Creek road. No trespassing signs galore. We went back to the district office and got ahold of Debbie Johnson, who was the district resources person, in charge of roads, access, etc. (last I heard she's a district ranger in Big Timber).
Anyway, long story short Ted and his attorney were pushing the envelope on the legality of that road being public access. Debbie, Shawn, and myself proceded back to the gate where we promptly cut the lock and chain. Almost immediately some of Turners employees were right there. The gate stayed open after some argument.
A few weeks later, Debbie asked me to prepare a statement on what happened the day of the lock incident. Apparently Turner and crew had threatened to file a lawsuit claiming they had a "legal" right to block access to that road, which they did not. They told Debbie that they had "deep" pockets and could fight a lawsuit for a long time. She told them that the government had all the time and money they needed to fight it.
Long story short that gate never had a lock on it again.
Fast forward to 1998, the next time I was in that country. Not only is the gate open, but Turner has posted a sign stating, "Access granted by Turner Enterprises" at that very same road junction. Access granted my ass, he didnt have a choice. I heard from sources that his attorney "reassessed" the situation and found out that Big Brother wasnt playing, I guess Ted didnt care to either. Apparently the USFS not only pitched a no-hitter on that game of hardball, but won the game 12-0. Luckily for lots of sportsmen, the right people were at the plate.
He isnt stupid, but he also doesnt win all the time.
I could easily supply many other examples to you if you think he always wins his battles with the agencies. But, I'd rather do it by email than on this board. So, if you need further proof email me.
<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1">[ 12-13-2002 09:51: Message edited by: BuzzH ]</font>