The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has made significant progress in repairing and restoring the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene one year ago.
“Hurricane Helene had an unprecedented impact across all of western North Carolina, and the damage on the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests was particularly profound,” said James Melonas, forest supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina. “But Western North Carolinians are incredibly resilient in face of hardships, and as our communities continue to rebuild and recover, so will their public lands.”
Hurricane Helene ravaged the communities and people of the southeastern United States. More than 250 people lost their lives and thousands more lost houses, vehicles and businesses. Altogether, the damage is estimated at $78.7 billion.
The national forests of Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Virginia were right in the middle of the devastation. Forest Service staff, who live in the communities they serve, were affected just like their neighbors by the floods, landslides, downed trees and strong winds. The national forests, important drivers of the multibillion-dollar outdoor economy through Southern Appalachia, had dozens of campsites, thousands of miles of roads and trails, and many forest facilities that were damaged and closed.
However, despite the devastation from Hurricane Helene, the Forest Service committed to a swift and collaborative recovery. In the year since the storm’s arrival in North Carolina, the Forest Service has worked closely with communities and partners to help reopen roads and trails, restore access to the forest for visitors and businesses that depend on the forest, and repair and rejuvenate facilities damaged by the storm.
“Within days of the storm, our partners and community neighbors, most of whom were still struggling in the aftermath of the storm, began reaching out to ask how they could help, and over the last year, they’ve been an invaluable part of our recovery, particularly on the Pisgah,” said Melonas. “Western North Carolina’s national forests are both culturally and economically important to the communities we serve, and we’re incredibly thankful to have their support while we work through the recovery process.”
Here’s a quick glance at what has been accomplished:
- 97% of roads reopened.
- 93% of trails reopened.
- 85% of recreation sites reopened.
- Nearly 110 contracts awarded, totaling more than nearly $112 million.
- 40 partnership agreements signed or under development, including a $290 million Good Neighbor Agreement with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
- More than 59,000 tons of timber from downed or damaged trees removed.
The hurricane caused devastating damage to the communities and forests of the Appalachians. However, the committed staff of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and their friends, families and neighbors will continue to prove their resilience in rebuilding.
Read more stories of the Forest Service’s work rebuilding from Hurricane Helene here.