Forest Service, NC Wildlife Commission partner on $290M Hurricane Helene recovery plan
(WWAY) — The U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have entered into a $290 million agreement aimed at supporting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.
The Forest Service says the Good Neighbor Agreement, the largest of its kind for the agency, will help speed up recovery work, create jobs, reduce costs and strengthen communities impacted by the storm.
Under the 10-year agreement, the Wildlife Resources Commission will lead comprehensive recovery efforts across the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. The work will include removing storm debris, repairing roads and recreation areas, managing invasive species, restoring damaged watersheds and improving wildlife habitat.
“Helping communities recover from Helene has been a top priority for the Forest Service since the storm tore through the Southeast more than a year ago,” Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said.
Officials say Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in the forests, including tens of thousands of acres of blown-down timber, widespread infrastructure damage and habitat destruction. The storm also left behind large amounts of downed vegetation, increasing wildfire risk.
“The impacts from Helene were sudden and created immense devastation across Western North Carolina,” said Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director Kyle Briggs. He said restoring habitats and reducing wildfire risks will be critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the outdoor recreation the region is known for.
The Forest Service says the Good Neighbor Authority allows the agency to partner with state and local organizations to carry out forest restoration and management projects. Congress first approved the authority in 2001 and expanded it through the 2018 Farm Bill.
Officials say the partnership builds on decades of collaboration between the Forest Service and the Wildlife Resources Commission.
While much of the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests have reopened since the hurricane, Forest Service leaders say significant work remains to repair roads, trails, recreation areas and watersheds.
