The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has made significant progress in repairing and restoring the Cherokee National Forest from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene one year ago.
“I am humbled by the way people pulled together after the storm to protect those in distress. It has taken all of us – partners, volunteers and Forest Service employees – to get where we are today,” said Michael “Mike” Wright, forest supervisor, Cherokee National Forest. “Forest Service employees on the Cherokee National Forest will continue to serve our communities until we are fully recovered from this catastrophic event.”
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 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 Tennessee the Cherokee National Forest 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.
“Immediately after the storm, so many people wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail. It’s more than an icon, it’s an important place in our culture,” said Wright, as he thought back to last year. “It was amazing to see how everyone came together to ensure people could access the trail. So many people and partners made the difference. I am so thankful for the support we’ve seen this year.”
Here’s a quick glance at what has been accomplished:
*100 miles of roads reopened for emergency vehicle access.
*96 miles of trails cleared of downed trees.
*Removed 46,500 cubic yards of hazardous debris deposited by the hurricane along the Pigeon River.
*4.7 million board feet (MMBF) of timber from downed or damaged trees offered or sold through hurricane related emergency sale.
The hurricane caused devastating damage to the communities and forests of the Appalachians. However, the committed staff of the Cherokee National Forest and their friends, families and neighbors will continue to prove their resilience in rebuilding.
