WOODFIN, N.C. — Clancy Loorham, 27, laboriously pulls a broken piece of PVC pipe from the muddy depths of the French Broad River, exclaiming, I got a catfish in the pipe! Surrounded by a team of dedicated volunteers, the urgency of their work is palpable.
Just a year has passed since Hurricane Helene unleashed torrential rains and floods across North Carolina, leaving damage that affected dozens of communities. The storm resulted in the loss of over 250 lives nationwide and inflicted nearly $80 billion in damages.
In the year since the storm's passing, cleanup operations have focused on restoring the river and ensuring its safety. The North Carolina-based nonprofit MountainTrue is spearheading these efforts, pulling tons of debris from the waterways.
Experts like Peter Raabe from American Rivers have raised concerns that, while conducting cleanup operations, contractors have inadvertently contributed to further ecological damage. These actions, including the removal of healthy trees and aquatic life, have sparked rigorous discussions about the balance between rapid recovery efforts and ecological preservation.
In the wake of the storm, the distress felt by local residents was echoed by aquatic biologists who witnessed firsthand the impacts on species like the eastern hellbender, a giant salamander, and the Appalachian elktoe, an endangered mussel. State biologist Mike Perkins reported disturbing findings of crushed mussels and shellfish along riverways impacted by debris removal activities.
As residents like Vickie and Paul Revis rebuilt their homes, they found themselves navigating a mix of hope and fear, turning to flood insurance as a means of stabilizing their future amidst uncertain weather patterns. Despite the challenges, community members are hopeful, as efforts continue to repair the waterways that are integral to both their lives and the surrounding ecosystem.
With over 75 tons of debris removed from various rivers, the notion of recovery pushes forward. While progress is being made, both biologists and volunteers recognize that understanding and caring for the ecosystem is crucial as recovery unfolds. “We’re creating a habitat, but it’s just the wrong habitat,” remarked crew leader Leslie Beninato, illustrating the tension between necessity and environmental impact.
As North Carolina embarks on the long path toward recovery, the lessons learned from Helene's devastation resonate widely, shaping conversations about resilience and ecological responsibility.
