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NRC Seeking locations for Helene debris removal
In partnership with Ashe County, North Carolina, the New River Conservancy (NRC) is seeking grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to remove the remains of Helene debris in the New River and its tributaries with the help of public reporting.
Soon after hurricane Helene struck in September of 2024, NRC made a similar request, asking the public to report debris piles and other damage which resulted in over 200 responses. Since then, the NRC, partners and volunteers have removed over 100,000 pounds of trash and debris out of the New River and its tributaries by hand. Today the Conservancy is making every effort to continue to serve the public and address what remains.
Landowners can report debris piles or significant pieces of debris in the flood plain of the New, or adjacent to tributaries or creeks by filling out the Helene Debris from HERE. The requested information includes; address of the debris, a description, photos and contact information. Debris must be associated with Helene.
If funds are secured, NRC staff will reach out to respondents and work with local contractors to address the reported issues.
The deadline for reporting is Wednesday, September 9th.
About the New River
Stretching 360 miles, the New River supports multiple state, county and municipal parks, including the 57-mile long New River Trail state park in Virginia, the New River George National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and a 27-mile long Wild and Scenic section in North Carolina managed by the New River State Park.
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, providing habitat for rare species such as the hellbender salamander and supporting one of the best fisheries in the country. With stunning scenery and class 1-5 whitewater, recreation on the New has long been a national attraction and an economic driver for all of the river’s adjacent communities.
The New River is unique in that its entire flow goes through the heart of the Southern Appalachians. The New was designated as an American Heritage River by executive order in 1997.
About the New River Conservancy
Founded in 1974 by a group of local, state and national advocates as the National Committee for the New River, the staff, board and members of the New River Conservancy have spent every day for the last 50 years working to protect the New River watershed, and it is a 501© (3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. To make a donation or volunteer please visit their website at newriverconservancy.org
