The Shadow
ROANOKE, Va. (VR) —The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has made significant progress in repairing and restoring the George Washington – Jefferson National Forest from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene one year ago.
“The damage done by Hurricane Helene to ecological resources, infrastructure, and recreation sites across the George Washington – Jefferson National Forest was profound and deeply felt by the communities around our forest. The loss of the Virginia Creeper Trail was a huge blow,” said Forest Supervisor Job Timm. “We – the Forest Service and our communities – are resilient. We will remain steadfast in working with partners, industry, and local, state, and federal governments to restore the forest.”
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 Virginia, the George Washington – Jefferson 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.
“Hurricane Helene dealt our communities the worst circumstances imaginable. But the need to carry on is a deeply held Appalachian trait; we come together in times of difficulty. The moment the rain ceased, we began working alongside our neighbors. That network of relationships, strengthened by hardship, continues to grow. Together, we will build back stronger and more resilient than before,” said Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Ranger Ed Wright.
Here’s a quick glance at what has been accomplished:
· 808 miles of roads reopened
· 7,000 acres of grazing allotments reopened
· 19,414 acres of storm-weakened, spongy moth affected acres treated
· 643 thousand board feet of salvage timber removed
· 2,650 blowdown trees removed from 28 miles of the Appalachian Scenic Trail
The hurricane caused devastating damage to the communities and forests of the Appalachians. However, the committed staff of the George Washington – Jefferson National Forest 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.
