The Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission enter into a $290 million Good Neighbor Agreement to support Hurricane Helene recovery in Western North Carolina, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
The agreement authorizes the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to conduct recovery work across the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests over the next 10 years. The work includes storm debris removal, road and recreation area repairs, invasive species management, watershed restoration, and wildlife habitat improvement.
The Forest Service states the agreement is the largest Good Neighbor Agreement it has entered into. The agency says the agreement will accelerate recovery efforts, create jobs, reduce costs, and strengthen communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene causes extensive damage to the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, including tens of thousands of acres of blown-down timber, widespread damage to roads and infrastructure, destruction of wildlife habitat, and large amounts of downed vegetation that increase wildfire fuel loads.
Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz states that helping communities recover from Hurricane Helene has been a priority since the storm affected the Southeast more than a year ago. He says restoring access to national forests supports local economies connected to outdoor recreation.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission states the hurricane causes severe impacts to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and their habitats in Western North Carolina. Executive Director Kyle Briggs says restoring species and habitats is necessary for ecosystem function, wildfire risk reduction, and outdoor recreation.
The Good Neighbor Authority allows the Forest Service to partner with non-federal entities on forest management activities. Congress approves the authority in 2001 and expands it in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Most of the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests have reopened since Hurricane Helene, while work continues to repair roads, trails, recreation areas, and watersheds.
