To the Editor:
When a disaster like Hurricane Helene strikes, the impulse to “clean up” is powerful. That said, our recent approach in Jackson County to stream debris removal doesn’t make sense for the environment or our economy.
Folks that understand our creeks and streams know that “woody debris” and logs across the steam create pools for brookies and more. Appalachian streams are dependent on the decomposition of leaves and wood. Scientific acronyms, like a stream with LWD (large woody debris) with a lot of CPOM (coarse particulate organic matter), translate into a PGFS (pretty good fishing spots). All those leaves and branches are the base of a stream’s “food pyramid,” like grass in a prairie and oak trees in a forest. Removing that base causes the pyramid to start crumbling.
Everyone recognizes that excessive storm accumulation of dead wood in certain places may not be good for humans and might need to be moved for human safety. But the current debris removal program is overkill. An overkill that diminishes the Tuck’s reputation as a trout-fishing hotspot, a boon to our economy, and just plain ol’ beautiful.
Yes, it is mind boggling and frustrating that there is money to remove debris but not money to revegetate impacted streamside buffers. But we can’t let a boggled mind lull us into inaction. Let’s support groups like WATR (Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River) for taking action to heal the damage and for taking a practical approach when it comes to healthy streams for wildlife, fishing, drinking water and our economy.
Michael A. Wall
Executive Director,
Balsam Mountain Trust
Sylva