Pisgah River Rangers continue freshwater stewardship
The Pisgah River Rangers, a partnership between The Pisgah Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), has kicked off its 2025 season. A team of five will work to promote freshwater stewardship in the forest and surrounding communities.
NCDEQ awards more than $1.1 million for stream restoration, water management, recreation projects
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to support stream restoration, water-based recreation and water management projects across North Carolina.
Sliding Rock to open for summer season
Sliding Rock, one of the most popular destinations in Pisgah National Forest, will open for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. During that time, visitors can expect lifeguards on duty, restrooms open and staff on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Damage is done: Macon to make changes following damage caused by debris removal
Over the last few months, Maconians have sounded the alarm on what they see as excessive debris removal in the county’s waterways. Now, as the cleanup effort wraps up, citizens are maintaining pressure, urging elected officials to learn from the debacle and institute safeguards for the future.
River protest calls attention to debris removal
On Saturday, April 26, a group of protesters took to the Little Tennessee River to call attention to what they see as excessive debris removal in Macon County as part of the cleanup process from damage by Hurricane Helene last year.
Public input sought on Jackson County conservation plan
The Jackson County ‘Headwaters District’ Conservation Plan seeks to apply an objective, fact-based approach to assessing the conservation and development priorities of communities within the southern half of Jackson County.
Good intentions gone wrong: Maconians sound alarm on excessive debris removal
By this point, more than six months after Hurricane Helene barreled through Western North Carolina, it’s a common sight. Heavy machinery moving in and around waterways, working to remove debris that choked rivers and streams during extreme flooding caused by the storm.
Fueled up: Public opposition mounts over gas station project
A new gas station, T&C General Store, is planned for the corner of N.C. 107 and South River Road, where the old Jack the Dipper used to sit, right on the Tuckasegee River.
While a project of this nature is permitted in the zoning district, the public has expressed concern over environmental, aesthetic and traffic safety concerns, especially in the wake of flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Debris removal begins along Pigeon River
Equipment and personnel have arrived in Haywood County to begin removing debris at 22 sites along the Pigeon River.
The initial focus of the debris removal will be on things like downed trees, appliances and vehicles that, if dislodged and sent downstream, could cause further catastrophic damage.
Some waterways remain dangerous post-Helene
Officials at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) report there are still areas that are unsafe to participate in water activities due to remaining debris from Hurricane Helene. Some locations are inaccessible to emergency responders in the event an incident occurs.