Rivers and Streams: Helene’s Impact on Western North Carolina’s Lifeblood

The rivers and streams of Western North Carolina, vital to the region’s ecosystem and communities, bore the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s fury. The storm brought record-breaking rainfall, causing waterways to swell and overflow, carving new paths of destruction through towns and forests alike.

Sedimentation has choked once-clear streams, altering habitats for fish and other wildlife. Banks eroded, exposing root systems and washing away soil, creating long-term instability for the region’s waterways. Recreational areas that once drew anglers and kayakers now lie in ruins, and local communities that depend on these waters for tourism face an uncertain future.

Restoring these rivers and streams will require a concerted effort from local authorities, environmental groups, and residents. Projects to stabilize banks, remove debris, and monitor water quality will be essential to ensure these waterways recover and continue to serve as a source of life and livelihood.