The U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have entered into a $290 million Good Neighbor Agreement — the largest ever for the Forest Service — to support long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
Over the next 10 years, the commission will carry out major restoration work across the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, including removing storm debris, repairing damaged roads, trails and recreation areas, controlling invasive species, restoring watersheds and improving wildlife habitat.
Hurricane Helene left tens of thousands of acres of blown-down timber, widespread infrastructure damage and a dangerous buildup of wildfire fuel from fallen trees and vegetation. Officials say the agreement will speed recovery, lower costs, create jobs and help restore both ecosystems and public access that supports tourism and local economies.
The partnership uses the federal Good Neighbor Authority, which allows the Forest Service to work with state agencies to manage and restore forests more efficiently following large-scale disasters.