North Carolina Launched National Forest Restoration Plan

The state has committed $290 million to repair habitat damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a mountain forest landscape with a sapling in the foreground, evoking regional environmental restoration efforts. — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has launched a 10-year, $290 million habitat restoration plan for Pisgah and Nantahala national forests following Hurricane Helene. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has initiated a 10-year habitat restoration plan for Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. This effort, developed alongside the U.S. Forest Service, aims to address significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Why it matters

The recovery effort is critical for stabilizing protected ecosystems in Western North Carolina that were heavily impacted by storm damage. By coordinating with federal partners, the state hopes to restore infrastructure and natural habitats essential for regional wildlife.

The restoration plan covers a 10-year period with total funding reaching $290 million. The Helene Restoration Division has already successfully completed the removal of four damaged culverts within Pisgah National Forest.

The players

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

This state agency is responsible for the management and protection of wildlife and public lands in North Carolina.

U.S. Forest Service

This federal agency manages public lands, including national forests, and partnered with the state for this restoration project.

Helene Restoration Division

This specific division was created by the state commission to oversee recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

The details

The newly created Helene Restoration Division is currently working through an assessment and prioritization phase to guide future projects. Implementation is supported by a Good Neighbor Agreement signed with the U.S. Forest Service to facilitate cooperative management of the impacted public lands.

The Helene Restoration Division was established in February 2025.
The commission announced progress on the restoration plan in September 2026.

Travel Outlook

This restoration plan follows the collaborative management framework established by the Good Neighbor Agreement. The initiative serves as a major logistical pivot to ensure long-term ecosystem health following severe storm impacts on regional tourism and wilderness accessibility.

Visitors to Pisgah and Nantahala national forests should expect ongoing maintenance and potential access changes during the 10-year recovery window. Residents and travelers are encouraged to check official alerts, as the prioritization phase may impact which trails or roads remain open for public use.

The takeaway

The multi-year financial commitment underscores the scale of infrastructure repair required to restore public land access after major weather events. Long-term visitors to the region should plan for shifting trail accessibility while these environmental restoration projects proceed.