HABITAT MANAGEMENT
Hurricane Helene Recovery–Stream Impacts H urricane Helene roared into western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, impacting a large area with catastrophic wind damage, flooding, landslides, and debris flows. Winds reached up to 100 miles/hour in some high elevation areas (Figure 1). Many streams (from headwater streams to large rivers, such as the Cane River in Yancey County) have been severely impacted by scour and erosion, and preliminary assessments of aquatic wildlife have demonstrated a range of impacts (see Pho- tos 1-3). In many streams, efforts to rebuild roads and restore access to homes have resulted in additional stream impacts. NCWRC staff will continue to assess stream habitat and aquatic community status over the next year, and they anticipate devel- oping a plan for restoration of habitat and aquatic wildlife for the affected area. Many large streams and river systems in Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Mitchell, Yancey, and several adjoining counties experienced severe flooding and erosion due to Hurricane Helene. There were numerous debris flows that scoured small streams as well. Western Region NCDOT Habcon staff have been working with NCDOT and regulatory agencies in their responses to Hurricane Helene damage. Extensive repair work has already been undertaken, including stream channel modi- fications that NCDOT has indicated is temporary and that later may be modified with permanent, more stable and/or bioengi- neered approaches. For storm repair emergencies, the NCWRC has waived the October 15-April 15 trout moratorium, which is a measure included in US Army Corps Permits to protect developing trout eggs from stream disturbance and siltation.
Current Development Projects T he USACE Wilmington Harbor 403 (WH 403) proposal is progressing through the technical workgroup committees. NCWRC staff from HabCon, Inland Fisheries, and Wildlife Management divisions serve on the Wetlands, Aquatic Hab- itat, and Beneficial Use of Dredged Material committees. Currently the USACE is considering a No Action Alternative (cur- rently permitted -42’ MLLW), Action Alternative 1 (-47’ MLLW) and Action Alternative 2 (-46’ MLLW). The new action alternatives each have a 9.1-mile channel extension from Bald Head Reach 3 and widened areas identified in the WH 203 process with a +2’ overdredge. Workgroup committees are involved to make sure model inputs are appropriate, all necessary wetland classes and species are noted, unique environmental conditions are identified, important model scenarios are con- sidered, and mitigation opportunities are explored. The Draft Report and EIS are expected 2025.
77 2024 Wildlife Diversity Program Annual Report
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