Last Updated on March 5, 2025 12:37 pm
ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 3, 2025 — The USDA Forest Service is currently offering salvage timber contracts to remove downed but still commercially usable trees left in the wake of Hurricane Helene on up to 2,200 acres of the Pisgah National Forest that, if left to dry, would pose a considerable wildfire risk.
The salvage timber sales will take place in McDowell and Burke counties, as well as in Yancey and Mitchell counties near the Appalachian Trail. The Forest Service worked closely with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to plan the removal of downed trees in the vicinity to the trail.
The unprecedented levels of downed trees and woody debris across the Pisgah National Forest has led the Forest Service to take action protecting neighboring communities by reducing the amount of fuel on the ground for potential wildfires.
“Hurricane Helene left catastrophic damage across a large portion of the forests in Western North Carolina, with several thousands of acres of blown down trees in the Pisgah National Forests alone,” said James Melonas, Forest Supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina. “The longer we wait, the greater the likelihood that a severe wildfire could threaten the Pisgah and our neighboring communities, and that’s simply not a risk we’re willing to take.”
The Pisgah National Forest has already experienced wildfire activity in the five months since Hurricane Helene blew through Western North Carolina. In these cases, debris left by the hurricane added additional challenges in containing the blazes by adding additional fuel and making the terrain more difficult.
Allowing for commercial salvage of downed trees then has the benefit of reducing the risk of severe wildfire as well as providing economic benefits for local communities. Additionally, debris removal via salvage will provide Forest Service crews better access to begin restoration activities to areas damaged by Hurricane Helene.
In the Southern Area Spring 2025 Wildfire Risk Assessment, produced by the Southern Area Coordination Center, forecasts show a moderate probability for an active spring wildfire season throughout the Southern Appalachian states because of warmer temperatures and low precipitation. The report noted that impacts from Hurricane Helene, including limited access to areas still blocked by debris, will likely lead to larger, more complex wildfires.
In addition to the wildfire risks, downed trees can also provide fertile habitat for non-native and invasive species and other destructive pests, adding further long-term impacts from the storm that may be difficult to address the longer the trees remain on the ground.
“We know that we are facing nearly ideal conditions for a very active wildfire season, so removing this salvage now will not only remove those heavy fuels from the ground, but it will also help us improve access for firefighters and first responders,” Melonas added. “This salvage sale will address a major safety concern while benefiting the local economy. I consider that a win-win.”
Companies interested in bidding for a salvage timber contract can visit the Bear Wallow Salvage Sale webpage for more information.
