MountainTrue takes action to protect the Nolichucky Gorge

Dear friends and supporters,

I’m writing today to share a difficult but necessary decision. Together with the Center for Biological Diversity and represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, MountainTrue has filed suit to stop an illegal logging project in the Nolichucky River Gorge in Pisgah National Forest.

At MountainTrue, we believe that lawsuits should always be the last resort. We tried to work with the Forest Service, but it has moved forward with a logging operation that breaks its own rules, ignores federal environmental laws, and threatens one of the most cherished wild places in our region.

The Forest Service is pushing ahead under the guise of a long-expired emergency order — and doing so without informing the public, completing required environmental review, or consulting with state and federal experts. The project was so secretive that we wouldn’t even have known this part of Pisgah National Forest was being logged without being informed by local residents.

The logging is already underway in the Nolichucky Gorge — an eligible Wild and Scenic River, a North Carolina Natural Heritage Natural Area, home to rare species and beloved by hikers, paddlers, anglers, and local communities. This area is specifically designated under the new Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan to be managed for backcountry values and old-growth conservation. A map of the area affected by this secretive and illegal logging can be viewed here.

As our Resilient Forests Program Director, Josh Kelly, explains:

“The Forest Service has moved forward with a logging project that violates their own Forest Plan in one of the jewels of Pisgah National Forest. They are doing so under the guise of an expired emergency order while attempting to complete the project in secrecy, without performing their legal duty to inform the public, complete rare species surveys, or consult with other agencies. We asked the Forest Service for specifics about the project, and they refused, while also providing false information. We feel we have no other recourse but to sue to protect the outstanding qualities of the Nolichucky Gorge.”

MountainTrue has always believed that the future of Pisgah and Nantahala must be rooted in transparency, science, and shared public stewardship. The Forest Service’s actions here undermine that foundation.

So we are asking a federal court to halt logging in the Nolichucky Gorge and require the Forest Service to follow the law, the Forest Plan, and the public process before making decisions that permanently alter this place.

How you can help right now:

Stay informed. We will share updates as the case moves forward. Sign up for our Vistas e-newsletter.
Share this news. Your voice matters in ensuring that the public understands what’s at stake.
Continue to support this work. Your financial support makes it possible for MountainTrue to stand up in moments like this — when the stakes are high and no one else will act.

This is about more than one project. It’s about whether our public lands are stewarded for the long-term health of our forests, rivers, wildlife, and communities.

We remain committed to protecting the Nolichucky Gorge — and to defending the integrity of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests for this and future generations. Thank you for standing with us.

In solidarity and stewardship,

Gray Jernigan, Deputy Director & General Counsel

Stronger Than the Storm: Reflecting on a Year of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Dear Friends,

One year ago, Hurricane Helene changed everything.

Across Western North Carolina, more than 100 lives were lost. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Entire communities were left without power, food, and running water for weeks.

In those first hours and days, people came together. Neighbors helped neighbors. And MountainTrue joined first responders, community groups, and churches to meet urgent needs. We organized supply deliveries. Carried medicines and essentials into areas cut off by the storm. Even fired up a mobile grilling operation to serve thousands of hot meals to families in the hardest-hit communities.

As days turned into weeks, people’s needs kept changing. So we stayed flexible. We tested wells, water, and soil for contamination. Partnered with Wine to Water to distribute water filters and well-testing kits. Sent chainsaw crews to clear roads and homes. And even helped set up a mobile laundry station in the Emma community.

But recovery isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow.

That’s why we launched the Appalachian Design Center to help communities like Swannanoa, Hot Springs, and Marshall rebuild stronger. We partnered with American Rivers and the Pew Charitable Trusts to secure $10 million from the state to remove hazardous dams damaged by the storm.

And we piloted an ambitious debris-cleanup program that put people back to work restoring our rivers—out-of-work guides, hospitality staff, and others hit hardest by the storm. With the help of volunteers, that program removed more than 3 million pounds of trash from local waterways.

Now, with support from the State of North Carolina, we’re expanding the program to provide more jobs and mobilize even more volunteers to clean up rivers, lakes, and streamfronts across Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary.

As we look back on this past year, we know the work isn’t over. Recovery means building a safer, healthier, and more resilient future for all of us.

And we want to mark this moment together.

On Thursday, October 2, please join us in Asheville for Stronger Than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering Honoring the Challenge, the Recovery, and the People Making It Happen. This will be a time to reflect, to honor the lives and communities forever changed, and to celebrate the resilience, generosity, and determination that make Western North Carolina strong.

Thank you for being MountainTrue. Together, we will protect the places we share.

With gratitude,
Bob Wagner, Executive Director
MountainTrue

Join Us for Stronger Than the Storm

Join us on October 2 for Stronger Than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering. Together we’ll reflect, honor our communities, and celebrate the resilience and generosity that make WNC strong.

RSVP

Help Us Rebuild Better Than Ever

Discover how communities are rebuilding stronger and smarter in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene—visit appalachiandesign.org

Volunteer

Help Us Clean Up Our Rivers

Want to help restore our rivers? Visit cleanupwncrivers.com to volunteer, donate, or learn more about how you can make a difference today.

Learn More

Support the Work of MountainTrue

Your gift powers clean rivers, resilient forests, and healthy communities. Donate to MountainTrue today and help us build a safer, stronger, and more resilient future together.

Donate

Take Action: Tell the USDA to Keep the Roadless Rule

We need you to take action today to stop the USDA from rescinding the Roadless Rule.

On June 23, Agriculture Secretary Rollins announced that the Trump Administration will end the Roadless Rule, which has protected 58.5 million acres of roadless Forest Service land for 25 years. The Roadless Rule was finalized in 2001 after years of planning and public consultation. Over 600 public meetings were held and 1.6 million public comments were received on the rule, with 97% in favor of protecting the last wild areas in America from roadbuilding and commercial logging.

While most Roadless Areas are in the western US and Alaska, North Carolina is blessed with more public land and wild country than most eastern states. About 15%, or 152,000 acres, of Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are protected by the Roadless Rule. These areas include well-known and beloved places like Cheoah Bald, South Mills River, Laurel Mountain, the Black Mountains, Tusquitee Bald, and Upper Wilson Creek. Roadless areas provide the best remaining fish and wildlife habitat in the nation, and unique recreational opportunities. Ending the roadless rule is nothing more than a handout to a small group of people that would benefit from logging and mining them.

But what about wildfire risk, some will ask? The truth of the matter is that fire is a crucial part of forest health, and roads bring both more arson fires and more fire suppression. The natural fires that burn in roadless areas maintain and renew the forest and don’t harm communities, which are by definition far from roadless areas. In fact, just 5% of roadless acreage is near human habitation. Plus, the Roadless Rule already contains the flexibility to cut trees to reduce wildfire risk and insect outbreaks. The Roadless Rule is working – don’t let oligarchs and bureaucrats take it away!

Take Action

The public comment period opened August 29 and only lasts 3 weeks. In order to facilitate informed comments on the roadless rule, MountainTrue has developed roadless.org, a comment writing tool specifically designed to educate you about the roadless rule and produce a quick, unique comment that will be persuasive and impactful. All you have to do is visit the site, choose between three options for the time you want to spend on commenting, and approve the comment that you draft with the help of an assistant, and copy and paste your comment when you are finished.

The comment period for the Roadless Rule ends on September 19!

Take action now to protect our Roadless Areas!

Take Action: Speak up to Protect our USFS Southern Research Station

The USDA has proposed changes to the U.S. Forest Service structure. The proposal is far-reaching, but could have a huge impact on the US Forest Service if implemented. The Forest Service currently has a hierarchical structure of Washington Office > Regional Office > Forest Supervisors Office > Ranger District Office. The Forest Service also has a research branch that provides information on forest economics, forest pests and pathogens, timber management techniques, wildlife habitat, watershed management, fire management, and forest inventory, among other responsibilities. The headquarters for the Southern Research Station is in Asheville, North Carolina, and two important research forests, Bent Creek and Coweeta, are also located in Western North Carolina. The current reorganization plan would eliminate all Regional Offices and consolidate Forest Service Research to Fort Collins, Colorado. This plan would lead to the elimination or relocation of more than 100 forestry, administrative, and research jobs in Western North Carolina.

Take Action

The economic effects of the reorganization would reverberate for decades. More than just the local job losses, the closing of the Southern Research Station would stifle innovation in forestry and conservation for decades to come. The Forests of the Southeast are distinct from those in other parts of the country. Southern National Forests have always gotten less funding and attention than those in the West, while the water, recreation, and wildlife they supply to the South are crucial. Please tell the USDA and your elected officials to save the US Forest Service and the Southern Research Station from this costly and unneeded reorganization.

Take Action: Tell Congress to Protect Public Land Roadless Areas, Pass RACA

Tell Congress: Pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act Making Protection Permanent

On June 23rd, Agriculture Secretary Rollins announced that the Trump Administration will end the Roadless Rule, which has protected 58.5 million acres of roadless Forest Service land for 25 years. The Roadless Rule was finalized in 2001 after years of planning and public consultation. Over 600 public meetings were held and 1.6 million public comments were received on the rule, with 97% in favor of protecting the last wild areas in America from roadbuilding and commercial logging.

While most Roadless Areas are in the western US and Alaska, North Carolina is blessed with more public land and wild country than most eastern states. About 15%, or 152,000 acres, of Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are protected by the Roadless Rule. These areas include well-known and beloved places like Cheoah Bald, South Mills River, Laurel Mountain, the Black Mountains, Tusquitee Bald, and Upper Wilson Creek. Roadless areas provide the best remaining fish and wildlife habitat in the nation, and unique recreational opportunities. Ending the roadless rule is nothing more than a handout to a small group of people that would benefit from logging and mining them.

But what about wildfire risk, some will ask? The truth of the matter is that fire is a crucial part of forest health, and roads bring both more arson fires and more fire suppression. The natural fires that burn in roadless areas maintain and renew the forest and don’t harm communities, which are by definition far from roadless areas. Plus, the Roadless Rule already contains the flexibility to cut trees to reduce wildfire risk and insect outbreaks. The Roadless Rule is working – don’t let oligarchs and bureaucrats take it away!

Take Action

Fight for Roadless Areas!

Fortunately, The Roadless Area Conservation Act (RACA) has been introduced in the Senate with many co-sponsors. RACA would make the Roadless Rule more durable and end the ability of bureaucrats to remove it with a simple rulemaking process. Contact your Senators and Congressional Representatives today, and ask them to support the Roadless Area Conservation Act and oppose Secretary Rollins’ attempt to end the rule.

Take Action

Resilient Forests Organizer

Western North Carolina

Apply Now

Position Summary

MountainTrue is seeking a Resilient Forests Organizer. This is a full-time position (40hrs/week) based in western North Carolina that reports to the Organizing Manager. They are tasked with:

60% – Organizing, advocacy, and outreach to engage the public to address threats and seek opportunities to protect, invest in, and better steward local, state, and federal public lands in the region.

40% – Manage volunteers to steward public lands and build a sense of ownership and appreciation for our public lands through activities such as non-native species control, ecological restoration, and monitoring and maintenance of trail and road infrastructure on public lands.

Key Responsibilities

Work with the Resilient Forests Program Director, Organizing Manager, Deputy Directors, Regional Directors, and partner organizations to organize the public around campaigns to protect public lands from exploitation.
Support the Resilient Forests Program Director, the Organizing Manager, and Regional Directors to organize MountainTrue members and the general public to steward public lands by controlling invasive species, maintaining trails, monitoring road conditions, and helping to accomplish ecological restoration projects.
Educate the public about their rights and responsibilities through curricula, blog posts, social media, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces related to public lands.

Qualifications

Organizing Experience: Proven experience working with communities on issue campaigns through on-the-ground grassroots organizing and online mobilization.

Project Leadership: Experience in planning, leading, and managing projects, including coordinating with peers to achieve desired outcomes, and tracking and reporting on progress to senior managers.

Communications: Skilled in creating powerful, compelling written and oral communications. Ability to convey complex ideas through brief, simple materials. Experience and credibility when presenting materials to external audiences.

Collaboration: Effective at working with others to reach common goals and objectives.

Relationship Building: Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships with peers, across different levels of the organization and externally. Proven ability to establish strong relationships with community members.

Additional Qualifications: Required

Familiarity with Western North Carolina and the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
Demonstrated excellence in organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Proficiency and comfort with public speaking.
Experience and ability to work outdoors, including in steep terrain and inclement weather.
Willingness to learn new skills and grow.

Additional Preferred Experience

Experience with online advocacy tools or CRMs such as EveryAction, Bonterra, Action Network, Salsa Labs, Blue State Digital, or Nationbuilder
Proficiency in basic computer applications and software
Fundraising experience
Project management tools such as Asana, Monday, or Zoho
Leading groups in outdoor settings
Knowledge of public lands and local conservation issues
Knowledge of local flora, fauna, and ecology
Experience with wilderness first aid

Location & Travel

This position is based in Western North Carolina. This position utilizes frequent virtual meetings and phone calls. Travel costs are covered by the organization.

Compensation

$50,000 annual salary. The benefits package includes 20 vacation days per year, 12 holidays, sick leave, a sabbatical after five years, health insurance, and a simple IRA with an employer contribution of up to 3%. MountainTrue provides continuing education and professional development support.

How to apply

Email resume, cover letter, and three references to Organizing Manager Linda Tatsapaugh at linda@mountaintrue.org.

In your cover letter, describe your role in a past grassroots campaign and what you learned from the experience. Also, name your favorite protected species (flora or fauna) and why.

Application deadline: Sunday, July 20, 2025

MountainTrue values and respects all types of diversity and strongly encourages applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting those from minority and disadvantaged groups.