MountainTrue, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), is leading a major River Debris Cleanup Program to address the long-term impacts of Hurricane Helene across Western North Carolina. Funded with $10 million in state disaster recovery funds, this initiative will restore rivers, put local residents to work, and support communities still recovering from the storm.
“This is more than a cleanup — it’s a recovery effort that puts people back to work and brings communities together to restore the rivers we all depend on.”
“This initiative represents a critical opportunity to restore our waterways, protect our communities, and support local economies dependent on outdoor recreation and tourism.”
Federal recovery efforts by FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have focused on large rivers and only removed debris posing an immediate public health or safety risk. But throughout Western North Carolina, smaller rivers and tributaries are still choked with debris. These neglected waterways pose real threats to surrounding communities and the region’s vital tourism and outdoor recreation economy.
MountainTrue’s program fills this gap — removing waste, stabilizing streambanks, and helping communities bounce back stronger.
Now through December 31, 2026, MountainTrue will deploy paid cleanup crews across the storm-impacted region, with work focused in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians territory. These crews will work alongside MountainTrue’s network of volunteers and Riverkeepers to remove debris from rivers and streams, restore habitat, and reconnect communities with clean, safe waterways.
With local partnerships already in place on the French Broad, Green, Broad, and Watauga Rivers, MountainTrue is uniquely positioned to scale up recovery efforts quickly and effectively.
Removing hazardous dams and advocating for timely dam inspections and repairs.
Rebuilding our cities and towns to be more resilient to flooding and reduce the risk of landslides.
Increasing the supply of stable and climate-resilient housing
Transforming floodplains into public green space
Reaching remote sites that federal dollars can’t cover
pounds of debris removed from waterways
miles of river to be cleaned
jobs to be created in Western North Carolina
Cleanup Efforts will take place in the following counties designated under the Presidential Disaster Declaration:
MountainTrue is responsible for managing all aspects of the program, including:
to expand local involvement and multiply the impact we can make with state grant dollars
to promote the program’s success and build long-term support
based on community need and environmental impact
equipment procurement, and site supervision
metrics, and environmental outcomes to DEQ and the public
of paid cleanup crews (approx. 100 positions)
Over the life of the program, MountainTrue aims to clean up more than 175 sites across the region. Monthly and final reports to NCDEQ will track:
Reach out to us at cleanup@mountaintrue.org.
Let’s bring our rivers—and our region—back stronger than ever.
