In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the people of Unicoi County didn’t wait for help — they became the help.
As floodwaters rose and roads washed out, our local outdoor community — guides, paddlers, climbers, medics, and neighbors — stepped up to lead rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts across the region. They crossed state lines to offer humanitarian aid, established supply lines, opened blocked roads, launched service and construction projects, provided medical response, supported hazardous materials mitigation, and even carried out search and rescue operations in remote terrain.

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When the crisis settled, a new one emerged.

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Paddlers on the Nolichucky River, many of them the same volunteers who had just helped rebuild the region, began to notice alarming practices by the railroad during post-storm repairs — activities that threatened the health of the river, its banks, and its ecosystems. These actions endangered not only a cherished natural treasure but also the livelihoods of river guides, educators, and outfitters who depend on the Nolichucky.

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So the same crew of rescuers, teachers, and river people fought back — this time not with chainsaws or supply packs, but with advocacy, public engagement, and sheer determination. They worked to defend the river, restore access, and regain the permits and rights they needed to continue making an honest living on the water.