After the Storm: Restoring the Banks of the Nolichucky

Last night, NORA hosted another “After the Storm” Riparian Restoration Workshop — a continued effort to support landowners, farmers, and riverfront businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. The event brought together a powerful coalition of state agencies, nonprofits, and local partners committed to rebuilding both the land and the community along the Nolichucky River.

Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Department of Forestry, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), University of Tennessee Extension, Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council (ARC&D), and The Nature Conservancy, among others, joined local residents to share the latest updates and practical restoration strategies.

A River on the Mend

The evening’s presentations painted a hopeful picture of recovery.

• Water quality tests continue to show encouraging results throughout the watershed.

• TWRA reported positive trends in fish populations, indicating that the river ecosystem is rebounding.

• NORA’s cleanup crews have completed hundreds of missions since the storm, removing debris, stabilizing banks, and reopening access points for paddlers and property owners alike.

Turning Knowledge into Action

A major outcome of the workshop was a shared commitment between NORA, ARC&D, and the University of Tennessee to collaborate on developing best practices for streambank restoration. Together, we will train and deploy NORA field crews to assist local property owners with implementing biological engineering methods — sustainable, science-based solutions that use nature to heal itself.

These restoration techniques include:

• Grading eroded slopes

• Seeding and matting disturbed soil

• Planting native vegetation

• Live staking species known for their deep, stabilizing root systems

Each of these steps helps protect the river, prevent further erosion, and improve water quality — ensuring a more resilient future for our watershed.

Get Help Restoring Your Property

If your land or business was impacted by Hurricane Helene and you are located along the Nolichucky or one of its tributaries, you may qualify for professional restoration support under the ARC&D/NORA partnership.

To learn more and register for assistance, visit:👉 ARC&D Watershed Restoration Program

Most local property owners will fall under Option 2 on the form. Please email Sami (listed on the ARC&D page) to get started and ensure your property is added to the restoration list.

Moving Forward Together

NORA remains deeply grateful for the collaboration and momentum behind this work. Together with our partners and the local community, we are transforming the aftermath of the storm into an opportunity for renewal — restoring not only the banks of the Nolichucky but the strength and connection of the people who call it home.

For updates, upcoming workshops, and ways to get involved, visit www.nolichucky.org.