NORA 2025 ETF-Funded Clean-Up and Restoration Report: Heavy Lifting, Healing, and Rebuilding the Nolichucky
- Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
A Year of Heavy Lifting, Healing, and Connection
From the gorge to the floodplain, from hauling out culverts to planting the first seeds of recovery, 2025 was a year of powerful partnerships, relentless work, and deep community connection for the Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association (NORA).
With generous support from the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) and MountainTrue, NORA crews and partner outfitters led an unprecedented effort to clear the Nolichucky watershed of debris left behind by Hurricane Helene — restoring not just the riverbanks, but hope, livelihoods, and the local outdoor economy.
By the Numbers (Rounds 1 & 2 Combined)
When you look at the data, it’s easy to see numbers — but behind every mile, every hour, and every pound of debris removed lies a story of resilience and renewal.
123 cleanup and restoration missions completed across the Nolichucky watershed, each one representing a coordinated effort between guides, volunteers, agencies, and landowners. From the headwaters to the floodplain, these missions helped rebuild the connective tissue of an entire watershed still reeling from the storm.
2,480 paid labor hours provided steady work for local guides and instructors at a critical time for our outdoor economy. Every cleanup day kept skilled workers in the field, maintained certifications, and ensured that the region’s guiding community — the heart of our tourism industry — remained strong and employed during recovery.
1,298 volunteer hours showed the community’s spirit of shared stewardship. From high school students to retirees, volunteers gave their weekends and weekdays alike to help heal their home river.
171,650 pounds of debris removed — enough to fill more than 80 dump trailers — lifted the weight of flood damage from riverbanks, farms, and families. Each load of metal, tires, and household wreckage represented not just trash removed, but trauma released.
Three lead outfitters — Osprey Whitewater, Wahoo’s Adventures, and Eddyhopper Workshop — served as anchors of expertise and leadership, coordinating logistics, transport, and training while mentoring a new generation of environmental stewards.
The impact of this work ripples outward. Ecologically, the river is breathing again — habitats once smothered by debris are now open for fish, mussels, and macroinvertebrates to return.
Economically, outfitters, guides, and service providers have found meaningful, funded work that supports both conservation and livelihood. And emotionally, every crew member, landowner, and volunteer has felt a shared sense of purpose — rediscovering that healing the river also helps heal ourselves.
Partners in Restoration
This year’s recovery work was built on strong partnerships and shared purpose. NORA worked hand-in-hand with:
Tennessee Stream Team, led by Dr. Andrea Ludwig (UT Agriculture Extension)
MountainTrue and the Swim Guide Program
Local groups: Nolichucky Restoration Project, Keeping the Valley Beautiful, and the Unicoi County Long Term Recovery Group (UCLTRG)
From state agencies to grassroots volunteers, these collaborations made the difference between isolated recovery and a regional restoration movement.
Stories from the River
Helping Neighbors Heal
Guides and volunteers worked with landowners whose properties had been devastated by floodwaters — clearing destroyed porches, moving debris, and even returning a memorial stone to its rightful resting place by the river. These acts of service turned cleanup work into emotional restoration.
Miles of Recovery
From Chestoa to Sawmill, Red Banks to Poplar, teams pulled metal, tires, and plastic from every bend in the river. One crew described finding “hot spots” of twisted steel near the I-26 bridges, while another spent an entire day freeing a truckload of tires from an island near the hospital.
The Workforce Behind the Work
Each cleanup was led by professional guides — men and women who make their living on the river. For many, this project offered more than a paycheck; it was a mission. As one guide said, “We’re not just cleaning up the river — we’re taking care of our home.”
Water Sampling and Riparian Restoration
Alongside debris removal, NORA expanded its role in monitoring and restoring river health.
Weekly water sampling took place at multiple locations: Toe River, Cane River, Nolichucky at Poplar and Chestoa, Sawmill Access, and Rock Creek State Park’s spring-fed pool.
In collaboration with MountainTrue’s Swim Guide program, results were logged weekly to inform public recreation safety.
Riparian restoration efforts launched with the Tennessee Stream Team and ARC&D.
As the seasons change, NORA will transition from planting and seeding to invasive plant removal and long-term site monitoring.
Community Connection
Throughout the season, NORA also found ways to bring the community to the river:
Hosting outreach tables at the Meet the Mountains Festival
Participating in volunteer events hosted by Keeping the Valley Beautiful and the Nolichucky Restoration Project
Partnering with the the TN Stream Team and ARC&D to host a series of “After the Storm” Riparian Restoration Workshops
Every event built not just cleaner riverbanks, but stronger relationships among residents, agencies, and outdoor businesses that depend on a healthy Nolichucky.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 clean-up season reminded us that recovery is not just physical — it’s emotional, social, and environmental. Each mission brought us one step closer to a resilient river community where restoration and recreation thrive together.
With continued support, NORA plans to:
Expand the After the Storm Riparian Restoration Workshops
Continue weekly water sampling and reporting
Launch invasive plant management initiatives in spring 2026
Maintain a ready, trained NORA Work Crew for future disaster response and conservation labor
Gratitude
This work would not have been possible without the generous funding of the East Tennessee Foundation and the fiscal sponsorship and partnership of MountainTrue. Together, they empowered local guides, strengthened regional collaboration, and helped rebuild both the river and the community that depends on it.
To every partner, volunteer, and supporter — thank you for standing with us to keep lifting, hauling, and healing the Nolichucky.
👉 Follow our journey at nolichucky.org
Join our next volunteer event, or support our ongoing recovery and restoration through donation and advocacy.
Together, we’ll keep the Nolichucky strong.
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