NORA River Cleanup Initiative: Progress Report: May 12, 2025 – June 23, 2025
- Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Overview
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association (NORA) launched a bold and essential river cleanup initiative to address the widespread destruction left along our waterways. This effort has been a lifeline—not just for the river’s ecological recovery, but for our community’s economic and emotional well-being.
With the Nolichucky at the heart of our region’s identity, this work is restoring a cherished resource for public safety, ecological health, recreation, and the livelihoods of local outfitters and guides.
By the Numbers
Employed Workers: Over 20 guides, outfitters, and skilled crew members directly engaged in paid cleanup work.
Paid Hours Logged: More than 700 paid labor hours invested in hands-on restoration.
Volunteers Mobilized: 30+ volunteers contributing hundreds of additional hours.
Debris Removed: Estimated 90,000+ lbs of debris, including:
Household and construction waste
Hundreds of tires
Large appliances (hot tubs, refrigerators, freezer doors)
Hazardous materials (hydraulic fluid, fuel cans, industrial paint)
Plastics, metals, tarps, bubble wrap, and more
Stories from the Field
📌 “The crew uncovered a large inflatable hot tub, half-submerged in Radio Waves Rapid, giving off strange odors. They cut it into sections for safe removal. Nearby, they found a Native American figurine, dubbed ‘Tonto,’ and an honor roll trophy—a poignant reminder of what was lost in the flood.”
📌 “On one mission, three outbuildings that had floated downstream were recovered and repositioned just in time for Memorial Day, allowing a property owner to host guests again. The crew weed-whacked, mucked out, and stabilized the structures—turning devastation into hope.”
📌 “Near Big Rocks, the team found children’s clothing and toys tangled high in trees, a sobering image of the flood’s force. Yet they worked tirelessly to clear the area, driven by the vision of a safe and clean riverfront for families to return to.”
📌 “Every trip seems to reveal something new—each rainstorm uncovers hidden debris. Our guides and outfitters approach each mission with determination and pride, knowing their work is vital to the river they love and depend on.”
Impact Beyond Cleanup
The work has provided critical employment for local outfitters and guides who lost their livelihoods when the river was closed for commercial use. Many have shared how meaningful it is to be working again—contributing to the recovery of a river that has shaped their lives.
This effort is about more than debris removal. It is about restoring habitat for wildlife, making the river safe for future recreation, and ensuring that when outfitters and guides are allowed to resume normal operations, they return to a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant river corridor.
Why Continued Support is Vital
The river’s recovery is far from complete. Much debris remains hidden, and each rainstorm brings more challenges. Our teams are ready, willing, and able to continue this crucial work—but we need your help to sustain this momentum.
Your ongoing support ensures:
Continued employment for local guides and outfitters.
The safety of the river for paddlers, anglers, and families.
Restoration of ecological integrity and wildlife habitat.
Revitalization of a river economy that is essential to our region.
Join Us
Together, we can finish what we’ve started—bringing the Nolichucky and its surrounding lands back to life. We thank you for your generosity so far and invite you to stay with us on this journey of renewal.
Comments