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Biochar offers new path for Helene recovery
Western North Carolina turns storm debris into soil, energy, and economic opportunity
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Environmental groups seek court order blocking feds’ WNC forest plan
Environmental groups are asking a federal judge to clarify that an earlier order protecting endangered bat habitat in western North Carolina forests throws out the federal government’s forest management plan.
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Private actors shape mountain recovery after Helene
At a recent meeting of the GROW NC Resilience Subcommittee, leaders described a strategy focused on better aligning risk, investment, and decision-making — with an emphasis on using detailed data to guide both public spending and private action.
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Feds seek ruling that bat order didn’t void plans for WNC forests
Federal agencies are asking a judge to clarify that a recent ruling designed to protect endangered bats did not void a government plan for managing national forests in western North Carolina.
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Judge throws out federal plan for western NC forests based on bats
A federal judge cited concerns about bats when throwing out a document supporting revised management plans for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
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State issues burn ban as fires rage across western NC
The North Carolina Forest Service issues a statewide burn ban as wildfires continue to burn across western North Carolina. As of Tuesday afternoon, five fires classified as “active” burn in the High County region. Counties include Wilkes, Avery, Mitchel, and McDowell. The Cane Creek Wildfire in Wilkes County is the largest reported fire, spreading over...
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State fire marshal warns of escalating wildfire risk
The debris left by Helene is already altering wildfire behavior. Fires are burning hotter, spreading unpredictably, and lasting longer — even outside the state’s typical fire season.
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Forest Service, NC Wildlife ink $290M Helene recovery deal
Officials say this agreement marks the largest of its kind in Forest Service history. The deal enables the state-level Wildlife Commission to take a leading role in comprehensive recovery projects over the next decade.
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DOT urges drivers off roads as ice, bitter cold grip NC
On Monday morning, Duke Energy reports 34,278 customers statewide without power following the ice storm that swept across the state. The NC Highway Patrol reports more than 600 crashes on the state's roads over the weekend.
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Trump approves Emergency Declaration ahead of NC ice storm
President Donald Trump has approved an Emergency Declaration for North Carolina ahead of a potentially catastrophic ice storm this weekend, with the aftereffects lasting well into next week.
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State offers tree-seedling discount for veterans
As the nation recognizes veterans this month, the North Carolina Forest Service is offering a 20 percent discount on tree-seedling orders placed throughout November by active military, honorably discharged veterans, and retired service members. The discount applies to the first $500 of a new order, yielding a maximum savings of $100. “Many veterans and current...
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NC top fire-risk state, as fall fire season begins
There are two primary wildfire seasons in NC: spring and fall. Earlier this year, Troxler told state lawmakers that NC is the No. 1 state in the nation at risk for wildfires.
