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Avery County ranger outlines heavy timber losses from Hurricane Helene, asks for assistant ranger and Firewise outreach
Summary
Avery County Ranger and an NC Forest Service representative told commissioners that Hurricane Helene damaged roughly 74,437 acres in the county—about 35% of timber—and requested county support for an assistant ranger position and local Firewise USA mitigation efforts.
Avery County Ranger Richard Carpenter and Michael Crouse of the NC Forest Service told the Board of Commissioners on April 7 that Hurricane Helene inflicted widespread timber damage across Western North Carolina and in Avery County.
Crouse reported that Helene damaged about 822,000 acres across Western North Carolina and that 74,437 acres in Avery County were affected, which the presenters characterized as roughly 35% of the county’s timber. He said wind gusts reached 80–90 mph in most areas, with some pockets reaching about 100 mph.
Carpenter said the county is developing a local Firewise USA committee to help residents reduce wildfire risks around homes and suggested strengthening mitigation and outreach. He asked the board to consider adding an Assistant County Ranger position in the upcoming budget to support recovery and mitigation work. Meeting materials and discussion stated the county’s share of the new position would be 40% of personnel, start-up and recurring operating costs — an estimated $63,987.60 the first year and about $28,987.60 in additional annual budget thereafter.
Commissioners did not vote to add the position at the April 7 meeting; the item was presented as a budget request for the upcoming fiscal cycle. The presentation also emphasized coordination with state agencies and volunteer and community outreach as part of mitigation planning.
The ranger briefing occurred alongside other Helene-recovery items approved by the board, including private property debris removal and FEMA-required archaeological monitoring for waterway sites. Emergency Management staff and contractors will coordinate debris removal sign-ups and monitoring as FEMA reimbursement and EHP guidance require.
