Henderson County adopts Hickory Nut Gorge recovery plan after wide public input

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously March 18 to adopt the Draft Hickory Nut Gorge Recovery Plan, a community-driven roadmap intended to guide recovery and resilience work in Gerton, Bat Cave and portions of Edneyville over the next five to ten years.

The plan, developed by consultant Equinox with an advisory group, synthesizes more than 200 public input points gathered at two community meetings and a survey. It lays out recommendations, estimated cost ranges for projects and potential funding partners but does not obligate the county to immediate spending.

Supporters at the public hearing urged adoption while noting remaining needs. Resident John Anderson said the plan “reflects extensive public input” and emphasized that adopting the plan would not require immediate expenditures. Harvey Nix urged priority work on roadway restoration, reducing forest fuel loads to mitigate wildfire risk, supporting volunteer fire departments and restoring rivers and streams.

Planning staff noted the advisory group voted unanimously to recommend the plan on Dec. 8, 2025, and the Planning Board forwarded a favorable recommendation on Feb. 19, 2026. The plan identifies resilience projects, trail and river-access improvements and community-requested recreation opportunities; it also lists likely funding sources and partner organizations.

Commissioner Rebecca McCall moved for adoption and the motion carried with all present voting in favor. The Board’s action formally places the plan into the county’s planning record; next steps described in the plan—grant applications, design work and partner coordination—will proceed as funding and staff capacity allow.