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Henderson County adopts Hickory Nut Gorge recovery plan after community-driven process
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Summary
After community meetings and a public survey, the Henderson County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the Hickory Nut Gorge Recovery Plan, which prioritizes stream restoration, wildfire fuel reduction and support for volunteer fire departments while noting adoption does not itself fund projects.
The Henderson County Board of Commissioners on March 18 adopted the Hickory Nut Gorge (HNG) Recovery Plan, which lays out five- to ten-year recommendations for Gerton, Bat Cave and part of Edneyville.
The plan, compiled with consultant Equinox and an advisory group of local residents, stems from a survey that drew roughly 180 responses and two public meetings. It lists 46 recommended projects across eight themes — including environment, recreation, infrastructure and emergency preparedness — and highlights tier-one priorities such as supporting volunteer fire departments, integrated forest recovery and hazard-fuel reduction, restoring stream channels and floodplains along the Rocky Broad, and improving recreational connections in Bat Cave.
Planning staff described the outreach and analysis that informed the plan and presented high-level cost estimates and potential funding partners. The plan’s steering committee and the county Planning Board each voted unanimously to recommend adoption. Commissioner Rebecca McCall moved to adopt the draft plan; the motion passed unanimously among members present.
Public commenters broadly supported the plan but stressed funding and implementation challenges. Resident Harvey Nix pressed for roadway restoration, forest fuel reduction and continued support for volunteer fire departments. Resident John Anderson thanked staff for the public process and emphasized that adoption does not commit county funds to any specific recommendation. Resident Michael Sherrill called on county leaders to pursue external funding and said recovery work could take several years.
County staff and the plan materials state adoption establishes community priorities and a framework for seeking grants and partnerships; most projects will require additional feasibility work, engineering study, and external funding before construction or county investment. The plan materials identify potential partners including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for stream restoration and conservation groups for habitat work.
The board’s action directs staff to use the plan as a guide for future project scoping and funding efforts. Next steps noted in the materials include feasibility studies, project-level cost estimates, and grant-seeking activity.