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U.S. Forest Service outlines recovery, fuels reduction and trail reopening plans in Buncombe County
Summary
USFS officials reported progress on storm recovery across Pisgah National Forest: fuels-reduction work (about 89 acres treated in Shoal Creek), trail and parking reopenings, temporary road repairs in Big Ivy, and multi-year reforestation and watershed restoration plans with public input.
U.S. Forest Service officials briefed the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on May 19 about recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene across Pisgah National Forest lands that intersect Buncombe County.
Forest Supervisor James Malone and Ranger Jennifer Barnhard described large-scale storm impacts—tens of thousands of downed trees, nearly 900 miles of roads affected in the ranger districts mentioned—and prioritized actions: fuels reduction, emergency responder access, debris removal, road and trail repairs, and reforestation. Barnhard said the Shoal Creek fuels-reduction work had treated roughly 89 acres (about 50% of fuels in targeted areas), improved emergency access and reopened parking and some road access in April; replanting began in spring 2026.
Barnhard outlined work in Big Ivy and Bent Creek: temporary roads have restored some motorized access to Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) and crews are preparing for longer-term road realignment and partnerships with Federal Highways beginning in fiscal year 2027. The USFS emphasized best-management practices for salvage and green sales, that live trees showing potential for survival were preserved, and that watershed assessments and invasive-species control are underway.
Commissioners thanked USFS staff and asked about wildfire preparedness for the coming season; Malone said the Forest Service has increased rapid assessments, bolstered air resources, and is pursuing longer-term ground treatments to reduce fuel loading and restore low-intensity fire functions. Estimates for Blue Ridge Parkway connectivity repairs were cited as targeting late 2026 for certain segments.
No action was required by the board; the briefing highlighted coordination opportunities for county staff, community partners and volunteer groups to support reforestation, trail restoration and public access planning.
