National Park Service to Implement Wildfire Risk Reduction Efforts in Areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway Damaged by Hurricane Helene

News Release Date: October 6, 2026

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -
The National Park Service today announced that work will begin in early October to reduce wildfire risk along the Blue Ridge Parkway by removing hazardous, storm-generated tree debris left by Hurricane Helene. The first phase of work will address approximately 208 acres between mileposts 380 and 391 in the Asheville area. This work is expected to be completed by spring 2027. This is one of the many federal recovery efforts advancing under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump in response to Hurricane Helene damage across western North Carolina.

"This project is critical to reduce wildfire risk for parkway neighbors and emergency responders, while taking care to steward and preserve the scenic character and resources of the National Historic Landmark District that attracts millions of visitors from near and far each year," said Superintendent Tracy Swartout.

Debris from Hurricane Helene has accumulated in quantities and locations that present a clear wildfire risk to communities along the Parkway. This debris also creates safety hazards for emergency responders, staff, visitors and adjacent landowners. Parkway leadership-in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the NPS Washington Support Office and consultants-has conducted fire risk modeling and field assessments to evaluate debris levels and identify areas for initial fuels reduction.

Throughout operations, trained cultural and natural resource specialists will perform pre-work surveys and on-site monitoring to document conditions and protect sensitive resources. Following debris removal, the Parkway will target specific areas for revegetation to minimize erosion and support forest restoration and natural ecosystem recovery.

The NPS has selected three contractors to manage different project elements:

• Bryant's Land and Development Industries, Inc. of Burnsville, NC, is contracted to
  remove storm-generated tree debris in the Asheville area.
• High Lonesome Timber of Burnsville, NC, is contracted to provide daily inspections
  of operations and ensure contract requirements are met.
• ERG-Terracon JV of Arden, NC, is contracted to perform pre-work natural and
  cultural resource surveys and ensure any needed mitigation measures are followed
  during debris removal operations.

Once work begins, Parkway visitors and neighbors can expect intermittent traffic delays due to one-lane closures. Recognizing the Parkway's historically high October traffic, no full roadway closures are planned for this project. Heavy equipment may be visible in some locations, but buffers of vegetation will preserve scenic views wherever feasible. Please visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BLRIFuelReduction for further information.

nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

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