A broad coalition of prominent outdoors groups, led by the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society and representing thousands of hunters, anglers, conservationists and other public lands users, is underscoring the importance of science-based forest management and the critical role of the U.S. Forest Service in managing national forests lands impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
“Our groups remain committed as partners and users of our national forests to contribute to healthy forests for generations to come,” the groups stated in a letter to James Melonas, forest supervisor of national forests in North Carolina. “We support the Forest Service in a holistic approach that rebuilds essential infrastructure while implementing forest restoration and salvage projects that mitigate wildfire risk and promote forest diversity and resilience.”
Several months after Helene ravaged Western North Carolina last September, restoration efforts in affected areas continue. Resulting in numerous fatalities, Helene also had an outsized impact on the region’s natural resources. Total losses in forestry and agriculture have been estimated to exceed $1.3 billion, with the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests experiencing significant blowdown and infrastructure damage totaling nearly 200,000 acres.
Signatories of the letter, including Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council, Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District, National Deer Association, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and National Wild Turkey Foundation, as well as RGS & AWS, underscored the importance of active management of North Carolina’s national forests, particularly the Pisgah, a multiple-use landscape utilized for hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, timber production and other recreational pursuits.
The Pisgah is being targeted by anti-management groups, who are attempting to divert resources away from forest restoration and recovery work and to modify the recently finalized Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Land Management Plan. In the face of these attacks, the outdoorsmen and women acknowledge that forest restoration work on the Pisgah will be increasingly important in the immediate aftermath to address management challenges – both ongoing and resulting from Helene.
Conservation leaders reiterated the importance of active management and stewardship of national forests in North Carolina:
“Hands-on stewardship can ensure Western North Carolina’s national forests recover and remain resilient for future generations,” said Sean Barry, RGS & AWS forest conservation director for the Southern Appalachians. “The Forest Service handled an extremely difficult situation by deploying staff and resources to assist and save those in need through the thick of the storm. We’re proud to partner with the Forest Service, and we remain committed to supporting federal workers to ensure meaningful progress on Helene recovery efforts every step of the way.”
“Active forest management is necessary to maintain many critical habitats in North Carolina,” said Jacob Comer, North Carolina state coordinator for Quail Forever. “We’re fully supportive of the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts in active forest management, which will enhance critical wildlife habitat, benefit the surrounding communities through a reduced risk of wildfires, and contribute to local economies after recent natural disasters.”
“FWCC fully supports the forest plan that was adopted,” said Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council Chairman David Whitmire. “Amendments, lawsuits and other changes brought in from outside of the Forest Service are a threat to a collaborative forest plan on which our members dedicated over 10 years of work. Wildlife, true conservation and the hunting heritage of Western North Carolina are all negatively affected by these lawsuits.”
“There is no shortage of work to be done, the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking,” the groups concluded. “Forest Service resources were stretched thin before Helene made landfall, and we were committed then to assist with capacity. We are prepared to double down on that commitment now. We commend the Forest Service for rising to the challenge and are ready and willing to support in impactful ways.”
Last week, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins established an emergency situation determination on more than 112 million acres of national forest lands, following an executive order from President Trump to expand American timber production by 25%. The secretary’s order will enable the Forest Service to expedite crucial forest management work, including in areas impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
Read the groups’ letter to the U.S. Forest Service.
Learn more about RGS & AWS sustainable forestry work in the Southern Appalachians.
