Disaster Recovery - George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
In recent years, the USDA Forest Service has fulfilled its critical role in disaster response through strategic partnerships with States, Tribes, and counties to support affected communities. Recent hurricanes and wildfires have resulted in billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and businesses, while also devastating millions of acres of National Forest System lands across multiple states. These disasters directly threaten the ecological services that families and rural communities depend on from our nation’s forests.
Hurricane Recovery, George Washington Jefferson National Forest showing impacts and recovery projects.
(USFS)The Forest, supported by the Southern Region of USDA Forest Service, launched a recovery effort to address the devastating impacts from Helene, including restoration and repair of critical infrastructures like the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
The Forest Service is committed to:
• Maintain and improve public safety and critical access
• Plan and build for long-term resilience to future storms and floods
• Support economic recovery and community infrastructure needs; and
• Build on existing relationships and collaborative groups to engage in planning and implementation of recovery efforts.
For more information related to contractual needs for Virginia Creeper Trail projects.
Hurricane Helene Damage to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Similar to our surrounding communities, Hurricane Helene destroyed Forest Service roads, trails and treasured recreation areas. Helene was a once in a millennium storm that caused catastrophic flooding, debris flows, landslides and thousands of downed trees.
- Nearly 190,000 acres of George Washington and Jefferson National Forest lands and 900 miles of Forest Service roads were impacted.
- More than 820 miles of trail were damaged.
- Over 30 trestles along the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail were severely damaged or destroyed.
Following the storm, Forest Service specialists assessed the damage and began the process of rebuilding and helping the forest recover. From increased wildfire risk to impacts to watershed health, recovery efforts must address a multitude of hurricane impacts.
Virginia Creeper Trail Recovery
Sections of the 34 mile Virginia Creeper Trail on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area were impacted by Hurricane Helene, causing some closures. The Forest Service is exploring opportunities for restoration and recovery.
Debris Removal Updates - Success Stories
Disaster recovery includes success stories, progress, timelines and updates. Periodically we will post our accomplishments, updates and advancements towards our goals.