Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina last month, causing extensive damage for millions.
Rivers, reservoirs, and water systems from the Mountains to the Piedmont were overwhelmed with large amounts of debris, posing serious risks to both people and infrastructure.
This debris also endangers wildlife, leading to potential ingestion and entanglement for waterfowl, turtles, ospreys, various fish species, and others.
Press and media representatives are invited to attend the initial phase of the cleanup efforts at Lake Norman following Hurricane Helene.
North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) and NCWF Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists Chapter have been evaluating the lake and its most affected areas to create a strategic plan for removing the significant debris brought in by the storm. This marks the first major cleanup phase, which will involve volunteers and heavy equipment to eliminate debris that poses risks to wildlife, boaters, and clogs water intake areas, marinas, shorelines, and access points.
The cleanup from the hurricane is expected to be a lengthy process. This large-scale initial phase will unfold over weeks and months, requiring substantial resources as we work our way down the lake and up and down the Catawba River system. In collaboration with Duke Energy, Marine Commissions, Catawba Riverkeeper, and other partners, we are dedicated to restoring our rivers and lakes for the benefit of both wildlife and the human communities that rely on them. Another cleanup is slated for Lake Norman on November 2nd and multiple cleanups are slated for Wylie and Mountain Island in this ongoing effort.
On Saturday, October 26 from 10:00am until 2:00pm, we will meet at Pinnacle Access Area located off Highway 150. From I-77, take exit 36 onto NC 150 west for 4.4 miles. Before crossing Lake Norman, the access area entrance is on the right (N 35 36.400|W 080 56.303). There is plenty of parking available on site. From the access area, volunteers will check in before loading into boats for transportation to nearby accessible cleanup sites along the shoreline of Lake Norman State Park and several nearby islands.
“We can and will hire heavy equipment like barges, dumpsters, and cranes. But over the long run, cleanup efforts as large as this one will only be possible with the support of community volunteers… particularly motorboat owners willing to ferry people out on the lake to pick up trash and debris,” Billy Wilson, President of NCWF Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists Chapter and North Carolina Wildlife Federation board member. “The storm presented us with a daunting challenge. But with our partners and the generosity of volunteers giving their time, boats, sweat equity… we can recover.”
“Assessments show a staggering amount of debris impacting wildlife in and around the lakes, their islands, coves, and shorelines. Not to mention the people and boaters who love the lake, and those who depend on them for drinking water,” says Alden Picard, NCWF Conservation Coordinator.
Contacts Billy Wilson, NCWF board member and President of NCWF Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists Chapter billy.wilson@lnwc.org, (704) 675-2011.
