08/08/2026
“Removing these cars from the river and streambank isn’t just to clean the river. This work is to connect a community back to what was lost and be another step in processing this catastrophic event (Hurricane Helene)” – Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks
While our debris crews have been working tirelessly over the last year to remove millions of pounds of debris from our WNC waterways post-Helene, our work simply would not be possible if it weren’t for the help of SO many neighbors, partners, local organizations & contractors, etc.
It takes ALL of us, working TOGETHER, to make our recovery a reality post-Helene.
A shining testament to this, earlier this week – Mountain True’s Green Riverkeeper, in partnership with local contractor Jake Jarvis of Precision Grading – were able to complete another large-scale debris removal project from a remote & rugged stretch of the Big Hungry River in Henderson County, NC.
This project couldn’t have been completed without several scouting missions, a tip from a neighbor (and private property owner in the Green River Cove), and permission to access the site from another neighbor/property owner along the cove.
The project details: removing 4 vehicles, 1 motorcycle, 1 metal culvert, & 1 large pile of metal and other assorted debris
The Big Hungry River flows into the Green River within the Green River Game Land area and features lush Gorge wilderness, scenic cliffs, secret coves, and steep terrain. The trail leading from Eric’s property down into this section of the Big Hungry River, is over a mile long and winds through dense forest.
Within hours, Jake was able to remove all four vehicles, motorcycle & the metal culvert from the riverbanks & carried them up the long, winding trail to be hauled away.
“It’s crazy to still be pulling cars out, you know, almost two years later" -- Jake Jarvis
The debris removal work is FAR from over. If you see debris in our WNC waterways, please contact your local riverkeeper. This work is SO much more than debris removal, it is about building connections & communities of care here in post-Helene WNC.
"It takes a village to continue this work. Thanks to everyone who has helped," -- Erica
