07/18/2025
Waterway Debris Removal Update
Since this spring, over 40,000 cubic yards of debris have been cleared from our waterways by Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR) in Madison County. This total only accounts for SDR’s work and does not include the incredible efforts of our community volunteers, rafting companies, Mountain Valleys RC&D work crews, Mountain True work crews, NC DOT, Norfolk Southern Railroad, FBEMC at the Capitola Dam, and Duke Energy at the Redmon Dam.
Though Hurricane Helene spared much of Madison County, the force and volume of water that surged down the French Broad River carried a devastating load. The riverbanks and the towns of Marshall and Hot Springs were forever changed. The sight of debris, after the waters receded, has served as a constant, emotional reminder of the disaster we’ve endured.
Clearing this debris is crucial not only for reducing wildfire risks, protecting bridges, and ensuring boater safety but also as an integral part of our community's economic recovery. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to this collective effort to restore normalcy.
Addressing Questions and Concerns
We understand that there have been numerous questions regarding the waterway debris removal process, and we hope this update provides clarity.
Regarding the FEMA-funded debris removal, Madison County had the option to work with either the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR). SDR was selected, and they’ve made an effort to hire local subcontractors when possible. SDR has also been mindful of our environmental concerns and has followed our request to avoid removing live vegetation. The trees remaining in the river are resilient survivors, having withstood a 1,000-year flood, and they play an important role in stabilizing our riverbanks.
Since February, SDR has been in communication with rafting companies to ensure that debris removal continues while ensuring the safety of boaters. As a result, you may notice flaggers on the river who will alert boaters when entering work zones. These flaggers will also communicate with the equipment operators to pause work when needed, allowing boaters to pass safely. Access points for boaters remain open, but we ask everyone to stay alert and show respect for the recovery teams working on the river.
The recovery process is complex and constantly evolving, and unfortunately, we cannot provide a definitive timeline for when SDR will be working on specific properties or how they will access every challenging part of our terrain. However, rest assured that their goal is to help the community heal.
Debris Tech and the Right of Entry (ROE)
You may also have heard of Debris Tech, a company working alongside SDR. Debris Tech monitors SDR’s progress and handles the Right of Entry (ROE) agreements that allow work to proceed. Debris Tech has also hired local workers when possible. If you wish to have debris removed from the waterway at no cost, signing the ROE is a simple way to make that happen. However, if you prefer that no work be done or if you are concerned about how it will be executed, you are under no obligation to sign the ROE.
Please note that waterway debris removal is strictly limited to bank-to-bank work. Any debris left by Hurricane Helene but not directly in the waterway is categorized as Personal Property Debris Removal (PPDR). PPDR work will begin soon, and if you’d like to participate, it’s not too late to sign up. Please call (828) 319-2880 for more details.
Federal Land and Future Restoration
The stretch of river from Barnard Bridge to Hot Springs, as well as Huff Island downstream from Hot Springs, is primarily U.S. Forest Service (USFS) property. USFS will handle debris removal in these areas independently.
We’ve learned that recovery after a natural disaster is a long-term process, one that doesn’t always move as quickly as we would like. There will be ongoing restoration and cleanup projects, and no single agency or organization can do it all alone. Our goal remains to work together as one unified team, moving in the same direction toward healing and recovery.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support during this challenging time.
Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District
