Stewardship in the Pisgah: Balancing Flood Risk with Forest Health

Pisgah Forest -- April 23, 2026: In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the landscapes of the Appalachian Ranger District in the Pisgah National Forest were left transformed. Among the most pressing concerns for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) wasn't just what the storm brought in, but what it left behind: massive piles of woody debris capable of causing a second catastrophe.A specialized team of USFS engineers, hydrologists, foresters, and biologists recently completed a strategic operation at Walker