ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Helene brought severe flooding, wind damage, and landslides to Southern Appalachia, leaving both communities and ecosystems in disarray. As biologists and experts work to assess the destruction in Western North Carolina, the full extent of the ecological impact remains unclear.
Initial evaluations indicate that certain habitats may require decades to recover from the storm’s devastation. “The ecosystems here will look drastically different over the next 10, 20, or even 50 years compared to if this storm hadn’t occurred,” stated Falyn Owens, a wildlife extension biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. “The impact of Hurricane Helene is unprecedented in our recorded history.”
Effects on Aquatic Habitats
The storm’s torrential floodwaters not only destroyed homes and businesses but also transported significant sediment, reshaping aquatic habitats that are sensitive to turbidity levels. “The long-term effects on aquatic species and habitats will be significant,” Owens noted.
Human-made debris washed into riparian areas will likely lead to prolonged water quality issues. Miranda Turner, a wildlife health biologist, explained that the severity of these issues depends on the types of debris and toxic substances released during the storm. This could have extensive repercussions for fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Biologists are just beginning to gauge the overall impact. “It will take months, if not years, to fully understand how various aquatic species are affected,” Owens said. The eastern hellbender, North America’s largest amphibian, has already suffered substantial habitat loss, and a state fish hatchery in McDowell County reported that all 600,000 fish either died or were displaced during the storm.
Impact on Terrestrial Species
In contrast to aquatic species, terrestrial animals such as deer, raccoons, and coyotes are generally more mobile and better equipped to evade storm damage. While some individuals likely perished in the flooding, Owens does not anticipate widespread population declines among these species.
However, migratory bird species faced significant disruption. Some coastal birds were swept inland as far as Indiana. In late September, displaced species, including laughing gulls, were spotted near Asheville. “Storm winds caught pelagic birds, usually found only at sea, and brought them inland,” Owens explained.
The storm’s impact on bat populations remains uncertain. Turner noted that the loss of bridges—home to federally endangered gray bats—complicates efforts to assess their survival.
Numerous other at-risk species, including the southern bog turtle and the Carolina northern flying squirrel, are also in jeopardy as experts struggle to reach affected habitats.
Vegetation, Crops, and Forest Recovery
Helene’s aftermath left areas of Western North Carolina stripped of trees and vegetation, creating potential openings for invasive species to take hold. Owens emphasized the importance of nurturing native plants and combating invasive species to ensure biodiversity during recovery.
The region’s agricultural landscape is also suffering. Thousands of farms valued at over $600 million were affected, with excessive rainfall fostering conditions for bacterial and fungal diseases. Flood-damaged crops are often unmarketable, further exacerbating economic losses.
Landslides pose an additional threat, potentially destroying vast tracts of forest, wildlife habitats, and productive soils. Fortunately, Pisgah and Nantahala national forests largely withstood the storm and are gradually reopening as recovery efforts continue.
Looking Ahead
As assessments of Helene’s damage progress, experts expect varying recovery timelines across different species and habitats. “Some species, particularly certain plants and aquatic organisms, may rebound quickly,” Owens stated. However, a single dominant species can lead to ecological degradation, making it crucial for scientists to promote biodiversity in the recovery process.
Ultimately, the healing of Western North Carolina’s ecosystems will be a protracted journey. “While many areas will recover, we’re looking at a timeframe of potentially decades,” Owens concluded.
