Tropical Storm Helene caused unprecedented damage across the Southern Appalachians, triggering widespread flooding, landslides and forest loss that reshaped entire watersheds. The storm disrupted recreation areas, damaged ecosystems that support local economies and altered habitats essential to wildlife and forest health.
To navigate the scale of this disaster, the U.S. Forest Service has selected Clemson University to lead a large ecological damage assessment and recovery effort across North Carolina’s national forests. The project is supported by an $18.6 million federal award.
Clemson was chosen due to its long-standing leadership in applied natural resource science, its ability to deploy field teams efficiently and its proven track record of partnering with federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and local communities to respond to urgent environmental challenges.
“This project allows us to bring Clemson’s expertise in forestry, wildlife, fisheries and watershed science together with the Forest Service’s deep understanding of on-the-ground management,” said Kyle Barrett, interim chair and professor of wildlife ecology in Clemson’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. “Together, we can identify where the damage is greatest, understand what species and systems most at risk are, and guide science-based recovery.”
The work will include mapping storm impacts, evaluating changes in habitat structure and identifying where species have been displaced. Researchers will also look for opportunities to reintroduce native species to areas where habitat was significantly altered.
A team of 13 faculty members from the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences will support the work, creating a strong collaborative effort across the College. The group recently joined Forest Service staff for a site visit to review damaged areas. Field crews are expected to begin work in early spring.
Graduate students will be part of this effort, working alongside Clemson faculty and partnering agencies on surveys, data analysis and restoration planning. The hands-on experience will help prepare them for careers in conservation and natural resource management.
“Events like Tropical Storm Helene remind us how connected our natural systems are,” Barrett said. “When we understand those connections, we can help restore the forests and streams communities rely on.”
