Press Releases

Contact Title: Laura Fitzmorris
(678) 780-0296
laura.fitzmorris@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest makes significant progress towards recovery after Hurricane Helene

GAINESVILLE, Ga., September 25, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has made significant progress in repairing and restoring the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene one year ago. 

“The people of Georgia and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest have faced extraordinary challenges since Hurricane Helene, but the progress we have made together shows the strength of these communities," said Judy Toppins, forest supervisor.  

Hurricane Helene ravaged the communities and people of the southeastern United States. More than 250 people lost their lives and thousands more lost houses, vehicles and businesses. Altogether, the damage is estimated at $78.7 billion. 

The national forests of Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Virginia were right in the middle of the devastation. Forest Service staff, who live in the communities they serve, were affected just like their neighbors by the floods, landslides, downed trees and strong winds. The national forests, important drivers of the multibillion-dollar outdoor economy through Southern Appalachia, had dozens of campsites, thousands of miles of roads and trails, and many forest facilities damaged and closed. 

Despite the devastation from Hurricane Helene, the Forest Service committed to a swift and collaborative recovery. In the year since the storm’s arrival in Georgia, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has worked closely with communities and partners to reopen roads and trails, restore access for visitors and businesses that depend on the forest, and repair critical infrastructure. 

“Our staff, who were themselves impacted by the storm, worked side by side with state and local partners to restore access, repair infrastructure, and protect the natural resources we all depend on," said Toppins. “Recovery is not just about rebuilding what was lost. It’s about creating a safer, more resilient forest for future generations.” 

Here’s a quick glance at what has been accomplished in Georgia: 

• Partnered with Trout Unlimited to restore and maintain water quality, improve wildlife and fish habitat, and rebuild storm-damaged roads, culverts and bridges.
• Invested in a partnership with Conservation Legacy (Southeast Conservation Corps) to complete trail, bridge, and recreation infrastructure repairs, treat invasive species, conduct heritage surveys, re-establish boundary lines and actively manage forests.
• Executed an agreement with Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards to provide direct support for wilderness recovery, trail stewardship and public access improvements.
• Began more than $1 million in road repair contracts to restore 88 miles of priority Forest Service roads impacted by Helene. These roads are critical for community access, first responders, recreation users and land management activities. 

The hurricane caused devastating damage to the communities and forests of the Appalachians. However, the committed staff of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and their friends, families and neighbors continue to prove their resilience in rebuilding. 

Read more stories of the Forest Service’s work rebuilding from Hurricane Helene here. 

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