Post-Hurricane Helene Cleanups: The North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Efforts to Restore Lake Norman

When Hurricane Helene swept through North Carolina, the impact on Lake Norman’s waterways and shorelines was devastating – destroying critical wildlife habitat and millions of dollars of infrastructure. In the aftermath, North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF), along with dedicated volunteers and community partners, has been working tirelessly to clean up the debris and restore the lake’s ecosystem. 

This work requires a tremendous amount of manpower and equipment. These resources were provided through partnerships and generous contributions, including NCWF Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationist Chapter’s (LNWC) $15,000 contribution and Duke Energy’s $20,000 contribution to the cleanup efforts, which helped greatly towards the more than $50,000 cost of NCWF’s cleanup efforts.

“Our volunteers and barge contractor have worked very hard throughout the debris removal process,” says Billy Wilson, President of NCWF Lake Norman Conservationists Chapter and North Carolina Wildlife Federation board member. “It’s very encouraging and rewarding to see all of the tons of debris that have been placed in the dumpsters at the end of the day.”

“The Helene cleanup efforts have been rewarding in many ways to me and I expect a lot of lake dwellers. Over 100 volunteers and commercial partners joined together to gather and remove 50+ tons of debris from our Lake Norman,” says Dave Meyers, LNWC Secretary and one of the primary planners of the cleanup efforts. “Seeing the clean shorelines and safe wildlife during each of the three beautiful clean up events made everyone’s hard work and effort that much easier and rewarding.”

Here’s a look at the ongoing cleanup efforts that have brought together hundreds of people, resources and equipment, and statewide collaboration within the conservation community to restore Lake Norman for wildlife and people alike.

Cleanup #1: Lake Norman State Park – October 26th

The first major cleanup event took place on Saturday, October 26th, at Lake Norman State Park. With the help of 75 volunteers, 10 boats, and a barge with an excavator, the team managed to clear 3 miles of shoreline and remove 20 tons of debris from the lake. This monumental task was made possible by the hard work of the volunteers and the generous contributions of local businesses and organizations.

The event was a great success, but it was only the beginning of the recovery effort. This large-scale cleanup not only focused on removing debris but also restoring habitats that had been affected by the storm. With the continued support of these partners, the NCWF is able to make significant strides in protecting the natural beauty and health of Lake Norman.

Cleanup #2: Little Creek, Hager Creek, and McCrary Creek – November 2nd

The second cleanup event on November 2nd took volunteers to the heart of the lake, focusing on the islands in Little Creek, Hager Creek, and McCrary Creek. These areas are vital habitats for various species of wildlife, particularly osprey, who nest on platforms placed by NCWF.

With 40 volunteers and 7 boats, the team worked tirelessly to remove 10 tons of debris from 7 islands across 7 miles of shoreline. In addition to debris removal, volunteers took time to inspect the osprey nesting platforms for any damage caused by the storm and secured new Catawba-Wateree Habitat Enhancement Program (CWHEP) signage. The work on these islands is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring that wildlife can continue to thrive in the area.

This cleanup was part of NCWF’s ongoing Island Habitat Program, which focuses on preserving these key areas and enhancing their ability to support wildlife. Volunteers’ efforts, combined with the continued collaboration of businesses and organizations, will ensure that Lake Norman’s islands remain a safe haven for years to come.

Cleanup #3: Long Island Area – November 16th

On November 16th, NCWF’s volunteers focused on the Long Island area— essentially the northernmost portion of navigable water on Lake Norman. With the help of 40 volunteers, 6 boats, and a barge with an excavator, the team cleared 8 miles of shoreline, removing 6 tons of debris from the area.

Over the past month, over 150 new volunteers have joined the effort, marking a significant increase in community involvement. The event marked the conclusion of the large-scale cleanup phase, but the work is far from over. Smaller popup cleanups will continue to target isolated debris pockets that remain in various areas of the lake. As volunteers rally together for these smaller missions, NCWF remains committed to restoring the lake and ensuring that the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is fully addressed.

Moving Forward: Continued Restoration Efforts

While the large-scale cleanup events have concluded, the work to restore Lake Norman continues. NCWF is planning additional cleanups and will continue to engage volunteers for targeted efforts throughout the lake. These popup cleanups will focus on removing the remaining debris and addressing areas that require ongoing attention. The support of the local community, businesses, and volunteers is essential to the success of these efforts.

NCWF’s work is not just about cleaning up debris—it’s about restoring the lake’s vital ecosystems and ensuring that Lake Norman remains a healthy and thriving environment for both wildlife and people. With each cleanup event, the collective efforts of volunteers and partners make a lasting impact on the lake’s future.

A Big Thank You to Our Partners and Volunteers

None of this work would be possible without the dedication of the volunteers and the generosity of our partners. 

A special thank you goes to:

• • Lancaster Custom Dock and Lift
  • Stay Lake Norman
  • SiteOne Landscape Supply
  • Safe Harbor Marinas – Peninsula Yacht Club & Skippers Landing
  • Republic Services
  • Duke Energy
  • Jim Myers & Sons, Inc.
  • Talley’s Pier 77
  • TowBoatUS Lake Norman
  • Ugly Duckling Detailing
  • Long Island Marina

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and look forward to continuing this important work in the months and years ahead. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming cleanups and opportunities to get involved.

Written by:

 

– Bates Whitaker, NCWF Communications & Marketing Manager

 

 

– Billy Wilson, NCWF Board Member and President of NCWF Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists Chapter