NCWRCDebrisRemovalGuidelines_HurricaneHelene_Mar2025

This guidance intends to inform Western NC clean-up efforts to re-establish healthy & stable habitat in rivers
and streams. Large wood, trees, and shrubs on streambanks and in floodplains, and rocky substrate in stream
channels, are essential elements of stream systems that provide habitat and food sources for aquatic animals.
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) provides this guidance to minimize impacts to aquatic
habitats. A site manager should review these recommendations with equipment operators prior to site
disturbance. This guidance is in no way a substitute for any required permits.

• Use heavy equipment from the streambank (or barge if a larger river) when possible, with these goals:
o Minimize use of heavy equipment in streambeds, and
o Minimize the footprint of any stream access (for example, one access point from the bank and
limited routes in the stream).
• Limit tree removal to those trees leaning more than 45 degrees or dead trees leaning toward the channel.
Living trees and shrubs that are not in immediate danger of falling should be left in place.
• Avoid removing stumps and root balls in the streambank when cutting trees to encourage root sprouting
and maintain bank stability.
• Removal of woody debris should be limited to that which has been carried by floodwaters. Generally,
woody debris that is embedded in the streambed or bank (was there before the floods) should be left alone.
• Inspect and maintain all mechanized equipment operated near surface waters regularly to prevent
contaminating stream waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids or other toxic pollutants.
• Effective erosion and sediment control measures should be maintained at each site, including
o Stabilize disturbed areas at the end of each workday,
o Use biodegradable matting (no plastic/nylon mesh), and
o Use temporary seed without invasive species (tall fescue is invasive, but creeping red fescue is not).
• High Quality Habitat Special Guidance: These areas have been identified by the NCWRC and support rare
and federally/state-listed animals. (See County maps with specific locations identified.)
o Avoid using any heavy equipment in these stream areas as much as possible, and
o Operate all heavy equipment work from the streambank with extreme care.
o If any debris removal or excavation work is planned within High Quality Habitats, contact NCWRC as
soon as possible (preferably at least 2 weeks in advance), so our biologists can make plans to relocate
animals that will be impacted.

Channel Excavation (where applicable):
General guidance for unavoidable stream channel excavation following storms includes:
• Excavate new channel alignments from downstream to upstream before turning in flow at the upstream
end (this helps reduce silt and sediment loss).
• Avoid over-excavating channels. Construct new channels to the dimensions of a natural, stable width and
depth that may be found upstream and/or downstream. Do not straighten streams.
• Avoid floodplain filling and maintain floodplain benching along channels.
• Stabilize outside meanders with boulder toes or other structures instead of using loose alluvial material
that is unstable.
• Leave large rocks in the channel to provide some flow disruption and cover for aquatic life.
NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION FACT SHEET:
DEBRIS REMOVAL AND CHANNEL EXCAVATION GUIDANCE FOR WESTERN
NORTH CAROLINA STREAMS AND RIVERS, POST-HURRICANE HELENE
March 2025