NATURAL RESOURCES
Restoration + preservation
Our natural resources and cultural heritage form the foundation of who we are. Our commitment to restoring and preserving them following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene is as strong as our community spirit.
Combatting severe stream erosion
There are several resources available to help combat stream erosion on your property.
USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program offers assistance for debris-clogged waterways, unstable streambanks, severe erosion and other property safety threat. A structure, bridge or road must be threatened to be considered for eligibility for this program.
Hazard Mitigation Grants are available to provide funding to make your property more resilient, or if your property is beyond repair and you want to sell in order to move to a safer location, you can apply for a property acquisition or "buyout" to get paid for your property.
Shade Your Stream is a grant-funded initiative through Mountain Valleys Resource Conservation and Development to incentivize landowners to restore healthy streamside vegetation on their land.
VISIT THE INFORMATION HUB on the Buncombe County website for more resources and information.
Waterway debris removal
Buncombe County has assessed debris blockages in streams and identified regions with the highest concentration of debris. Those are tasked for waterway debris removal. If there is a home, bridge, road, structure, or infrastructure that is threatened, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program can potentially address regions that are not being cleaned up by waterway debris removal (PPDR does not cover waterways). The EWP Program assists landowners with repairing damage that is threatening their property's safety. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Farm and rural landowner + agritourism support
Buncombe County Soil & Water has compiled resources and funding to address commonly reported recovery needs from rural, agricultural, and farming communities, including reimbursements to remove debris from agricultural properties. This information may also be useful for private property owners and business involved in agritourism. VISIT THE INFORMATION HUB on the Buncombe County website.
Status of Town Parks and Trails
updated June 2025
National Flood Insurance Program
If you own property in the 100-year floodplain, you understand the importance of protecting your home or business from flood risks. Yet only 10% of property owners in Black Mountain’s floodplain are currently enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). We urge you to join the NFIP and take this critical step in safeguarding your investment. In addition to protecting individual properties, higher NFIP participation benefits the entire Town by reducing overall flood recovery costs and improving Black Mountain’s eligibility for federal assistance programs. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Helene Resource Center
The Helene Resource Center for Buncombe County is open to all individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Helene, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey. At the HRC, you’ll find information and guidance for programs including FEMA Individual Assistance; Private Property Debris Removal; State Disaster Case Management; Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans; Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; and additional survivor-focused services and referrals.
Helene Resource Center for Buncombe County
94 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free parking across the street
No appointment necessary
If you need assistance, visit the HRC or call the One Buncombe Call Center at (828) 250-6100. CLICK HERE for more information.
Buncombe County Helene Recovery Resources Guide
Buncombe County provides a centralized hub of information about Helene recovery resources, and updates the information regularly as deadlines pass and new programs are announced. CLICK HERE for the most up-to-date version of the guide.
Additional Resources
Buncombe County Helene Recovery Hub
As all of Buncombe County recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, this site will provide timely updates on the work done to support our community in a number of key areas and offer a place for residents to ask questions, provide input, and have a voice in the rebuilding process. VISIT THE RECOVERY HUB.
North Carolina Resilient Communities Planning Guide
The State of North Carolina offers a comprehensive, online resource to help local leaders across the state build community resilience to climate hazards such as extreme heat, wildfires and flooding. VISIT REBUILD.NC.GOV.
