Pounds of Debris removed!
Pounds of Debris removed!
Over 3.3 Million Pounds Removed and Counting
Thanks to the tireless work of volunteer paddlers, MountainTrue, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, more than 3,300,000 pounds of debris have been removed from rivers and streams across Western North Carolina since Hurricane Helene. From the Swannanoa to the French Broad and Watauga Rivers, this massive effort has spanned over two dozen counties and the Qualla Boundary, restoring flow, habitat, and beauty to our mountain waterways. According to BPR News and WLOS, major cleanup operations including those led by MountainTrue’s Riverkeeper teams have tackled everything from storm debris and household waste to construction materials and downed trees.
80%
Estimated Debris Remaining in WNC Rivers
80%
Estimated Debris Remaining in WNC Rivers
Despite incredible progress by volunteers, paddlers, and local organizations, an estimated 80% of storm-related debris still clogs the rivers and streams of Western North Carolina. From submerged tires and fencing to plastic waste and construction remnants, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to threaten water quality, wildlife, and recreation across the region. The WNC River Cleanup initiative is committed to tackling the remaining burden, mile by mile, creek by creek until our waterways are fully restored. With your support, we can bring our rivers back to their natural, thriving state.
Despite incredible progress by volunteers, paddlers, and local organizations, an estimated 80% of storm-related debris still clogs the rivers and streams of Western North Carolina. From submerged tires and fencing to plastic waste and construction remnants, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to threaten water quality, wildlife, and recreation across the region. The WNC River Cleanup initiative is committed to tackling the remaining burden, mile by mile, creek by creek until our waterways are fully restored. With your support, we can bring our rivers back to their natural, thriving state.
Join a Cleanup Near You!
July 2025
August 2025
September 2025
July 22, 29 & August 5 — Hominy Creek (Asheville)
10 am–2 pm • Bacteria sampling blitz at Ingles parking lot, Candler • MountainTrue + French Broad Riverkeeper
July 26 — Lower Green River Clean‑Up (Saluda)
10 am–3 pm • Land & water cleanup • MountainTrue + Conserving Carolina
July 27 — Summer Clean on the Green River (Saluda)
11 am • Paddle‑trail + roadside cleanup • Green Riverkeeper
August 9 — Riverkeeper Beer Series Cleanup (Wedge Brewing, Asheville)
1 pm–5 pm • Paddle cleanup + beer celebration • French Broad Riverkeeper + MountainTrue + Wedge Brewing
August 12, 19 & 26 — Mud Creek Sample Blitz (Hendersonville)
10 am–2 pm • Weekly watershed bacteria monitoring • MountainTrue
August 16 — French Broad Cleanup (Penrose to Blantyre, Hendersonville)
10 am–3 pm • Boat‑based river cleanup • French Broad Riverkeeper + MountainTrue
August 23 — Riverkeeper Beer Series Cleanup (Hi‑Wire Brewing, Asheville)
11 am–3 pm • On‑river cleanup + beer celebration • French Broad Riverkeeper + MountainTrue + Hi‑Wire Brewing
August 2 — Snorkel the French Broad Headwaters (Rosman)
10 am–2 pm • Guided snorkel & river observation • MountainTrue + Oxbow River Snorkeling
September 20 — Swannanoa River Clean‑Up + After‑Party (Swannanoa/Black Mountain)
10 am–2 pm • Debris cleanup from Helene • MountainTrue + Oak & Grist
MountainTrue River Debris Cleanup Program
Ongoing through ~December 2026 • Cleanup crews and volunteers operating across 26 WNC counties
New River Cleanup in Todd (Ashe County)
9:30 am–11:30 am • Debris removal on the New River • New River Conservancy + River Girl Fishing Co. + NCWF High Country Wild
South Fork of the New River Cleanup (West Jefferson, Ashe County)
9:30 am–11:30 am • Debris removal • New River Conservancy + Keep Ashe Beautiful + NCWF High Country Wild
July 23 — Valley River Cleanup (Marble)
10 am–1 pm • Riverbank cleanup • Mainspring Conservation Trust + Western Carolina Pacesetters
WNC RIVER CLEANUP
The WNC River Cleanup is a community-driven initiative focused on restoring and protecting the rivers and streams of Western North Carolina. Covering 26 counties and the Qualla Boundary, this growing regional effort unites volunteers, environmental organizations, and local governments. Key partners include MountainTrue, which leads many cleanup events across multiple watersheds, the French Broad Paddle Club, which engages the paddling community in on-water debris removal, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ), which provides regulatory and scientific support, and Eyecon Imaging, a web design company helping promote awareness and outreach through digital storytelling.
This collaborative initiative combines boots-on-the-ground action with public education and sustainable stewardship. By organizing cleanups, facilitating data collection, and raising public awareness, the WNC River Cleanup is not only removing trash but also empowering communities to take ownership of their waterways. Together, these efforts aim to preserve the health, beauty, and biodiversity of Western North Carolina’s rivers for generations to come.
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#WNCRiverCleanup
