Debris Removal Threatens Endangered Species
By Hans Lohmeyer, Stewardship Coordinator with Conserving Carolina
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a well-intentioned effort to clear debris from North Carolina’s waterways has turned into an ecological crisis. This is especially true in the Little River of Transylvania County, where two federally protected mussel species, the Appalachian Elktoe and the Long-Solid Mussel, are facing immediate and severe threats. Heavy machinery is crushing both mussel beds and the homes of our last remaining hellbender salamanders, which are endangered in NC and were already severely impacted by Helene.
The cleanup, led by contractors (many who are from out of state) under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), involves the use of heavy equipment instream to remove storm debris. While intended to remove hazard trees and reduce future flood risks, this approach has overlooked the ecological sensitivity of the areas being disturbed. In places like the Little River, where endangered species rely on stable, undisturbed habitat, this kind of activity can cause serious harm to already vulnerable populations.
Freshwater mussels may not receive the same attention as more charismatic wildlife, but their role in river ecosystems is vital. They are also extremely sensitive to disturbance, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the kind of cleanup operations currently underway.
These bivalves function as natural water filters, removing algae, bacteria, and fine sediment to improve water quality. As they anchor in clusters, mussels help hold streambed sediments in place, reducing erosion and creating microhabitats for fish and other aquatic species.
The use of heavy machinery directly in stream channels poses a serious threat to freshwater mussels. Equipment can crush mussels under tracks or tires, dislodge them from the streambed where they are anchored, or bury them under sediment stirred up during removal. This physical disturbance cuts off their access to oxygen and food in the water column and can lead to widespread mortality, even in areas where mussels were previously stable.
Both the Appalachian Elktoe and the Long-Solid Mussel are listed under the Endangered Species Act due to long-standing threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, and changes in stream flow. Recovery plans for these species clearly highlight the need to protect undisturbed, stable habitat. That is precisely the kind of habitat being compromised by current debris removal efforts.
The same activities that are crushing mussels and destroying their habitat are also a threat to hellbenders, the giant salamander that was already in dire straits after Helene. Hellbenders were severely impacted by the storm, leading U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to propose federal endangered species status for this iconic salamander. Hellbenders are already listed as endangered in North Carolina. Whatever rare hellbenders were left after Helene could be crushed by heavy machinery and the rock nests where they make their homes could be destroyed.
Compounding the problem is a lack of coordination. State and local agencies were not engaged early enough in the planning process to collect critical biological data or provide guidance on sensitive habitats and locations of state and federally listed species. This has created a scenario where large-scale work is happening across western North Carolina without accurate maps or protections in place.
Even short-term or localized disturbances can delay recovery efforts by years. Mussel beds that are destroyed may never return to a given stream segment. Further debris clean-up must involve stronger communication and cooperation with state and local agencies, or we risk losing these species and the vital ecological services they provide.
Conserving Carolina supports the guidelines provided by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission on how to minimize impacts from debris removal and channel excavation.
Note: If you have had issues with debris removal contractors, you can report the issues with this form through MountainTrue.
A Landowner’s Perspective: Margie Huggins
One local landowner, Margie Huggins, whose property borders the Little River shared the following reflection:
“My parents, John and Becky Huggins, bought 16 acres along Little River in 1976.
Approximately a half mile borders the lovely river. My folks passed away in 2022, and our family is carrying on their legacy of caring about our environment here on Woodbridge Farm Much of the farm has been returned to native habitat, resulting in an incredible diversity of animal life as well as helping to decrease flooding downstream.
The Army Corps of Engineers hired contractors to remove tree debris from Little River. While some of the cleanup has been necessary and productive, there are important concerns for endangered and threatened species along this stretch of river. Several summers ago, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission was surprised and excited to discover Hellbenders and mud puppies and several native mussels (threatened and endangered) are in this stretch of river, also.
It’s vital to find a balance in leaving certain areas in critical habitat less disturbed. Flooding is the norm in the valley—we sometimes have four floods in a year. There will always be new debris from those floods—big or small. It is wise to remove logs that cause blockages or significantly impede the flow. But every tree need not be removed. I’m thankful I was able to speak with those involved, and some crucial habitat was less disturbed.
It is a win-win partnership when we take the necessary care to protect wildlife.”
What We Need to Do to Protect Wildlife in Our Rivers
To better safeguard North Carolina’s rivers and the wildlife that depend on them, Conserving Carolina strongly recommends that future storm debris removal efforts include improved and proactive communication between the contractors and local and state resource agencies. Early coordination would allow for the identification of critical habitat and the presence of sensitive species before heavy machinery enters the stream. With thoughtful planning and agency collaboration, it is entirely possible to balance the need for public safety with the protection of our most vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.
Related: How to Stabilize and Restore Streambanks Cleared After Helene