By early 2025, the United States Forest Service had identified an urgent need for trail crews in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards rehired experienced staff and deployed teams within a week.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards shifted its workforce from seasonal operations to community needs.
By early 2025, the United States Forest Service had identified an urgent need for trail crews in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards rehired experienced staff and deployed teams within a week.
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WILDERNESS STEWARDS
By early 2025, the United States Forest Service had identified an urgent need for trail crews in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards rehired experienced staff and deployed teams within a week.
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WILDERNESS STEWARDS
SAWS crews have cleared over 600 trees overall and made thousands of cuts using traditional crosscut saws and hand tools.
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WILDERNESS STEWARDS
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards shifted its workforce from seasonal operations to community needs.
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WILDERNESS STEWARDS
Crews cleared hundreds of downed trees, some stacked 15 feet high, restoring Appalachian Trail access for both thru-hikers and day hikers.
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards has restored access to the Appalachian Trail and other popular wilderness areas damaged by Hurricane Helene.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, SAWS shifted its workforce from seasonal operations to community needs. By early 2025, the United States Forest Service had identified an urgent need for trail crews. SAWS rehired experienced staff and deployed teams within a week.
In Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness, a six-person professional team with two advanced certified crosscut sawyers reopened 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee. Crews cleared hundreds of downed trees, some stacked 15 feet high, restoring trail access for both thru-hikers and day hikers.
Work has now expanded to Linville Gorge Wilderness and the Appalachian Ranger District.
SAWS crews have cleared over 600 trees overall and made thousands of cuts using traditional crosscut saws and hand tools. According to a press release from SAWS, this was accomplished safely and without a single injury.
“Despite this success, federal quick release funds awarded for the disaster response remain frozen, creating significant financial strain,†the release stated.
Support from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has allowed critical trail recovery efforts to continue, according to SAWS Executive Director Kaitlin de Varona.
“We're incredibly proud to have served our community in this way,†she said. “This project shows what's possible when skilled wilderness stewards and committed partners act quickly, work safely, and uphold the highest standards of conservation. We're grateful to the U.S. Forest Service, ATC, and all our partners for trusting SAWS to meet this critical need.â€
