WNC: MADE X MTNS

Habitat restoration is a long-term effort, even when it comes to measuring impact prior to engaging in any restoration activities. WNC's trout fishing waters will be affected by Helene for many years to come, but for the estimated $1.4 billion recreational fishing industry, it's worth the wait and the effort. We say the future is downstream, but in this case, it's upstream because it's an uphill battle. But, as NC Wildlife Resources Commission Coldwater Research Coordinator, Jake Rash, said, "fishing is a big deal to North Carolina and to Western North Carolina."

Outdoor businesses in Buncombe County -- please be aware of this grant opportunity to further your Helene recovery efforts!

There’s something truly remarkable happening in Marshall, NC. These local businesses are proving the power of resilience, community, and keeping dreams alive even in the face of unimaginable challenges. ?? On Your Bike has shown us what it means to fight back—against all odds. From the first days of digging out, to reaching a “baseline” they never imagined they’d need, to now beginning the process of rebuilding, they remind us: rock bottom can be a solid foundation to start anew. It’s been a journey of clearing out, gathering support, and leaning on the incredible Marshall community every step of the way. With clean floors, power (and hope!) in place, they’re ready to rebuild with grit and grace. And with each mural, cup of coffee, and every act of kindness, they’re breathing life back into downtown Marshall. Thank you to everyone who has pitched in, donated, or simply shared a kind word—your support fuels their drive. This is how we rise, together. ?????? Let’s keep showing up for this Marshall business and remind all our local businesses how essential they are to our community’s heart. Whether by giving, sharing, or offering words of support, together we can help make their dreams a reality again. ?? Visit wncstrongtogether.org to stay up to date on the resources available to you!?

News from Mountain BizWorks: WNC Strong is a collective of partners who have joined together to create maximum impact for small business owners in our region who were devastated by Hurricane Helene. With today's launch of a new website, wncstrongtogether.org will serve as a regional hub, showcasing: the latest grant opportunities, recovery loan funds, upcoming recovery webinars and events, and guidance for navigating available resources. See the full announcement and upcoming business grant opportunities and deadlines in the latest BizNews update: https://lnkd.in/eHBxdPWp

"The people of Appalachia have always been made by mountains and shaped by water but this flood cut deep." "Fall is the season that we all normally fatten up our business accounts to survive a slim winter. Unfortunately, next spring could see many doors into our outdoor world closed for good." Important reflections on Helene from our friend Steven Reinhold at The Appalachian Adventure Company for Backpacker Magazine. Supporting our outdoor businesses now, means they will still be there for us come Spring. https://lnkd.in/d7nd-w-X

Over the weekend, we took a walk with our friends Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Someone commented that walking in the woods was the first time in weeks they'd been able to breathe easier...a reminder that the stress our communities feel is very fresh still. Another person reflected that it almost felt wrong to simply "be" in the woods without cleaning or fixing or helping in some way. Another reminder to appreciate and support the volunteers and organizations whose continuing hard work helps our neighbors survive and recover, and takes care of our outdoor spaces, making hiking (or biking or running or riding or climbing) in the woods around us possible once more. Another person looked out to the view in front of us and commented how beautiful, and normal it looked from above. A final reminder that even scarred and worn, our mountains persist, and so do we. #madexmtns #wnc #wncstrong

The First Annual?Great Trails State Day is this Saturday, October 19th, and?is going to look a little different for us in Western North Carolina than originally planned. Originally, we would have been gearing up for Outdoor Economy Conference to launch on Monday. Instead, we're honoring its postponement to September 15-18, 2025, as we look instead to ways right now that help our outdoor communities and industry start the road to recovery from the impacts of Helene. We encourage you to enjoy outdoor spaces that are open and welcoming visitors! Many of WNC's trail towns are open and encouraging visitors to come and enjoy the Fall weather (we'll mention a few in the comments!). We're so glad that portions of the Pisgah and the Nantahala Ranger Districts in North Carolina's National Forests are opening up for recreational opportunities this week. We encourage you to exercise caution when visiting, visit DriveNC.gov and the USDA Forest Service National Forests in NC website for all information and announcements, and be sure to follow Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles. All State Parks remain closed, as do the Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts of Pisgah National Forest. We also encourage you to show support for the organizations who are currently helping serve those in our outdoor communities, and are looking ahead to the monumental task of starting to clean up and recover our outdoor recreation areas: MountainTrue, Pisgah Area SORBA, Northwest NC Mountain Bike Alliance, Friends of DuPont Forest, Mountains to Sea Trail, Friends of Panthertown Valley, Back Country Horsemen of North Carolina, The G5 Trail Collective, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Climbers Coalition, Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Conserving Carolina, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, FindOutdoors, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Blue Ridge Conservancy, Trout Unlimited and more. #trails #outdoors #outdoorrecreation #restoration #relief #helene #hurricanehelene

It feels like both a lifetime and just a moment has passed since Helene unleashed its wrath on Western North Carolina. Together, we're facing the heartbreak of destruction, but simultaneously seeing the sheer heroism of our communities. We've heard devastating and terrifying experiences, and yet have seen absolutely amazing relief efforts in response. We ask people often how these mountains make them who they are, and we're seeing that innovative, neighborly, and indomitable spirit in action every day as people are showing up for each other in every way. Like many small businesses, our outdoor industry members have a long road to recovery. Some have lost everything. Others who may have weathered the storm are now suffering due to travel and visitation in the region being severely impacted. It will be a long winter ahead for everyone. The Outdoor Business Alliance has started a fund to help its outdoor industry members recover, rebuild and be more resilient in the months ahead. Please donate, if you feel called to, by visiting: https://lnkd.in/eYmkcYMD. #wnc #outdoorindustry #helene

Friends and colleagues near and far... First, we want to thank first responders and volunteers for their incredible continuing service during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We've seen truly heroic actions and an incredible rallying of community in the past days. We know it will continue to take a village to recover. Our team is safe but operating with severely limited communication services and power for the foreseeable days. We've begun reaching out to community partners, our outdoor industry community, and our event partners in Cherokee. Once the immediate crisis has passed, we will be able to assess and share more accurate information about the Outdoor Economy Conference with our greater community. Thank you for your patience with our team as we also work to recover and reconnect to essential services in our homes throughout the region. We hope everyone stays safe, and if you want to help, we encourage you to seek out organized and reputable resources who are collecting vital aid to transport into Western North Carolina. Our communities need this support now more than ever. Thank you for your support, and we’ll be in touch again as soon as possible. #outdooreconomy #madexmtns #wnc #helene #hurricanehelene

Happy Fall, y'all! The leaves are starting to crisp, cooler mornings are becoming more plentiful, and the Outdoor Economy Conference is just around the corner. #madexmtns #outdooreconomy #wnc #autumn #fall