Strengthening Flood Resilience in Henderson County

North Carolina’s Land and Water Fund [https://nclwf.nc.gov/] is helping strengthen flood resilience in Henderson County.

Natural floodplain restoration projects along the French Broad River are already making a difference for nearby communities. During Hurricane Helene, projects led by Conserving Carolina [https://conservingcarolina.org/] helped hold an estimated 1.25 billion gallons of floodwater across restored floodplains at Pleasant Grove, Mouth of Mud Creek, and Kings Bridge.

For residents who watched the river rise toward her home before dawn during the storm, these natural areas may have helped reduce the impact. By reconnecting the river to its floodplain and restoring wetlands and natural stream channels, these projects allow floodwaters to spread out and slow down, rather than rushing downstream and worsening floods.

Restoration work also improves water quality, supports wildlife habitat, and protects farms, homes, and infrastructure throughout the watershed.
Projects like these are possible because the North Carolina General Assembly allocates funding to the N.C. Land and Water Fund, helping communities strengthen resilience to extreme weather while protecting the natural resources that support North Carolina’s economy and quality of life.

Thank you to Representative Jennifer Balkcom [https://www.votebalkcom.com/], Representative Jake Johnson [https://www.jakefornc.com/], and Senator Timothy Moffitt [https://www.timmoffitt.com/] for your service to Henderson County.

To learn more about the N.C. Land and Water Fund and conservation projects across our state, visit:
Land for Tomorrow: www.land4tomorrow.org