Important Information for Wilkes County Landowners!

The Army Corps of Engineers has hired AshBritt to conduct waterway debris removal in our area. This company will be reaching out to landowners to secure Right Of Entry (ROE) agreements to access and clear debris from waterways. They will be working across the entire county. This is a crucial effort to ensure our waterways are cleared by the June 1st deadline set for North Carolina.

Please cooperate with AshBritt representatives as they work to complete this important task.

On March 19 2025, through The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part I (S.L. 2025-2), the North Carolina General Assembly established the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program, a one-time assistance program for agricultural producers who suffered verifiable losses from any declared agricultural disaster in 2024.

Produers have until May 4th to apply for funding through this program. Of the $311 million available, $200 million will be for verifiable losses from Hurricane Helene in the affected area and about $111 million will be for verifiable losses from all other agricultural disasters in 2024.

Learn more below! #NCAgriculture

Website here: https://www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster

Hurricane Helene Assistance

On September 27th, Hurricane Helene brought destructive winds and torrential rainfall across western North Carolina. The storm’s remnants resulted in severe flooding, extensive property damage, and widespread disruption. With some estimates placing the economic impact at $200 billion, Hurricane Helene stands as one of the costliest storms in U.S. history.

Locally, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive support to Wilkes County residents and our neighboring communities to the west who were affected by this historic natural disaster. Our mission is to help our community recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger.

Report Storm Damages Here:

Damage reports made to our office will help us assess the damages across Wilkes County. Reports may be used to help secure funding for assistance programs as they become available.

To report your damages please submit any photos and other information to wilkesswcd@gmail.com

Please Note: Submission of damages to Wilkes Soil & Water does not promise you will receive any finanical aid or assistance.

Assistance for Agricultural Producers:

What do I need to do first?

Once you are able to evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office or your crop insurance agent to report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has released a document that includes what you as the producer should document when assessing your operation for storm damage.

You can download that document here:

FSA Farm Damage Document

2024 Hurricane Helene Livestock Assistance Form

The link below has been set up by NC State Cooperative Extension and NC Department of Agriculture and can be used to request assistance for your livestock. The form asks if you need help or want to help.

The form can be accessed here:

NCDA Livestock Assistance Form

Soil Management for Hurricane-Impacted Western NC

The Agronomic Division of the NC Department of Agriculture has complied a document of information and government resources as it relates to soil management post Helene.

The document can be accessed here:

Soil Management Document

Assistance for Landowners:

What do I need to do first?

Make sure to document and photograph all damages BEFORE any repairs are made to your property.
Keep records of receipts and expenses related to damage repairs.

Assistance Resources:

FEMA information can be found at this link: https://www.disasterassistance.gov
WNC Resource Guide can be found at this link: WNC HELENE RESOURCE

Hurricane Helene Assistance

Report Storm Damages Here:

Assistance for Agricultural Producers:

Assistance for Landowners:

CONTACT