After Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to the river corridor in September 2024, Unicoi County launched the Nolichucky Recovery Initiative to guide long-term recovery efforts. Destination by Design worked with community partners, public agencies, and local residents to create a unified action plan rooted in river restoration, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and long-term resilience.
Plan
Overview
The Nolichucky Recovery Initiative Action Plan provides a strategic, actionable framework for restoring the river corridor and enhancing recreation opportunities in Unicoi County.
The plan balances immediate recovery needs with long-term opportunities to improve public access, support the health of the river corridor, and strengthen economic vitality. Beginning with demographic research, site analysis, and public engagement, the plan delivers targeted recommendations, priority projects, and implementation strategies.
Community Engagement
A project committee helped guide the planning process, bringing together community leaders, public agencies, recreation partners, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses. Through public workshops, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews, DbD gathered input from key players, translating local insight into practical recommendations for river protection, public access, and long-term recovery.
River Recovery & Protection
Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage along the Nolichucky River corridor, affecting homes, businesses, infrastructure, public access points, and transportation systems. DbD worked with Unicoi County to identify recovery opportunities that restore damaged areas while strengthening the corridor for future storm events.
The plan provides strategies for flood mitigation, infrastructure protection, riverbank restoration, and improved access at key locations along the corridor. Together, these recommendations support a recovery approach that protects the river, preserves the landscape, and builds long-term resilience.
Recreation-Based Vision
The Nolichucky has long supported rafting, paddling, fishing, hiking, and other experiences that contribute to Unicoi County’s quality of life, local economy, and regional identity.
The plan identifies opportunities to restore and strengthen recreation access in ways that preserve the ecological health of the river corridor. Proposed improvements include riverside trails and parks, river access points, and stream channel enhancements designed to improve safety, expand recreation opportunities, and protect the natural environment.
Plan Brand & Website
As part of the broader planning effort, the Nolichucky Recovery Initiative was supported by a project logo and dedicated project website created by Destination by Design. These tools helped give the initiative a recognizable visual presence, rally support around its purpose, and keep the community connected to the recovery process.
