Hickory Nut Gorge Recovery Plan

Upcoming Community Meeting: November 6th, 2025, at 5 PM at the Bat Cave Baptist Church

HICKORY NUT GORGE RECOVERY PLAN

In response to damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Hickory Nut Gorge (HNG), the Planning Department is creating a Recovery Plan for the area.

For immediate needs, please contact the United Way of Henderson County. If you are interested in the buy-out program or elevating your property, please visit the Emergency Management web page. You can also check out our Hurricane Helene FAQ page for more information.

Community Meeting Information

The second Recovery Plan community meeting will be held on November 6th at 5 PM at the Bat Cave Baptist Church (5095 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792). This meeting will include a summary of the previous meeting, the community survey, and activities to provide feedback on the draft plan recommendations. Please join us to make your voice heard!

The August 19th community meeting was held at Bat Cave Baptist Church to gauge opinions concerning long-term recovery.

Survey

The HNG survey is now closed. Click here to see the summarized survey results!

MORE ABOUT THE HICKORY NUT GORGE RECOVERY PLAN

The Hickory Nut Gorge Recovery Plan is long-term, looking 5 - 10 years into the future.

On May 5, 2025, the Board of Commissioners contracted Equinox to assist county staff in preparing a recovery plan. Equinox will assist in technical proficiency related to recovery work and expand available resources. County staff will facilitate this plan's significant components and continue fostering established community relationships while leading a Community Partners Group.

The Community Partners Group consists of nine members, including property owners/renters and individuals who work or attend school in the study area. The plan's study area is indicated on the map below. In cooperation with ex officio members from NCDOT, the fire departments, emergency management, and Conserving Carolina, these individuals will help guide recommendations for the recovery plan.

Please contact Janna Bianculli, Assistant Planning Director, at jbianculli@hendersoncountync.gov with any questions about the recovery plan.

Sign up for the email distribution list to receive updates on the Hickory Nut Gorge Recovery Plan.

Additional Resources

Immediate Needs? If you have questions regarding immediate needs you can reach out to [email protected], call the United Way at 211, or visit the United Way’s website for information about resources for Henderson County Residents.

Questions regarding rebuilding after Hurricane Helene? The Henderson County Planning Department has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding zoning, permits, FEMA assistance, and NCDOT work.

Interested in the Buy-Out Program? If you are interested in the buy-out program, elevating your home, or the process? Visit the Henderson County Emergency Management’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Notice website for more information.