Guidelines for Responsible Debris Removal from Waterways

April 17, 2025

USACE Debris Removal Monitoring

Hurricane Helene has already caused so much destruction–let’s work together to ensure that our restoration efforts don’t further destroy our natural spaces. As communities that were impacted by the storm continue to rebuild, it is critical that the protection of our natural resources remains a priority in these recovery efforts.

Much work is being done to remove trash and debris from our waterways, which is a necessary task that will improve the health of our lakes, rivers, and streams. Additionally, the removal woody debris from around infrastructure is necessary to protect structures from future damage during a flood event.

However, excessive clearing of living vegetation and woody debris that poses no threat to infrastructure can lead to detrimental impacts on our rivers and on the animals who live there. To help preserve the vegetative buffers that provide crucial habitat and prevent erosion and sedimentation, FEMA has created these guidelines to help our region rebuild responsibly.

The following is not permitted:

Removal of live and standing trees, even in cases where the leaning angle exceeds 15 degrees
Demolition of structures that are displaced or located in the waterway
Removal of sediment, soil, rocks, gravel, and boulders
Dredging of waterways
Relocating of waterways or moving existing channels (including moving the waterway back to its original path)
Rebuilding, regrading, or sloping of riverbanks
Placement of tire walls and/or tire bails for erosion and slope stability systems

If you think these guidelines are not being followed, please email the FEMA Waterway Debris Taskforce (debris@ncdps.gov) and FEMA/USACE (fema-dr4827-nc@fema.dhs.gov) to report violations. In your email, please include the location, date/time, company contractor and any photos or videos you may have of your concern.

To see what debris is eligible for removal, click here.

Let’s work together to protect our natural resources as we rebuild our communities!

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Catawba Riverkeeper Welcomes Dr. Mo Drinkard as New Executive Director

December 17, 2025

Catawba Riverkeeper is pleased to announce that Dr. Mo Drinkard has been hired as their new Executive Director. A standout among over 100 applicants, Mo was offered the position by the Catawba Riverkeeper Board of Directors search committee on Thursday, November 20th, and she assumed her role as leader of the organization on Monday, December 1st, 2025. Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones, who participated on the search committee, shared that “Mo’s education, experience, and passion are directly aligned with the organization’s mission and needs. We are excited for her perspective and leadership in continuing the critical work of protecting our waters.” Mo is a mission-driven non-profit leader, professor, and scholar with a passion for building strong organizations, nurturing future leaders, and tackling big challenges in conservation, equity, and education. With over 20 years of experience spanning academia (Kent State University, Brevard College, Miami University), community partnerships, and environmental science, she's worn many hats: executive director, grant writer, program architect, DEIB strategist, faculty and student mentor, and not often enough, field biologist in muddy boots. Mo's work lives at the intersection of applied research and social change. She specializes in transforming great ideas into funded, functional, and impactful programs, whether that’s designing experiential learning curricula, guiding strategic organizational turnarounds, or helping community-based groups access the resources they need to thrive. From leading national workforce development initiatives to restoring urban watersheds (Doan Brook Watershed Partnership) and mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists, Mo brings an entrepreneurial spirit and deep subject matter expertise in biology, ecology, sustainability, and inclusion. Mo believes that science is for everyone, and that real change happens when we build spaces where all voices can lead. “I am honored and excited to offer leadership for the next chapter of Catawba Riverkeeper’s work. I believe deeply in the mission and am fully invested in the health and future of this watershed. I look forward to getting to work supporting the waterways, communities, and people that make up this expansive and impactful basin,” Dr. Drinkard said. Catawba Riverkeeper, currently one of the ten largest riverkeeper organizations in the United States, boasts over 8,000 members across the 26 counties of North and South Carolina where the waters of the Catawba flow. As the fifth Executive Director of the organization, Mo will bring new and innovative ways to advance the work of her predecessors and the mission of the organization in this new chapter of Catawba Riverkeeper’s leadership. Mo will be supported by 11 full-time staff and 22 volunteer board members to preserve, protect, and restore the Catawba River so that it sustains plentiful, clean water for generations to come.