YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — On Thursday, Oct. 23, Yancey County and teams once again took helicopters into the ravines of the South Toe River to clear Helene debris, the final day in a multi-day operation, according to Yancey County planner Chris Sigmon.
The South Toe River runs more than 30 miles. According to environmental advocates, it’s considered one of Appalachia’s most ecologically clean rivers, making the removal of Helene debris from the South Toe River, which runs along storm-damaged Patience Park campground, a priority, according to Sigmon.
Blackhawk pilot John Wellington was contracted through his company, XP Services, to bring the copter in for the operation. A rope dangles down from the helicopter that crews attach to debris and the pilot, Wellington, pulls it out…