Recovery Efforts Underway in Aiken Following Tropical Storm Helene’s Devastation

Recovery Begins in Aiken After Tropical Storm Helene

**Aiken** is currently facing the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, with officials and community members working tirelessly to restore one of the city’s most cherished assets, Hitchcock Woods. This stunning urban forest, sprawling over 2,000 acres, is now closed to the public due to significant damage caused by the storm in late September.

Trail Cleanup Efforts Underway

The hardworking staff of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation has kicked off a major cleanup operation, aiming to clear away fallen trees and debris. After the storm, many trails were completely blocked, making access nearly impossible. “It’s a marathon; it’s not a sprint,” said Mary Katherine Philipp, the Executive Director of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation. The concern here is not just about reopening the trails, but ensuring the safety of everyone when they do.

Superintendent Bennett Tucker explained, “It could be a month; it could be a month and a half. We don’t know. We really don’t have a clue.” This uncertainty highlights how extensive the damage truly is. While past storms might have caused temporary closures due to fallen branches, this time the destruction is on a much larger scale, with whole mature trees knocked down.

Assessing the Damage

According to Tucker, their first plan of action is to open up main trails for better access, allowing them to assess the overall situation. “We’re focusing on our primary trails, and then what we’ll do is hit the secondary trails,” he noted. To assist in these efforts, the foundation has brought on extra hands temporarily and even rented specialized equipment designed for maneuvering through tight spaces.

The team has also taken advantage of the recent acquisition of a John Deere excavator, which allows them to sort through the massive debris more effectively. Tucker emphasized the importance of using proper machinery, saying, “We will be acquiring a wood chipper that we’ll chip up all the debris with.” This progress will help facilitate a smoother recovery.

A Bit of Positive News

While the storm wreaked havoc, there is a silver lining. Areas that had undergone selective thinning and prescribed burns over the past few decades have fared much better. “What we’ve noticed is that the areas that weathered the storm the best are the areas where we’ve done our restoration work for the last 20 to 30 years,” Tucker remarked. This highlights the benefits of proactive forest management.

Community Involvement and Support

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the community has stepped up with a strong desire to help. However, the staff is currently not accepting volunteer assistance due to hazardous conditions. “We don’t want anybody to get hurt,” Tucker explained, emphasizing the challenges in navigating the blocked paths. The priority is to mitigate risks while trying to ensure safe access for cleanup activities.

For those wanting to contribute to the recovery efforts, Philipp shared the best way to assist is through donations. The Hitchcock Woods Foundation is a nonprofit organization, and information on how to support their cause can be found online or through their mailing address.

Looking Ahead

As the clean-up continues at Hitchcock Woods, both visitors and staff look forward to the day when the forest can open once again. The journey might be long, but with determination and the support of the community, Aiken’s beloved urban forest will rise from the storm’s aftermath, ready to welcome back nature lovers of all kinds.

The staff will keep everyone updated on the progress, and until then, they appreciate the patience and understanding of those who hold this beautiful spot dear.