ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Hurricane Helene cleanup efforts are still occurring in our region, and here is what you need to know about the areas of Blacksburg and Wythe County.
Blacksburg
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest are closing the lower parking lot of the Cascades waterfall on the Easter Divide Ranger District.
The closure will take place on Tuesday, November 19 to assist Forest Service employees in the sawing and chipping operation of blowdown debris caused by Hurricane Helene.
Visitors are advised to plan to avoid the lower parking area, however, parking will be available at the upper parking lot to visit the site.
For more information, contact the Eastern Divide Ranger District at 540-552-4641 or visit the Forest Service website.
Wythe County
Wythe County is also working to remove debris caused by Hurricane Helene and is advising residents to place debris at the edge of their property by Monday, November 25.
However, debris has to be placed within 10 feet of a publicly accessible roadway.
Consider the following:
- Debris must be accessible from publicly owned roads- crews cannot go on private property.
- Do not put your Hurricane Helene-related debris in the roadway, as this poses a hazard to drivers.
- Do not put your Hurricane Helene-related debris in drainage ditches, as this may increase the risk of flooding.
- Do not bag your debris.
Eligible debris items include:
- Vegetative debris( e.g. branches, limbs, logs, trees and bushes, and other leafy materials.
- Damage/Demolition materials (drywall, wood, insulation, siding, fixtures, furnishings, and roofing materials.
- Tires (must be separated from other debris)
Ineligible Debris includes:
- Household trash
- Household hazardous waste (e.g. paint, cleaners, propane cylinders, pesticides, batteries)
- Electronics (e.g. computers, TVs)
- Large applicants (e.g. washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, air conditioners, freezers)
- Large Structures (e.g. mobile homes, sheds)
For more information about the Wythe County debris removal, contact the local emergency manager at rwzook@wytheco.org.