Comprehensive Resources for the Ongoing Restoration Efforts at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake

About the Recovery Effort

Background:
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the J. Strom Thurmond Project, leading to the closure of all 51 Corps-operated recreation areas. The storm's impact resulted in widespread debris, infrastructure damage, and safety hazards across the park.

Mission:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District is leading recovery operations to restore safe access to the project, clear debris, and repair infrastructure, ensuring the area can be reopened to the public in phases.

Official Recovery Page: Thurmond Hurricane Helene Recovery

Recovery Progress & Challenges

Current Status:
Over the past seven months, The District has strategically utilized Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funds to open as many recreation areas as possible at the J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Project following Hurricane Helene and requested additional resources to accomplish such a massive storm debris removal task.

The primary focus with O&M funds has been on reopening boat ramps and hunter access points, with the intention of using additional resources — once received — to restore Day Use Areas and Campgrounds.

Simultaneously, The District initiated a timber salvage mission at Thurmond, specifically outside of designated recreation areas, to ensure that all areas of the Thurmond Project were being addressed. Timber salvage focuses on recovering valuable timber that can be sold to mills, while debris removal is the process of cleaning up fallen trees, branches, leaf litter, and other organic matter that has no market value.

Through O&M funds, the District has successfully opened 2 Day Use Areas, 17 Boat Ramps, and 19 Hunter Access Areas. We also prepared a 20-acre debris site to support the future removal of debris from our recreation areas.

Challenges:

• Safety Hazards: Fallen trees and weakened structures pose risks to visitors and staff.
• Resource Constraints: Limited funding and manpower are affecting the pace of recovery.
• Volunteer Limitations: The scale of the damage requires specialized equipment and expertise beyond volunteer capabilities.

Community Impact & Testimonials

Volunteer Perspective:
Local volunteers, like the Carpenter family, have been instrumental in initial cleanup efforts. However, they emphasize the need for professional resources to address the extensive damage effectively.

“There’s no words to describe how bad it is,” said Tina Carpenter. “Pictures don’t even do it justice.”

Visitor Impact:
The closure of recreational areas has affected local tourism and community engagement. The Corps is working diligently to reopen areas safely and efficiently.

Media Assets

• High-Resolution Images (Flickr)
  • Debris and damage
  • Before-and-after photos of key areas
• Infographics:
  • Debris removal progress by area type
  • Timeline of recovery efforts
• Videos: (YouTube)
  • J. Strom Thurmond Volunteers Share Perspective on Helene Damage
  • J. Strom Thurmond Park Ranger Updates Community on Helene Impact

Press Releases

• Release No. 25-011: Restoring J. Strom Thurmond: USACE Park Volunteers Emphasize Helene Damage
• Release No. 25-017: USACE’s Hurricane Helene recovery operations at Thurmond Lake pivot
• Release No. 25-01: Thurmond Lake recreation areas remain closed until further notice
• Release No. 24-038: Bussey Point 2024 Deer Hunts canceled due to storm damage at Thurmond Lake
• Release No. 24-042: Safety concerns caused by Hurricane Helene close Thurmond Lake trails

Articles

• Volunteer event keeps J. Strom Thurmond moving forward – April 29, 2025
• USACE timber salvage operations pivot at J. Strom Thurmond Lake Project – April 17, 2025
• USACE timber salvage in full swing after Hurricane Helene's fury – February 4, 2025

Contact Information

Media Inquiries:
Cheri Pritchard
Media Operations Chief
Phone: 912-652-5014
Cell: 912-677-6039
Email: cheri.e.dragos-pritchard@usace.army.mil