Asheville Community Unites to Address Hurricane Aftermath and Revitalize Lumber Industry

Asheville Faces Aftermath of Hurricane: The Impact on the Lumber Industry

Asheville – It’s a curious sight here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge: lumber, lumber everywhere, yet not a log to be transformed into a snug cabin. Following the recent hurricane, locals have been spotting trucks chipping up intact wood just sitting by the roadside. It’s sparked plenty of chatter among citizens, with many wondering what’s happening to the wood collected by the county. While some of these logs might be too waterlogged to sell on the shelves of your favorite home improvement store, it leaves us pondering: could an artist or craftsman breathe new life into this timber and create something functional?

The Uncertain Future of the Lumber Industry

One could easily assume that with a bumper crop of fallen trees, the lumber industry would be riding high. Yet, Keta Kosman from Madison’s Lumber Reporter highlights that it’s still too early to determine if this hurricane will be a boon or a bane for the sector. Reports indicate that in North Carolina alone, one large mill and five medium-sized mills fell victim to the hurricane’s wrath. Mills situated a bit further south in Georgia and Florida also felt the impact. Beyond structural damage, many mills endured prolonged power outages, which left them scrambling to maintain operations. Even as roads gradually reopened, numerous routes remained too fragile for the lumber trucks we’re all so accustomed to seeing.

Historical Comparisons and Economic Implications

Kosman can’t help but draw parallels to Hurricane Katrina, where over 400,000 homes were lost, resulting in more than 160,000 needing demolition due to water destruction. In 2004, this remarkable inventory loss accounted for 19% of the single-family homebuilding market. The aftermath saw a staggering increase in lumber manufactured—by 5.4 billion board feet, or 9.2%. On top of that, prices for lumber soared by 7%, while panel prices shot up by 20%.

The history of lumber prices reacting to disasters doesn’t end there. After Hurricane Andrew, lumber prices increased by an astonishing 17%, and plywood prices surged by 45%. However, this time around, customers and wholesalers are playing it cautiously. Many opt for just-in-time buying—a strategy to sidestep hefty purchases before potential price falls. Mills, however, find themselves prepared with ample stock, eager to meet any sudden surge in demand, having invested heavily in the wood already.

The Housing Dilemma

What we can’t overlook is the immense need for new homes in the area. Yet, many residents in the mountainous regions find themselves without insurance policies that cover hurricane damages. For those not living within a specified flood plain, buying flood coverage often seemed unnecessary. With FEMA’s limitations on the extent of uninsured damage support, many folks could find themselves in a tight spot.

Salvaging Timber: A Tough Challenge

Economist Jesse Henderson of the US Forest Service notes that while storms can often yield salvaged lumber, this particular instance doesn’t paint a rosy picture. The treks to gather stray trees amidst Asheville’s winding roads are far from easy, compounded by debris and steep terrain. Furthermore, the majority of the downed varieties only make up 7% of the state’s overall timber market. Therefore, the entire salvaging effort may prove more cumbersome than worthwhile.

Community Resilience and Recovery Initiatives

While fallen trees can be a headache, there’s a heartwarming silver lining. In Buncombe County, Dane Pedersen, the Solid Waste Director, has shared the exciting news: the Army Corps of Engineers has partnered with AshBritt to tidy up the vegetative mess. Teams are actively organizing debris collection, transporting it to temporary sites where it’s being ground down and prepped for final disposal.

One fantastic initiative worth mentioning is the formation of a coalition called Interagency Recovery Coordination, which merges the efforts of federal, state, and local government, along with nonprofit groups and community organizations. The initiative successfully salvaged 80-100 tons of timber from the North Carolina Arboretum for donation as firewood through local churches. And that’s not all—another similar amount has been set aside for vendors, while local artists received 2 to 5 tons of logs to create unique crafts. This initiative cleared over 5,000 fallen trees, reopening the Arboretum just in time for the tradition of the Winter Lights exhibit.

In the face of challenges brought by nature, the community of Asheville is showcasing resilience, turning adversity into opportunity. Though the hurricane has shaken things up, the spirit of collaboration and creativity is helping pave the way for recovery.