Federal forest service crews ready North Carolina boat launch for unveiling

The opening of a boat launch in neighboring North Carolina this weekend coincides with Carter County Tennessee rafting tour companies regaining access to the Nolichucky River where Hurricane Helene destroyed banking and federally-managed property.

A report from officials with the Pisgah National Forest said the Poplar Boat Launch brings back the tourist dollars lost for months as communities rebuilt.

Nearly 15,000 tons of rock was used in the project.

(IMAGE: Property of US Forest Service / National Park Service / Pisgah National Forest)