March 13, 2025 Town Update

Right of Way Collection Final Pass

Final storm debris collection from the public right of way is underway with this collection concluding on Sunday, March 30. The Town’s right of way collection is only for storm debris – please DO NOT place any trees, brush, or vegetative material on the street that is not storm debris. To date, the Town has removed over 366,000 cubic yards of vegetation from the public right of way.

Tree Protection Ordinance Reminders

As a reminder, the Town’s tree protection ordinance remains in effect and the Town must approve removal prior to any tree over six inches in diameter being taken down. The tree removal company is then responsible for disposal of anything approved for removal.

The Town’s routine brush collection service will resume in the coming months as storm debris removal winds down. Full notice will be provided when service resumes on a normal schedule.

Town Restoration Efforts

The Town is working diligently on a restoration plan for our public places and forests. Detailed information regarding these efforts will be mailed to residents in the coming weeks. Please know this will be a professional, deliberate, and thoughtful plan that focuses on native species replanting and invasive species control. The Town also anticipates providing information for similar restoration efforts on private property. Please stay tuned in coming weeks for this information.

Wildfire Mitigation

Finally, the Town continues to work on prioritizing wildfire mitigation efforts. Downed storm debris remains a focal point, and we are working diligently with federal, state, and local partners to address and reduce these concerns. Residents can assist with these efforts by removing as much dried and dead vegetation as possible and the Town is doing this within our public spaces. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution requesting Duke Energy remove all storm related vegetative debris from underneath live electrical lines. This resolution is being provided to Duke representatives, the NC Utilities Commission, our federal and state delegations, and the Governor’s office. A copy of this resolution may be viewed on the Town’s website at https://www.biltmoreforest.org/news/march-commissioner-meeting-update

The Town continues to prompt AT&T and Charter to act more promptly with their utility debris removal.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in helping the Town’s recovery.