Posted Dec. 4, 2024
Coastlines Georgia | December 2024 | Vol. 7, Iss. 4
Staff Report
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Hurricane Helene’s wrath swept through Georgia in late September, leaving behind unprecedented destruction. In the face of adversity, DNR mounted a swift, multifaceted response, combining efforts from all Divisions to safeguard lives, restore order, and assist communities.
Statewide Preparation and Leadership
Under Gov. Brian Kemp’s leadership, DNR worked in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Forestry Commission, Department of Public Safety, and local agencies. On Sept. 25, DNR began staffing multiple employees at the State Operations Center in Atlanta to ensure seamless coordination with other response teams. Across the state, DNR staff fueled vehicles, sharpened tools, cleared drainage systems, and implemented evacuation plans for seven key state park sites. Internally, an Incident Command Post was established at WRD headquarters in Social Circle.
“Preparation was key,” said DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon. “We staged 12 Task Force Teams around the state, each comprising six personnel—including chainsaw operators, traffic control game wardens, and skid steer operators. Additionally, 22 three-person strike teams equipped with ATVs, chainsaws, and rescue boats were scattered across Georgia to ensure a rapid response.”
Immediate Actions Post-Landfall
As Hurricane Helene made landfall, state parks outside the storm’s path opened their doors to displaced citizens, even accommodating pets and horses. Once the storm cleared, DNR crews deployed to affected areas. When the hurricane veered east unexpectedly, many staff members were displaced, including resources staged at Little Ocmulgee State Park in McRae-Helena.
Despite these challenges, DNR prioritized safety and accountability, successfully confirming the wellbeing of its more than 2,700 employees within 48 hours. The storm left 25 parks closed, 40 state park sites without power, and widespread damage to park facilities, WMAs, and PFAs. Helene’s damage at state parks extended to 25 cottages, 18 picnic shelters, and over 400 campsites. Nonetheless, recovery operations were underway immediately.
At daybreak on Friday, Sept. 27, teams began clearing roads, transporting critical supplies, and ensuring citizen safety, particularly in the hard-hit corridor between Valdosta and Augusta.
DNR teams played a crucial role in freeing residents trapped in homes and rescuing visitors and staff stranded at state parks.
Coordinated Recovery Efforts
DNR strike teams demonstrated exceptional coordination, exemplifying teamwork and resilience. Armed with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and unwavering resolve, park rangers, game wardens, and WRD staff worked tirelessly to clear roads and reopen DNR facilities. CRD team members delivered meals to strike teams and ran communications platforms statewide.
Over the course of two weeks, more than 350 DNR personnel participated in recovery operations, responding to requests for assistance in over 20 counties. This monumental effort amounted to over 18,400 hours of work, including 3,000 hours using chainsaws and 7,500 hours operating heavy machinery. Teams focused first on clearing major roadways to enable first responders and power companies to access affected areas. Once roadways were cleared, efforts shifted to state parks, where campgrounds and recreational areas were restored. By mid-October, all but four parks had resumed operations, with plans for the remaining sites underway.
State Parks as Sanctuaries
As recovery continued, Georgia’s state parks welcomed over 2,000 Floridians fleeing Hurricane Milton, which made landfall shortly after Helene. “Our parks played a dual role—providing refuge for evacuees while undergoing their own recovery,” Rabon explained.
This dual role of recovery and sanctuary underlines the critical importance of the DNR’s preparedness and resilience.
Parks Director Angie Johnson highlighted the unity and dedication displayed by the entire department, saying, “Every team member showed extraordinary commitment to the recovery mission. Their determination brought critical sites back to life and reaffirmed our dedication to Georgia’s people and natural heritage.”
Resilience Amidst Personal Loss
Despite their critical role in recovery, many DNR employees were not immune to Helene’s devastation. Power outages and property damage affected countless staff members, yet they left their homes and families to aid communities. Commissioner Rabon expressed deep gratitude: “Our employees’ dedication exemplifies what it means to serve. I am beyond thankful for their tireless efforts.”
In addition to DNR’s extensive on-the-ground efforts, support from the community and leadership underscored the Department’s resilience.
Rabon thanked the DNR Board and the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation for contributions to aid employees in need, emphasizing, “Your generosity shows we are truly a family.”
As Georgia rebuilds, DNR’s efforts serve as a testament to teamwork, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the state’s people and natural resources. Rabon concluded, “Hurricane Helene was a test of our readiness and resolve, and I am proud to say Georgia rose to the occasion.”
— Angie Johnson, (Parks), Clint Peacock (WRD), and Mark McKinnon (LED) contributed to reporting in this article.