The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have announced 109 grants under a new species-recovery program. The awards total $35.5 million, with another $8.6 million in matching contributions.

The projects address specific obstacles: incomplete survey data, habitat problems and the work of helping wildlife coexist with farms, forests and other working landscapes.

Examples include developing environmental-DNA tests to find elusive species, improving pollinator habitat along energy corridors and tracking how fishers respond to forest-management activities.

These are funded plans, not proof that 109 species have recovered. Their value is giving local partners tools and resources to test what works, then measure the results. Recovery often needs exactly that patient, practical work.

Source published October 21, 2026

Black Mountain and Briar Bottom campgrounds reopened on September 25, nearly two years after Hurricane Helene. An October 16 Forest Service update describes the repairs and partnerships that brought visitors back to this part of the Pisgah National Forest.

Nearly four miles of South Toe River Road also reopened. Crews removed more than 6,700 tons of material from the damaged campground bridge; some storm debris became biochar used to help rehabilitate local soil.

The recovery is incomplete. The update says the River Loop Trail and Briar Bottom bike trail remain closed. Wildlife teams are planning to raise hellbender eggs through their vulnerable early stage, while watershed assessments will guide further restoration.

This is a record of work completed alongside work still ahead. Reopened campsites, repaired access and volunteers clearing a river are tangible reasons for optimism.

Source published October 16, 2026