ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Nolichucky Restoration Project was hard at work again this weekend.

The team has been removing debris since December left by Hurricane Helene in the Nolichucky River and the Cherokee National Forest. Founding member Toney Davis has mentioned that the cleanup efforts will persist for years to come.

On Saturday, the team completed its fifth cleanup with a boat crew and its eighth cleanup involving land crews, according to Davis.

Phillips and Jordan Contracting played a crucial role in the cleanup team, primarily focusing on removing larger debris, such as cars and heavy machinery. This left the Nolichucky Restoration Project crew responsible for the smaller yet equally significant tasks.

“There is a lot of smaller micro-trash, as we call it here, that needs to be handled,” Davis said. “Stuff across the river on the national forest side that [Phillips and Jordan] were not contracted to do. So, we are working to fill that gap. The national forest needs our help, our neighbors need our help, and we’re more than happy to do it, privileged that we’re capable of doing it.”

Those who want to stay updated on the Nolichucky Restoration Project can follow the project’s Facebook page for information on future events.