Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee Meeting

Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee Meeting Recap – March 21, 2025

The Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee held a productive meeting on March 21, 2025, focusing heavily on recovery efforts following a recent tropical storm and charting the course for future environmental initiatives. The meeting included introductions of five new members – Drew Ball, Terry (a long-standing member), Bob McDonald, Josh Littlejohn and Abby Ulman – expanding the subcommittee’s expertise. Overall, the discussion highlighted a commitment to both immediate storm recovery and long-term environmental resilience for Buncombe County.

A key focus of the meeting was a detailed discussion on recovery efforts related to the recent storm. County staff provided updates on damage assessments, debris removal progress, and the implementation of emergency watershed protection programs. Committee members shared observations from their interactions with residents, emphasizing a need for greater community resilience and proactive planning. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was leveraging available funding sources, such as FEMA and state grants, to support environmental projects related to recovery.

Beyond immediate storm response, the subcommittee also reviewed ongoing conservation efforts and considered future priorities. Jennifer Harrison presented an update on the county's conservation easement program, aiming to conserve 20% of Buncombe County by 2030. The committee discussed the program's progress and adjustments to tracking methods, acknowledging the importance of landowner participation and potential financial considerations. Looking ahead, members engaged in a conversation about identifying community needs related to environmental stewardship and resilience, with the goal of developing a comprehensive list that will guide future subcommittee efforts.

While there was no formal public comment period, committee members actively shared insights gathered from their conversations with community members. Concerns were raised regarding storm debris burning and the need for increased resilience, underscoring the importance of community-led initiatives and collaboration. The subcommittee approved both the meeting agenda, including introductions for new members, and minutes from a previous meeting.

What’s Next? Several key action items emerged from the discussion:

• Jennifer Harrison will share a draft of the county’s strategic plan with committee members for review.
• Committee members are encouraged to contribute ideas and topics for the subcommittee’s focus in the coming year, ensuring it aligns with community needs.
• The subcommittee will soon decide on a meeting schedule – whether to meet quarterly or monthly – balancing staff workload and priorities.
• Members were encouraged to attend a meeting about resilience hubs being hosted by FRIVE, furthering exploration of community support options.
• The county will continue compiling a list of community needs related to storm recovery and resilience, providing valuable data for future planning.

This meeting demonstrated the subcommittee’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges and building a more resilient community, particularly in light of recent storm events. By focusing on both immediate recovery and long-term planning, the subcommittee is working to ensure Buncombe County remains a thriving and environmentally sound place to live.