Raft Guides Clean Up Tennessee River After Helene Flood – NPR

By Greg Allen

The nation’s dams are aging, and many are in need of repair. A recent report from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials found that more than 15,000 dams are considered high-hazard potential, meaning their failure would likely cause loss of life.

But funding for dam rehabilitation has lagged, leaving many states struggling to keep up with the growing need. The problem is particularly acute in the eastern U.S., where there are many older dams that were built before modern safety standards were in place.

“We’re seeing a lot of dams that are reaching the end of their design life,” says Samuel Allen, director of the National Dam Safety Program. “They were built decades ago, and they’re starting to show their age.”

The consequences of dam failure can be catastrophic. In 2017, the failure of the Oroville Dam in California forced the evacuation of nearly 200,000 people. More recently, the failure of the Eden Dam in Michigan in May 2020 caused widespread flooding and forced the evacuation of thousands.

Experts say that climate change is also exacerbating the problem. More frequent and intense storms are putting increased pressure on dams, and rising temperatures are causing some dams to deteriorate more quickly.

“We’re seeing more extreme weather events, and that’s putting a strain on our infrastructure,” says Allen. “We need to invest in dam safety now to prevent future disasters.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed in 2021, provides some funding for dam rehabilitation, but experts say that more is needed. They also call for better coordination between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that dams are properly maintained and monitored.

The rise of ‘De-Influencing’ and Why Creators Are rejecting consumerism

For years,the world of social media has been dominated by “influencers” – individuals who leverage their online presence to promote products and lifestyles,often encouraging their followers to buy,buy,buy. But a new trend is emerging, one that seems to directly contradict the very foundation of influencer culture: de-influencing.

De-influencing isn’t about promoting products; it’s about discouraging purchases. Creators participating in this movement are actively advising their audiences against buying certain items, pointing out flaws, suggesting cheaper alternatives, or simply questioning the need for constant consumption.

why the Shift?

Several factors are contributing to the rise of de-influencing. A growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and overconsumption is a major driver. Many consumers, particularly Gen Z, are becoming more conscious of ethical and enduring practices. The pandemic also prompted a period of reflection for many, leading to a re-evaluation of priorities and a rejection of materialistic values.

Furthermore, the authenticity of conventional influencer marketing is increasingly under scrutiny.Viewers are becoming savvier and more skeptical of sponsored content, recognizing that many recommendations aren’t genuine. De-influencing offers a refreshing alternative – a perceived honesty that resonates with audiences tired of being constantly sold to.

What Does de-influencing Look Like?

De-influencing takes many forms. Some creators share “dupes” – affordable alternatives to expensive products. Others create videos exposing the downsides of popular items, highlighting poor quality or misleading marketing.Still others simply encourage their followers to shop their closets,repair existing items,or avoid impulse purchases altogether.

TikTok has become a central hub for the de-influencing movement, with hashtags like #deinfluencer and #buyless gaining millions of views. However, the trend is spreading to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube as well.

Is it a Threat to Influencer Marketing?

The emergence of de-influencing certainly poses a challenge to the traditional influencer marketing model. Brands may need to rethink their strategies and focus on building genuine relationships with creators who align with their values. Clarity and authenticity will be more important than ever.

However, it’s unlikely that influencer marketing will disappear entirely. Rather, it may evolve to become more nuanced and responsible, with a greater emphasis on quality over quantity and a focus on promoting products that truly benefit consumers.

Ultimately, de-influencing represents a broader cultural shift – a growing desire for mindful consumption and a rejection of the relentless pursuit of “more.” It’s a trend that’s likely to continue shaping the landscape of social media and consumerism for years to come.

Rebuilding After the flood: Outfitters Turn to Cleanup on the Nolichucky River

Raft guide Amelia Taylor pulls household debris from thick brushwood along the banks of the Nolichucky River.

the Nolichucky River, known for its thrilling rapids, faced an unprecedented challenge after the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through the region. “The Nolichucky flooding was proportionally the greatest of rivers in the region. It got literally the maximum possible effect of the Helene system all funneled down into that one river gorge,” explains one observer. The resulting debris flow landslides were catastrophic, hurling chunks of railroad tracks, houses, and hazardous material into the river.

The U.S. Forest Service closed access points as a year-long reconstruction and restoration effort began. Local outfitters, the lifeblood of the river’s tourism, were forced to reinvent themselves.

Now, they’re playing a crucial role in the cleanup, tackling debris that heavy machinery can’t reach. Thanks to state-funded relief grants, outfitters are employing raft guides like Taylor, providing work while simultaneously restoring the river.

Using their large 6-person rafts, guides are collecting massive piles of garbage – car parts, toys, tires, household items, and sheet metal from destroyed homes – so high they obscure the rapids ahead. Lilly Johnson and h

After Historic Flooding, North Carolina River outfitters Prepare for a Comeback

By Ayana Archie

For river outfitters along the French Broad river in western North Carolina, this year has been about survival. Historic flooding, spurred by a series of intense storms – including Hurricane helene – devastated the region, washing away homes and businesses and leaving a trail of debris along the riverbanks.

“It was just…a lot of water,” says Selena Johnson, owner of French Broad Adventures, a rafting and kayaking outfitter based in Marshall, N.C. “We’ve been on this river for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The floods ripped through the region in August,leaving behind a landscape unrecognizable to many. The Pacheo family, who had lived in their home for three decades, lost their entryway to the rushing waters. (See image above). Businesses like Johnson’s were also severely impacted.

“Our dock is gone, our beach is gone, our access to the river is…different,” Johnson explains. “We lost a lot of equipment, a lot of infrastructure.”

The French Broad River is a major economic driver for the area, attracting tourists eager to experience its rapids and scenic beauty. the flooding threatened not only the outfitters themselves but also the livelihoods of the guides and the local businesses that rely on river tourism.

But amidst the devastation, a spirit of resilience has emerged. Outfitters are banding together, organizing cleanup efforts, and working towards a future where they can once again safely guide visitors down the river.

Johnson says while it’s been an uncertain year, at least their building is still standing, and for now, they’ll use their rafts and staff to clean up the river.

“It gives us a chance to put our guides to work,” she says. “They’re still doing what they’re trained to do, paddling down the river in a raft. We’re cleaning up our watershed so that it’s ready for us when we’re ready to get back out there.”

And they’re seeing signs of progress. Dozens of river guides are doing clean-up missions nearly every day and feel confident they’ll be able to get back on the river next year.

The Rise of ‘De-Influencing’ and Why Creators Are Rejecting the Sell

for years, the world of social media has been synonymous with influence – influencers showcasing aspirational lifestyles and promoting products with excited endorsements. But a new trend is emerging, one that seems to directly contradict the very foundation of influencer culture: “de-influencing.”

De-influencing, at its core, is about discouraging consumption.It’s creators telling their audiences not to buy certain products, often highlighting overhyped items, poor quality goods, or simply suggesting that people don’t need to constantly acquire new things. It’s a backlash against the relentless consumerism frequently enough perpetuated online, and it’s gaining significant traction, particularly on platforms like TikTok.

From Hauls to Honest Reviews

The shift is noticeable. Where once endless “haul” videos – showcasing mountains of newly purchased items – reigned supreme, now you’re seeing videos titled “Don’t Buy This!” or “products I Regret buying.” Creators are offering brutally honest reviews, pointing out flaws, and questioning the necessity of trendy items.

“I think people are just getting tired of being sold to,” says Jamie, a 24-year-old TikTok creator who focuses on affordable fashion and beauty. “For a long time, it felt like everything was an ad. De-influencing is about building trust with your audience by being real and saying, ‘Hey, this isn’t worth your money.'”

This sentiment is echoed by many viewers.A constant stream of advertisements, even disguised as organic content, can feel manipulative. De-influencing offers a refreshing alternative – a voice that prioritizes honesty and financial responsibility.

Why Now? A Perfect Storm of Factors

Several factors have contributed to the rise of de-influencing.

* economic Uncertainty: With rising inflation and economic anxieties, people are more mindful of their spending. The desire to save money and make informed purchasing decisions is stronger than ever.
* Saturation of Influencer Marketing: The sheer volume of sponsored content has led to “influencer fatigue.” Audiences are becoming more skeptical of endorsements and are actively seeking authentic opinions.
* Sustainability Concerns: Growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and overconsumption is driving a desire for more sustainable lifestyles. De-influencing aligns with this movement by encouraging people to buy less.
* The Pandemic’s Impact: The pandemic forced many to re-evaluate their priorities and question the need for material possessions. This shift in mindset has carried over into the post-pandemic world.

Is De-Influencing a Threat to the Influencer Industry?

The emergence of de-influencing has understandably sparked debate within the influencer community. Some see it as a genuine and positive trend, while others view it as a threat to their livelihood.

“It’s definitely a disruption,” admits Sarah, a beauty influencer with over 500,000 followers. “Brands are starting to notice, and some are hesitant to work with creators who have openly de-influenced their products. but I think it’s also an opportunity. Influencers who can adapt and prioritize authenticity will ultimately thrive.”

Indeed, many creators are finding ways to incorporate de-influencing into their content without entirely abandoning sponsored partnerships.They’re focusing on promoting high-quality, long-lasting products, and being clear about their collaborations.

The Future of Influence

De-influencing isn’t necessarily about the death of influencer marketing. It’s about the evolution of influence. Audiences are demanding more than just pretty pictures and catchy slogans. They want honesty, transparency, and genuine recommendations.

The creators who succeed in this new landscape will be those who prioritize building trust with their audience, even if it means occasionally telling them not to buy something. The future of influence might potentially be less about selling products and more about empowering consumers to make informed choices.