Experts Challenge Lake Lure Official's Eagle Claim in Tourism Video

As Lake Lure works to rebuild its tourism economy nearly two years after Hurricane Helene, a new promotional video from town leaders includes claims about bald eagles that are at odds with established wildlife research.

In the video, Mayor Pro Tem David DiOrio tells viewers the area's wildlife has "normalized" and suggests Hurricane Helene had "no impact" on bald eagles. He said eagles would have left the area entirely if it wasn't safe.

Scientists say the evidence tells a more nuanced story.

While bald eagles are among North America's most resilient birds of prey, many adults survive hurricanes and stay in the impacted area by sheltering in protected forests. Severe storms routinely destroy nests and may alter habitat and disrupt breeding territories.

Research following major hurricanes in North Carolina, Florida and other southeastern states has found that many eagle pairs lose nests during storms. Wildlife studies show roughly 50% to 70% of affected breeding pairs rebuild during the same nesting season, often in nearby trees if suitable habitat remains. Others may delay nesting until habitat recovers.

The destruction of mature trees can also reduce nesting opportunities and increase competition among displaced eagles, according to researchers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They developed the Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (ECPG) in 2013.

The findings, focused on eagles' response to wind, do not suggest eagle populations disappear after hurricanes. Instead, scientists said they demonstrate the species' remarkable ability to recover from storms that can significantly alter nesting habitat.

DiOrio's comments came as part of a Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) Rutherford Bound "Back to Beautiful" campaign highlighting Lake Lure's recovery from Hurricane Helene, which impacted the town, the county and western NC, in September 2024, destroying homes, businesses, roads and public infrastructure. The town has worked for nearly two years to restore parks, rebuild utilities and attract visitors back to the area.

"The RCTDA is responsible for managing occupancy tax revenues (ie. bed tax or short-term lodging tax). These funds must be spent to market/promote the County or to construct tourism-related infrastructure projects. The RCTDA and its partners are working to leverage these tax dollars to secure additional grant funding," according to their microsite.

WCAB News has documented the recovery from the days, weeks and months following the storm. While much of the visible rebuilding has been completed, scientists caution that ecological recovery often follows a different timeline than infrastructure repairs.

"State law requires that two-thirds of these funds are used for program administration and marketing, to encourage more visitors to come experience Rutherford County. The remaining one-third of tax revenue is spent on capital projects, recreational infrastructure, and other improvements that enhance life for residents and draw visitors to the region. In addition to occupancy tax revenue, townships and municipalities in Rutherford County contribute portions of their budget to Rutherford Bound projects," another portion of their website said.

The TDA holds public meetings. Its mission statement is to "promote the growth of tourism for and in Rutherford County, in accordance with NC Session Law 2011-115."

Wildlife experts generally rely on field surveys, nesting success, and long-term monitoring—not anecdotal observations—to assess the effects of major storms on eagle populations. 

WCAB News has not received any statements about current wildlife studies being conducted in the area by the town, the TDA, or any other entities.