Lookout Shoals Lake is the second smallest lake within the Catawba-Wateree system, located downstream of Lake Hickory west of Statesville in Alexander, Catawba, and Iredell counties, North Carolina. Lookout Shoals Lake has a surface area of about 1,305 acres and 33.1 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 838 feet msl. Table 4.4-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lookout Shoals Lake, based on the SMP maps.

There are 2 developed Duke Power-owned public recreation access on Lookout Shoals Lake. There are no state or county park facilities located along the lake, and Figure 4.4-1 shows the public recreation access locations. There are 2 commercial residential marinas on Lookout Shoals Lake and no public commercial non-residential marinas. The following sections describe the Duke-owned public access area facilities at Lookout Shoals Lake.

Existing Duke-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke-owned public access areas provide about 39 acres and about 2,492 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lookout Shoals Lake. Combined, the developed access areas have 3 public boat ramps, 4 loading piers, and about 74 vehicle/trailer parking spaces. Table 4.4-2 summarizes the facilities at these public access areas.

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.4-1 Lookout Shoals Lake Public Recreation Access Areas

In the 1994 SMP Duke Power proposed to improve the Lookout Shoals access area (replace 2 ramps with 2 new boat ramps, pave the site and light the parking area) and Sharon access area (replace the ramp with a new ramp, pave the site and light the parking area). The Lookout Shoals access area improvements will be completed in 2001 and the Sharon improvements will be completed in early 2002, in order not to have both sites closed at the same time, which will meet all of the 1994 SMP commitments. In addition, Duke Power has added 23 acres of land to the Lookout Shoals site.

*  Vehicle/Trailer parking area.

Existing Commercial and Private Recreation Access

There are, currently, no public marinas on Lookout Shoals Lake. Private access to Lookout Shoals Lake is through private marinas and private piers along the Lookout Shoals Lake shoreline. Table 4.4-3 summarizes the number and type of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 4.4-4 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

Site-Specific Descriptions of Existing Duke-owned Public Access Areas at
Lookout Shoals Lake

The following section provides a description of each Duke-owned public access area at Lookout Shoals Lake, including a photograph, site characterisitics, site recreation facilities, and key recreation activities.

Lookout Shoals Access Area

The Lookout Shoals access area is located in the lower portion of Lookout Shoals Lake along the western shoreline, upstream of the Lookout Shoals Dam. Table 4.4-5 summarizes key site characteristics for the Lookout Shoals access area.

Sharon Access Area

The Sharon access area is located in the lower portion of Lookout Shoals Lake along the eastern shoreline, upstream from the Lookout Shoals Dam. Table 4.4-6 summarizes key site characteristics for the Sharon access area.

Recreation Use

Visitation at the public access areas on Lookout Shoals Lake was derived based on estimates of the traffic entering the Duke-owned public access areas. Total estimated visitation during the 1999 study period for Lookout Shoals Lake at these sites was about 48,780 visits. Figure 4.4-4 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lookout Shoals Lake for the Duke-owned public access areas during the 1999 study period. A visit is considered a vehicle or vehicle/trailer entering the site for any part of a day.

Table 4.4-7 provides a summary of the estimated recreation visitation based on the traffic counter data for the sampled sites during the 1999 study period. Based on survey data input, the estimated ratio for annual visits to the project area for Survey B respondents (respondents that use both public and private access areas) as compared to Survey C respondents (respondents at the public access areas) was about a ratio of 1.3 to 1. The estimated overall recreational visitation for Lookout Shoals Lake for the 1999 study period totaled 63,605 visits.

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Spot counts were conducted at two sites for Lookout Shoals Lake, Lookout Shoals and Sharon Access areas. Table 4.4-8 lists the number of sample days per month for the spot count data collection.

The total number of surveys received for each survey is listed in Table 4.4-9. Survey D was conducted of marina operators, therefore numbers of surveys sent and received were low. Figure 4.4-5 shows the distribution of recreation activity type for Survey A, Survey B, and Survey C categories. Figure 4.4-6 shows the distribution of recreation activity type combining data from Surveys A, B, and C; spot counts; and tailrace counts. Based on the combined data sources, the primary recreation activity for Lookout Shoals Lake during the 1999 study period was bank/pier fishing. For Lookout Shoals Lake, respondents indicated for Survey A about 25 percent, for Survey B about 33 percent, and for Survey C, 0 percent indicated they recreated on the islands. The combined responses to Surveys A, B, and C indicated about 9 percent overall recreated on the islands of Lookout Shoals Lake.

For Lookout Shoals Lake, the average party size (average number of recreators in each party) for respondents to Survey A was 2.5 people, Survey B was 4.0 people, and for Survey C was 2.4 people. The average party size for all three groups (A, B, and C) was 2.7. The average number of visits per year was 155 (n=3, 1 individual responded 365 days) for Survey B, 18.2 for Survey C, and 41.0 for combined Survey B and C respondents. The average length of stay was 11 hours (Survey B), 4.5 hours (Survey C), and 5.6 hours (combined Survey B and C). For Survey A about 1.7 percent and for Survey B about 0.8 percent of the respondents indicated they had land abutting Lookout Shoals Lake.

Table 4.4-10 summarizes the perceived crowding ratings for Lookout Shoals Lake for each survey type, including a combined rating for Survey A, B, and C responses. Recreators on Lookout Shoals Lake (Surveys A, B, and C) indicated weekday crowding was low-range (on a scale of 1 to 5), and weekend crowding was mid-range. There were no Survey D responses to the crowding ratings on Lookout Shoals Lake. The lake rescue and management groups were asked for crowding ratings only for the higher use lakes within the Catawba-Wateree system, including James, Hickory, Norman , Wylie and Wateree.

*Weighted Average.

Boating Use

Figure 4.4-7 shows the distribution of boating activity type for Lookout Shoals Lake based on Surveys A, B, and C individually when comparing the percentage of each boating activity type to the overall boating use. The average boating party size for Survey A was 2.5; for Survey B was 4.0; for Survey C was 2.4; and for combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C was 2.7. The average number of hours boating for Survey A was 4.9 hours; for Survey B was 5.7 hours; for Survey C was 4.5 hours; and for combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C was 4.8 hours.

Of the individuals surveyed who primarily recreated on Lookout Shoals Lake, 100 percent of the Survey A respondents (n=4) and 100 percent of Survey B respondents (n=3) owned boats. About 73 percent of the Survey C respondents (n=11) owned boats; and, for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C, about 82 (n=18) percent of the respondents owned boats.

Table 4.4-11 summarizes the distribution of boat ownership by type of boat for Lookout Shoals Lake. Motor boats comprised about 53 percent of the boat ownership, compared to other boat categories, followed by jet skis at about 26 percent. The ownership of motor boat types was about 38 percent for small motor boats (ranging 20 feet or less in size) and about 15 percent for medium motor boats (ranging between 21 to 40 feet in size).

Figure 4.4-8 shows the period of the day the respondents indicated they primarily boated for Surveys A, B, and C. For Survey A about 1.3 percent indicated they primarily launched boats at Lookout Shoals Lake. For Survey B about 0.6 percent; for Survey C about 0.7 percent; and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C, about 0.8 percent of the respondents launched boats at Lookout Shoals Lake compared to the other lakes within the Catawba-Wateree system.

The overall boat carrying capacity is assessed based on the peak boating use estimates obtained during the aerial flyovers in the 1999 study period. The available boating acreage was adjusted from the base boats per acreage estimate (see Table 4.4-12) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989):

Table 4.4-13 summarizes the assessment of the allowable overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. Table 4.4-14 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lookout Shoals Lake on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Lookout Shoals Lake during the weekday was estimated at 21 percent capacity, during the weekend at 16 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 44 percent capacity for overall boating use.

The overall boat carrying capacity assessment provides an assessment of the total surface area available for boating use. To assess the areas of the lakes with higher density of boating use, the general location of boating activity was recorded during the aerial flyovers for each day of aerial coverage. Figure 4.4-9 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lookout Shoals Lake. Figure 4.4-10 shows the boating density on Lookout Shoals Lake for the peak use day and denotes areas where the greatest clustering of boating activity occurred. Figure 4.4-11 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the three highest boating use days. This figure illustrates the areas where boating use most often occurred during the peak use days during the study period and provides an assessment of areas with high density boating during the study period.

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.4-9 Lookout Shoals Lake Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.4-10 Lookout Shoals Lake Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.4-11 Lookout Shoals Lake Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Lookout Shoals Lake Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 4.4-15 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lookout Shoals Lake reservoir. Population projections were conducted for these impact zones using population data from the Office of State Planning for the counties in North Carolina and from the Office of Research and Statistics for the counties in South Carolina for 1970 through 1990 and population projections from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2000, 2010, and 2020. An average percentage increase for each ten year period was calculated. The impact zone populations were then projected to the year 2050 using the average percentage growth for the entire time period.

Table 4.4-16 provides the estimated recreational use for the impact zone through the year 2050. Current use estimates are based on spot counts and responses to surveys. The recreational use projections were estimated by computing the projected population increase for the impact zone and incorporating indexed values for future recreational use for the various activities. The index values for each activity were obtained from "Outdoor Recreation in American Life: A National Assessment of Demand and Supply Trends" (Cordell, 1999). The indices are based on models that incorporate a number of variables, including age structure of the population, income, race, sex, and population density, as well as other explanatory variables. Full model parameters and estimates are available from the author.

Table 4.4-17 shows the estimated absorption percentage for the four major recreation activities that require specific lands and facilities. Picnicking, swimming, camping, and boating are activities that require specific developed facilities. The other activities listed are dispersed activities that can take place at a variety of undeveloped areas. The estimated 1999 use levels are from Table 4.4-16. The estimated demand is based on the impact zone population (population of all counties within 50-60 miles of the lake). The impact zone population is multiplied by the participation rate for the activity, which was obtained from "Emerging Markets for Outdoor Recreation in the United States: Based on the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment" by H. Ken Cordell, et al. Participation rates are for the South and are similar to 1995 North Carolina SCORP data. Specific participation rates are as follows: swimming, 37.3%; picnicking, 44.8%; camping 22.4%; boating, 45.0%. The product of the impact zone population and participation rates are then multiplied by the estimated of number of days of participation for each activity, which were obtained from the 1995 North Carolina SCORP. The 1999 estimated number of participants for each activity was then divided by the 1999 estimated demand to obtain the estimated absorption percentage. Absorption percentage is defined as the percent of total demand for the impact zone that is met by the individual lake.

Table 4.4-18 provides the estimate of the recreational facilities land acreage needed to meet the future recreational demand through the year 2050. The weighted population is the estimated impact zone population multiplied by the participation rate for each activity. The facility standards and estimated acreage needs for the facility class are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreational Facilities. The facility need is the total facility need for the impact zone based on the weighted population and the facility standards. The total facility need is then multiplied by the absorption percentage to determine the facility need for Lookout Shoals Lake. The acreage needs are then based on the Lookout Shoals Lake facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lookout Shoals Lake, it is estimated that 8 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 1 acre of beaches, 1 acre of picnic areas, 2 acres of campsites, and 4 acres of boat ramps.

The estimated acreage needs for the reservoir are total usable acreage needs. Usable land acreage at existing developed public facilities can be counted toward meeting these needs. Duke Power sites, county and state parks, and other private and public agencies will meet these needs. There are a number of state and county parks that are located on lands leased from Duke Power. These areas are not included in the discussion, as Duke Power owned access areas. Duke Power is expected to meet a portion of the future recreational land needs. The entire estimated need will be met by a combination of opportunities from all sources.

At Lookout Shoals Lake the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned fishing access and picnic tables. Currently there are two access points where bank fishing can take place. Duke will work with the agencies to identify additional fishing opportunities on the development.

*Boating activities

Recreators were asked in the surveys if the existing recreational facilities within the Catawba-Wateree system met their recreational needs. For Lookout Shoals Lake, 100 percent of Survey A (n=4); 100 percent for Survey B (n=3); about 73 percent for Survey C (n=15); and about 82 percent for combined Surveys A, B, and C (n=22) of the respondents stated the existing facilities met their needs. The primary facilities that were indicated as needed at Lookout Shoals Lake included more public access for swimming and fishing, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. About 50 percent for Survey A (n=4); 100 percent for Survey B (n=3); 87 percent for Survey C (n=15); and 82 percent for combined Surveys A, B, and C (n=22), felt that the existing boating facilities were adequate. The primary boating facilities that were indicated as needed at Lookout Shoals Lake included more marinas and gas pumps.

About 50 percent for Survey A (n=4); 33 percent for Survey B (n=3); 20 percent for Survey C (n=15); and 27 percent for the combined Surveys A, B, and C (n=22) indicated they had a negative experience while recreating. About 50 percent for Survey A (n=4); 33 percent for Survey B (n=3); 13 percent for Survey C (n=15); and 23 percent for the combined Surveys A, B, and C (n=22) indicated they had felt jeopardized while recreating. The primary reasons listed for the negative experiences and incidences when recreators felt jeopardized were reckless jet ski use by other recreators; presence of trash and debris; and limited facilities, such as restrooms and picnic tables.

In terms of responses to additional comments, respondents to Surveys A and B stated safety concerns associated with jet ski use, concerns about the weeds, and requested additional restrictions on piers to ensure that piers be maintained properly. When asked if they could change one thing, respondents to Surveys A, B, and C stated they would like to see increased regulation of jet skis, control of aquatic vegetation (hydrilla), and control of shoreline development. The only comment from the Survey E respondents was that the warning siren for Oxford Dam did not carry far enough downstream.