Lake Norman, the largest reservoir in the Catawba-Wateree system, is located northwest of Charlotte in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Catawba and Lincoln counties, North Carolina. Lake Norman has a surface area of about 32,475 acres and 569.5 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 760 feet msl. Table 4.5-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake Norman, based on the SMP maps.

There are 10 developed and 3 undeveloped Duke Power owned public recreation access locations (two are leased to county recreation agencies) on Lake Norman, one state park, (Lake Norman State Park, formerly Duke Power State Park), two county parks, Jetton Road and Blythe Landing County Parks, two county leased parks (Ramsey Creek and Stumpy Creek) and one city park, Davidson Lake Park. Figure 4.5-1 shows the public recreation access locations. In addition, there are 15 commercial non-residential, and 4 commercial residential marinas that provide additional public access on Lake Norman. The following sections describe the Duke-owned public access areas, summarize the facilities at the state and county parks, and provide estimates of the number and type of commercial recreational access facilities at Lake Norman.

Existing Duke-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke-owned public access areas provide about 119 acres of land and about 14,669 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Norman. Combined, the developed access areas have 18 public boat ramps, 7 loading piers, 1 fishing piers and about 553 vehicle/trailer and 62 car parking spaces. Table 4.5-2 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas. The undeveloped access areas provide about 152 acres and 8,350 feet of shoreline frontage for future public recreational development.

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.5-1 Lake Norman Public Recreation Access Areas

In the 1994 SMP Duke Power proposed to improve the Stumpy Creek access area (replace the 1 ramp with 2 new boat ramps, install a loading pier, expand, light and pave the parking lot), Pinnacle access area (replace the 3 ramps with 5 new boat ramps, replace the pier with 2 new loading piers and light the parking lot), McCrary Creek access area (replace the 2 ramps with 4 new boat ramps and light and pave the parking lot), Hager Creek access area (replace the ramp with 3 new boat ramps, install a loading pier and pave and light the parking lot), Long Island access area (relocate the site and install two boat ramps, a loading pier and pave the site), Little Creek access area (replace the 2 ramps with 2 new boat ramps, install a loading pier and expand, light and pave the parking lot), Beattys Ford access area (replace the 3 ramps with 4 new boat ramps, install 2 loading piers and expand, light and pave the parking lot) and McGuire Fishing area (pave 5 handicapped parking spaces).

In addition, Duke Power said it would add 20 acres to the McCrary Creek site (16 acres added), add 10 acres to the Hager Creek site (8 acres added), relocate Long Island to 12 acres (relocated to 29 acres), add 5 acres to the Little Creek site (4 acres added), add 4 acres to the Beattys Ford site (7 acres added) and identify a new undeveloped 87 acre site (this is a new undeveloped 128 acre site). All of the recreation commitments from the 1994 SMP will be completed by the end of 2001. Duke Power also added two additional undeveloped sites with one at Buffalo Shoals (11 acres) and one at Slanting Bridge (13 acres).

*   Vehicle/Trailer parking area.
**  Undeveloped site.

There are one state park and four county parks located along the Lake Norman shoreline. Table 4.5-3 summarizes the site acreage, shoreline footage and recreational facilities provided at the Duke Power State Park. This facility is located in the northern portion of Lake Norman, and is owned and operated by North Carolina Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.

Four county parks, Jetton Park, Blythe Landing, Ramsey Creek Park, and Stumpy Creek Access Area are located along the southern and eastern shoreline of Lake Norman. Jetton Park and Blythe Landing are owned and operated by Mecklenburg County, while Ramsey Creek Park and Stumpy Creek are operated by Mecklenburg County and Iredell County, respectively, on lands under lease from Duke Power. Table 4.5-4 summarizes the key characteristics of these facilities.

Existing Commercial and Private Recreation Access

In addition to the Duke-owned public access areas and the state and county parks, the public can gain access to Lake Norman through commercial non-residential and commercial residential marinas. Private access to Lake Norman is through private marinas and private piers along the Lake Norman shoreline. Table 4.5-5 summarizes the number and type of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 4.5-6 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

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

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

Long Island Access Area

The Long Island access area is located in the upper portion of Lake Norman along the western shoreline near Long Island, North Carolina. Table 4.5-7 summarizes key site characteristics for the Long Island access area.

Pinnacle Access Area

The Pinnacle access area is located in the middle portion of Lake Norman's eastern shoreline, just off Route 150 in Iredell County, North Carolina. Table 4.5-8 summarizes key site characteristics for the Pinnacle access area.

McCrary Creek Access Area

The McCrary Creek access area is located off Route 150 in the middle portion of Lake Norman along the eastern shoreline just southeast of the Pinnacle access area. Table 4.5-9 summarizes key site characteristics for the McCrary Creek access area. Work will begin on the removal of the old ramps and the installation of 4 new ramps, 2 loading piers and an expansion of the parking lot at the end of 2000 and continue into 2001.

Marshall Fishing Area

The Marshall Fishing Area is located in the middle portion of Lake Norman along the western shoreline, on Highway 150, near Terrell, North Carolina. Table 4.5-10 summarizes key site characteristics for the Marshall Fishing Area.

Hager Creek Access Area

The Hager Creek access area is located in the middle portion of Lake Norman along the eastern shoreline near Mayhew, North Carolina. Table 4.5-11 summarizes key site characteristics for the Hager Creek access area.

Little Creek Access Area

The Little Creek access area is located in the middle portion of Lake Norman along the western shoreline near Denver, North Carolina. Table 4.5-12 summarizes key site characteristics for the Little Creek access area.

Beatties Ford Access Area

The Beatties Ford access area is located in the lower portion of Lake Norman along the western shoreline near Triangle, North Carolina. Table 4.5-13 summarizes key site characteristics for the Beatties Ford access area.

McGuire Fishing Area

The McGuire Fishing Area is located in the lower portion of Lake Norman along the eastern shoreline, off Route 73, near Hicks Crossroads, North Carolina. Table 4.5-14 summarizes key site characteristics for the McGuire Fishing Area.

Buffalo Shoals Undeveloped Access Area

The Buffalo Shoals undeveloped access area is located in the upper portion of Lake Norman along the eastern shoreline off Buffalo Shoals Road near Eufola, North Carolina. Table 4.5-15 summarizes key site characteristics for the Buffalo Shoals undeveloped access area.

Island Point Undeveloped Access Area

The Island Point undeveloped access area is located in the upper portion of Lake Norman along the western shoreline off Island Point Road near Sherrills Ford, North Carolina. Table 4.5-16 summarizes key site characteristics for the Island Point undeveloped access area.

Slanting Bridge Undeveloped Access Area

The Slanting Bridge undeveloped access area is located in the middle portion of Lake Norman along the western shoreline off Slanting Bridge Road near Denver, North Carolina. Table 4.5-17 summarizes key site characteristics for the Slanting Bridge undeveloped access area.

Recreation Use

Visitation at the public access areas on Lake Norman was derived based on estimates of the traffic entering the Duke-owned public access areas. Total estimated visitation during the 1999 study period for Lake Norman at these sites was about 387,400 visits. Figure 4.5-12 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake Norman 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 4.5-18 provides a summary of the estimated recreation visitation based on the traffic counter data for the sampled sites during the 1999 study period. Of the Lake Norman Duke-owned access areas, Ramsey Creek, Pinnacle, and Beatties Ford have the greatest amount of use at about 19 percent, 17 percent, and 16 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use at the Lake Norman Duke-owned access areas.

Spot counts were conducted at six sites for Lake Norman, Beatties Ford, Hager Creek, Little Creek, Marshall Fishing Area, McCrary Creek, and Pinnacle Access areas. Table 4.5-19 lists the number of sample days per month for the spot count data collection.

Click Here to View Full

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 Lake Norman for the 1999 study period totaled 492,146 visits.

The total number of surveys received for each survey is listed in Table 4.5-20. Survey D was conducted of marina operators, therefore numbers of surveys sent and received were low. Figure 4.5-13 shows the distribution of recreation activity type for Survey A, Survey B, and Survey C categories. Figure 4.5-14 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 activities for Lake Norman during the 1999 study period were motor boating, boat fishing, bank/pier fishing, and swimming. For Lake Norman, respondents indicated that for Survey A, about 17 percent recreated on the islands, for Survey B about 22 percent, and for Survey C about 9 percent. The combined responses to Surveys A, B, and C indicated that about 16 percent overall recreated on the islands of Lake Norman. The respondents indicated that the majority of the island activity was swimming, picnicking, fishing and sunbathing.

For Lake Norman, the average party size (average number of recreators in each party) for respondents to Survey A was 4.5, for Survey B was 3.8, and for Survey C was 2.6. The average party size for all three groups (A, B, and C) was 3.6. The average number of visits per year for Survey B was 95.7, for Survey C was 24.4, and for combined Survey B and C respondents was 62.2. The average length of stay for Survey B respondents was 10.1 hours, for Survey C respondents was 4.8 hours, and for combined Survey B and C respondents was 7.6 hours. About 39 percent of the respondents to Surveys A and B indicated that Lake Norman was the lake they primarily recreated within the Catawba-Wateree system. For Survey A about 47 percent and for Survey B about 33 percent of the respondents indicated they had land abutting Lake Norman; therefore, influencing the high ranking of Lake Norman as the lake where Survey A and B respondents primarily recreated.

Table 4.5-21 summarizes the perceived crowding ratings for Lake Norman for each survey type, including responses to Surveys D and E and a combined rating for Survey A, B, and C responses. Recreators on Lake Norman (Surveys A, B, and C) indicated that weekday crowding was about mid range (on a scale of 1 to 5), and weekend crowding was high for respondents to Surveys A and B, and mid-range for respondents at the public access areas (Survey C). The marina owners indicated low crowding levels during the week and high levels on the weekends, while the lake rescue and management groups indicated higher crowding ratings for weekdays and weekends than all the other survey respondent categories.

* Weighted Average.

Boating Use

Figure 4.5-15 shows the distribution of boating activity type for Lake Norman based on Surveys A, B, and C individually, comparing the percentage of each boating activity type to the overall boating use. The average boating party size was 4.3 for Survey A; 3.6 for Survey B; 2.5 for Survey C; and 3.4 for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C. The average number of hours boating was 3.5 hours for Survey A; 4.3 hours for Survey B; 5.1 hours for Survey C; and 4.4 hours for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C.

Of the individuals surveyed who primarily recreated on Lake Norman, about 92 percent of the Survey A respondents owned boats. For Survey B respondents, about 84 percent owned boats, about 74 percent of the Survey C respondents owned boats, and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C, about 83 percent of the respondents owned boats.

Table 4.5-22 summarizes the distribution of boat ownership by type of boat for Lake Norman. Motor boats comprised over 50 percent of the boat ownership, compared to the other boat categories, followed by jet skis at about 20 percent. The ownership of motor boat types was about 33 percent for small motor boats (ranging 20 feet or less in size) and about 22 percent for medium motor boats (ranging between 21 to 40 feet in size).

Figure 4.5-16 shows the period of the day the respondents indicated they primarily boated, for Surveys A, B, C. Lake Norman was the primary boat launching lake of the lakes within the Catawba-Wateree system for all survey respondents. For Survey A about 38 percent indicated they primarily launched boats at Lake Norman. For Survey B about 36 percent, for Survey C about 30 percent, and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C about 34 percent of the respondents launched boats at Lake Norman, compared to 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 4.5-23) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989):

Table 4.5-24 summarizes the allowable overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. For the estimate of the boating surface acreage, the available boating surface acreage was assessed based on the 120-foot buffer for motor boating, sailing and jet skiing activity. For the available boating surface area for water skiing, an additional 150-foot buffer was excluded around the perimeter of the lake in order to account for the "no wake" zone, where water skiing activity could not occur. Table 4.5-25 shows the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Norman on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Lake Norman during the weekday was estimated at 14 percent capacity, during the weekend at 21 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 25 percent capacity for overall boating use.

Boat Activity	Usable Acreage	Use Factor	Max. No. Boats	% Usage	Activity Mix	Persons/ Boat	Total Users
Fishing	31,793	5.0	6,358	23%	1,462	3.14	4,590
Canoe/Kayak	31,793	1.5	21,195	6%	1,272	3.26	4,147
Motor Boating	24,907	11.0	2,264	33%	747	3.90	2,913
Sailing	24,907	5.0	4,981	6%	299	3.36	1,005
Jet Skiing	24,907	5.0	4,981	15%	747	3.85	2,877
Water Skiing	18,730	14.0	1,338	17%	227	4.4	999
Total				100%	4,754		16,531

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 4.5-17 shows the location of boats during the peak use day, in this case July 4, 1999, for Lake Norman. Figure 4.5-18 shows the boating density on Lake Norman for the peak use day and areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 4.5-19 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the five highest boating use days. This figure shows the areas with the most boating use 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 4.5-17 Lake Norman Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.5-18 Lake Norman Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.5-19 Lake Norman Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Lake Norman Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 4.5-26 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Norman 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 4.5-27 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 4.5-28 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 4.5-27. 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 4.5-29 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 Lake Norman. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Norman facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Norman, it is estimated that 66 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 4 acres of beaches, 5 acres of picnic areas, 5 acres of campsites, and 52 acres of boat ramps.

The estimated acreage needs for the reservoir are total usable acreage needs. Usable land acreage at existing developed public recreational 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 Lake Norman the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned restrooms and swimming areas. Under the AAII two counties have submitted plans for the development of additional recreational facilities at the access areas including restrooms. Duke Power State Park is in the process of relocating their swimming to reduce the problems at the old site. In addition, Duke Power will be offering the access areas to non-agency operators for the development of public recreation facilities.

*Boating activities

Recreators were asked in the surveys if the existing recreational facilities within the Catawba-Wateree system met their recreational needs. For Lake Norman, 86 percent of Survey A; 73 percent for Survey B; about 78 percent for Survey C; and 79 percent for combined Surveys A, B, and C, of the respondents stated that the existing facilities met their needs. The primary facilities that were indicated as needed at Lake Norman included more boat ramps, swimming areas, picnic areas, and restroom facilities; a few individuals stated they would like to see more camping areas around the lake. In response to whether additional boating facilities were needed, 85 percent of the respondents for Survey A, 82 percent for Survey B; 92 percent for Survey C; and 86 percent for combined Surveys A, B, and C felt that the existing boating facilities were adequate. The primary boating facilities that were indicated as needed at Lake Norman included more marinas, pump out stations, and gas pumps.

About 45 percent for Survey A (n=162); 44 percent for Survey B (n=197); 10 percent for Survey C (n=171); and 33 percent for the combined Surveys A, B, and C indicated they had a negative experience while recreating. About 35 percent for Survey A (n=162); 38 percent for Survey B (n=197); 15 percent for Survey C (n=171); and 30 percent for the combined Surveys A, B, and C indicated they had felt jeopardized while recreating. The primary reasons listed for the negative experiences and incidences when recreators felt jeopardized were reckless or inconsiderate boat or jet ski use by other recreators. Many comments were related to dangerous and inexperienced operation of jet skis and dangerous operation of boats that create large wakes or resulted in near collisions. Several respondents commented that Lake Norman was too crowded and that there was too much boat traffic. A few respondents stated that trash and litter and poor water quality were a problem.

In terms of responses to additional comments, many respondents to Surveys A, B, and C stated concerns associated with boating use on Lake Norman. The primary concerns were related safety factors associated with improper use of jet skis and boats, including effects of irresponsible jet skiing and boating, boat wakes, and boat users not understanding and/or adhering to boat laws and common sense boating safety measures. Many respondents also indicated the need for more boating patrol and enforcement on Lake Norman. A few respondents stated concerns about the water quality of Lake Norman.

When asked if they could change one thing, respondents to Surveys A, B, and C stated that they would like to see fewer or no jet skiing on Lake Norman, and more boat regulation in terms of use and size of boats allowed on the lake. Several of the respondents stated concerns about the degree of development along the shorelines of Lake Norman and the effects of overcrowding on the lake boating opportunities. Comments from the Survey D respondents indicated that there should be more regulation of jet skiers on Lake Norman. For Lake Norman, respondents to Survey E stated that more boating pump out facilities, swimming and picnic areas, fishing access, and boat ramps were needed.