Cover ImageDuke Power
Final Shoreline Management
Plan Update for the
Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project

(FERC No. 2232)

Appendix B


Submitted by:

Duke Power, A Division of
Duke Energy Corporation

Group Environment
Health & Safety
Lake Management

July 30, 2001

Prepared by:
The Louis Berger Group, Inc.
Needham, MA

Table of Contents
Introduction
Project Area Description
Purpose and Content of the Study
Methodology
Data Collection
Mail Surveys and Interviews
Traffic Counts, Spot Counts, and Tailrace Counts
Flyovers
Existing Recreation Areas and Facilities
Data Analysis
Recreation Use Assessment
Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Recreation Demand Assessment
Limitations
Consultation
Summary of Recreation Resources
Summary of Regional Recreation Resources
Catawba-Wateree Key Characteristics
Catawba-Wateree Project Area Recreation Areas
Catawba-Wateree Project Area Recreation Use Assessment
General Recreation User Characteristics
Recreation Use
Boating Use
Project Area Recreation Resources
Lake James
Lake James Existing Recreation Areas
Lake James Recreation Use Assessment
Lake James Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake James Survey Respondent Comments
Lake Rhodhiss
Lake Rhodhiss Existing Recreation Areas
Lake Rhodhiss Recreation Use Assessment
Lake Rhodhiss Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Rhodhiss Survey Respondent Comments
Lake Hickory
Lake Hickory Existing Recreation Areas
Lake Hickory Recreation Use Assessment
Lake Hickory Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Hickory Survey Respondent Comments
Lookout Shoals Lake
Lookout Shoals Lake Existing Recreation Areas
Lookout Shoals Lake Recreation Use Assessment
Lookout Shoals Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lookout Shoals Lake Survey Respondent Comments
Lake Norman
Lake Norman Existing Recreation Areas
Lake Norman Recreation Use Assessment
Lake Norman Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Norman Survey Respondent Comments
Mountain Island Lake
Mountain Island Lake Existing Recreation Areas
Mountain Island Lake Recreation Use Assessment
Mountain Island Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Mountain Island Lake Survey Respondent Comments
Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie Existing Recreation Areas
Lake Wylie Recreation Use Assessment
Lake Wylie Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Wylie Survey Respondent Comments
Fishing Creek Lake
Fishing Creek Lake Existing Recreation Areas
Fishing Creek Lake Recreation Use Assessment
Fishing Creek Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Fishing Creek Lake Survey Respondent Comments
Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes
Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes Existing Recreation Areas
Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes Recreation Use
Assessment
Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes Boat Carrying
Capacity Assessment
Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes Survey Respondent Commentsss
Lake Wateree
Lake Wateree Existing Recreation Areas
Lake Wateree Recreation Use Assessment
Lake Wateree Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Wateree Survey Respondent Comments
4.6 Mountain Island Lake

Mountain Island Lake is located downstream of Lake Norman, northwest of Charlotte, in Lincoln, Mecklenburg, and Gaston counties, North Carolina. Mountain Island Lake has a surface area of about 3,281 acres and 79.9 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 647.5 feet msl. Table 4.6-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Mountain Island Lake, based on the SMP maps.

Table 4.6-1. 

Shoreline Classification for Mountain Island Lake


Shoreline Classification

Shoreline Miles

Percent of Total

Commercial /Non-Residential

0.0

0.0%

Commercial /Residential

0.5

1.0%

Residential

7.8

10.0%

Business Industrial

0.0

0.0%

Public Recreation

0.3

0.0%

Public Infrastructure

8.5

11.0%

Project Operations

3.5

4.0%

Future Commercial/Non-Residential

0.0

0.0%

Future Commercial/Residential

8.5

11.0%

Future Residential

2.0

3.0%

Future Public Recreation

17.0

21.0%

Impact Minimization Zones

3.7

5.0%

Environmental Area

25.4

32.0%

Natural Area

1.9

2.0%

Total

79.9

100.0%


4.6.1 Mountain Island Lake Existing Recreation Areas

There are three developed Duke Power-owned public recreation access locations on Mountain Island Lake. In addition, there is 1 developed county nature preserve, 3 undeveloped county nature preserves, 1 proposed state educational forest, 1 city-owned conservation area, and 1 county-owned wildlife refuge along the Mountain Island Lake shoreline. Figure 4.6-1 denotes the location of the public recreation access locations. There are no public commercial non-residential and two commercial residential marinas on Mountain Island Lake. The following sections describe the Duke-owned public access area facilities at Mountain Island Lake.

The Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area has been recently leased to the City of Mount Holly for a city park. The City is planning to install 8 campsites, a restroom, an archery range, playground, picnic deck, canoe access and trails on the site.

Existing Duke-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke-owned public access areas provide about 148 acres and about 7,328 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Mountain Island Lake. Combined, the developed access areas have 6 public boat ramps, 3 loading piers, 2 fishing piers, and about 160 vehicle/trailer and 20 car parking spaces. Table 4.6-2 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas.

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Figure 4.6-1

Mountain Island Lake Public Recreation Access Areas

Figure 4.6-1

Table 4.6-2.

Mountain Island Lake Duke-Owned Public Access Areas


Access Area Name

Acreage

Shoreline Frontage (ft)

Boat Ramps

Loading Piers

Fishing Piers

Car
Parking
(Spaces)

V/T
Parking
(Spaces)

Neck Road

8.9

724

2

1

0

0

60

Riverbend

89.7

3,285

4

2

0

0

100

Mountain Island Tailrace

49.2

3,319

0

0

2

20

0

Total

147.8

7,328

6

3

2

20

160

State and County Public Recreation Facilities

There is one developed county park, Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, and one county wildlife area, Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge, along the Mountain Island shoreline. Both facilities are owned and operated by Mecklenburg County. There are three undeveloped recreation areas: Auten Nature Preserve and Rural Hill Nature Preserve in Mecklenburg County, and the proposed State Educational Forest in Lincoln and Gaston counties. The City of Gastonia owns a conservation area south of Highway 16 along the shoreline in Gaston county. The City of Mount Holly is in the process of developing the Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area (leased from Duke Power) as a city park. Table 3.6-4 summarizes the recreational facilities provided at the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. The facilities at Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge include a wildlife viewing platform.

Table 4.6-3.

Summary of Latta Plantation Nature Preserve Public
Recreation Facilities


Site Description/Facility

Number

Site Acreage

1,290

Shoreline Footage

48,000

Canoe Access

2

Canoe and Jon Boat Rental

1

Fishing Pier with 2 slips

1

Concession Areas

2

Gravel Parking Spaces

225

Beach Area

1

Horseshoe Pits

2

Equestrian Center

1

Historic Building

1

Horse Arenas

2

Horse Barns with 194 Stalls

4

Maintenance Facility and Office Complex

1 each

Picnic Tables

15

Raptor Center Hospital

1

Restroom Units

32

Shelters

2

Miles of Horseback Trails

14

Miles of Nature Trails

18

Volleyball Courts

2

Backyard Habitat Education Area

1

Caretaker’s Residence

1

34 Acre Piedmont Prairie Restoration Area

1

Existing Commercial and Private Recreation Access

There are no public commercial non-residential and two commercial residential marinas on Mountain Island Lake. Private access to Mountain Island Lake is through private marinas and private piers along the Mountain Island Lake shoreline. Table 4.6-4 summarizes the number of Commercial facilities. Table 4.6-5 provides the estimated number of private piers.

Table 4.6-4.

Summary of Mountain Island Lake Commercial Recreational Access Facilities


Type of Facility

Commercial
Non-Residential

Commercial Residential

No. Public Marinas

0

0

No. Private Marinas

0

2

No. Wet Slips

0

287

No. Dry Slips

0

0


Table 4.6-5.

Summary of Mountain Island Lake Private Recreational
Access Facilities


Type of Facility

No. Private Facilities

Piers

315

Site-Specific Description of Existing Duke-owned Public Access Areas at
Mountain Island Lake

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

Neck Road Access Area

Figure 4.6-2

Figure 4.6-2.

Neck Road Access Area

The Neck Road access area is in the middle portion of Mountain Island Lake along the northern shoreline, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Table 4.6-6 summarizes key site characteristics for the Neck Road access area.

Table 4.6-6.

Summary of Neck Road Access Area Site Characteristics


Site Name

Neck Road

Location

Road 2074, Mecklenburg County, NC

Site Acreage

6.1 acres

Site Facilities

2 boat ramps, 1loading pier, lighting

Parking

60 paved vehicle/trailer parking spaces

ADA Facilities

Loading pier

Key Recreation Activities

Boating, fishing

Recreation Access Fees

None

Key Views

Small cove

Topography

Flat slope

Vegetation

Mixed conifers, hardwoods and open grassed areas

Shoreline Footage

724 feet

Ownership/Lease

Duke Power/NCWRC

Riverbend Access Area

Figure 4.6-3

Figure 4.6-3.

Riverbend Access Area

The Riverbend access area is in the lower portion of Mountain Island Lake off Highway 16 in Gaston County, North Carolina. Table 4.6-7 summarizes key site characteristics for the Riverbend access area.

Table 4.6-7. 

Summary of Riverbend Access Area Site Characteristics


Site Name

Riverbend

Location

Road 1912, Gaston County, NC

Site Acreage

24.4 acres

Site Facilities

4 boat ramps, 2 loading piers, lighting

Parking

100 paved vehicle/trailer parking spaces

ADA Facilities

Loading piers

Key Recreation Activities

Boating, fishing

Recreation Access Fees

None

Key Views

Main lake

Topography

Flat slope

Vegetation

Mixed conifers and hardwoods

Shoreline Footage

2,251 feet

Ownership/Lease

Duke Power/NCWRC

Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area

Figure 4.6-4

Figure 4.6-4.

Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area

The Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area is in the lower portion of Mountain Island Lake off Highway 273 in Gaston County, North Carolina. Table 4.6-8 summarizes key site characteristics for the Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area.

Table 4.6-8.

Summary of Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area Site Characteristics


Site Name

Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area

Location

Mountain Island Dam Road, Gaston County, NC

Site Acreage

38.1 acres

Site Facilities

2 fishing piers, lighting

Parking

20 gravel car parking spaces

ADA Facilities

Fishing piers

Key Recreation Activities

Bank/pier fishing

Recreation Access Fees

None

Key Views

Mountain Island dam and tailrace

Topography

Flat to moderate slope

Vegetation

Mixed conifers and hardwoods

Shoreline Footage

3,319 feet

Ownership/Lease

Duke Power/NCWRC


4.6.2 Mountain Island Lake Recreation Use Assessment

Recreation Use

Visitation at the public access areas on Mountain Island 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 Mountain Island Lake at these sites was about 99,135 visits. Figure 4.6-5 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Mountain Island 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.

Figure 4.6-5

Figure 4.6-5.

Mountain Island Lake Estimate of Recreation Visitation at the
Duke-Owned Access Areas


Table 4.6-9 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) 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 Mountain Island Lake for the 1999 study period totaled 125,750 visits.

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Table 4.6-9

Mountain Island Lake Estimated Recreation Visitation at Duke-Owned Access Areas

Spot counts were conducted at two sites for Mountain Island Lake, Mountain Island Fishing Area and Riverbend Access area. Table 4.6-10 lists the number of sample days per month for the spot count data collection.

Table 4.6-10

Spot Count Dates by Month


Site

Month

 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Mt. Island Fishing Area

1

2

1

1

3

4

2

2

4

1

0

0

Riverbend

2

1

1

4

3

5

3

2

3

1

0

0

The total number of surveys received for each survey is listed in Table 4.6-11. Survey D was conducted of marina operators, therefore numbers of surveys sent and received were low. Figure 4.6-6 shows the distribution of recreation activity type for Survey A, Survey B, and Survey C categories. Figure 4.6-7 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 Mountain Island Lake during the 1999 study period was bank/pier fishing. For Mountain Island Lake, for Survey A about 29 percent; for Survey B about 30 percent; and for Survey C about 2 percent of the respondents indicated they recreated on the islands. For the combined responses to Surveys A, B, and C, 13 percent overall indicated they recreated on the islands.

Table 4.6-11.

Total Responses by Survey


Survey

A

B

C

E

Total

N=

7

20

41

6

74


Figure 4.6-6

Figure 4.6-6.

Mountain Island Lake Distribution of Recreation Activity Type from Survey Data Sources

For Mountain Island Lake, the average party size (average number of recreators in each party) for Survey A was 3.1; for Survey B was 2.9; and f or Survey C was 2.3. The average party size for all three groups (A, B, and C) was 2.6. The average number of visits per year for Survey B was 35.5; for Survey C was 28.6; and for combined Survey B and C respondents was 30.9. The average length of stay for respondents for Survey B was 5.5 hours; for Survey C was 4.6 hours; and for combined Survey B and C was 4.9 hours. For Survey A about 1.7 percent and for Survey B about 1.7 percent of the respondents indicated they had land abutting Mountain Island Lake.

Figure 4.6-7

Figure 4.6-7.

Mountain Island Lake Distribution of Recreation Activity Type from all Data Sources


Table 4.6-12 summarizes the perceived crowding ratings for Mountain Island Lake for each survey type, including responses to Survey D and a combined rating for Survey A, B, and C responses. Recreators on Mountain Island Lake (Surveys A, B, and C) indicated weekday crowding was about low-range (on a scale of 1 to 5), and for Surveys A and B, weekend crowding was rated as on the mid- to high-range. The one respondent to Survey D indicated that weekday crowding was low and weekend crowding was fairly high. 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.

Table 4.6-12.

Mountain Island Lake Perceived Crowding Ratings


 

Weekday

Weekend

Survey

Avg. of Rating

N=

Avg. of Rating

N=

A

2.2

5

4.4

5

B

2.3

19

3.9

19

C

2.6

7

2.1

12

Combined A,B,C*

2.4

31

3.4

36

D

2.0

1

4.0

1

E

NA

NA

NA

NA

* Weighted Average

Boating Use

Figure 4.6-8 shows the distribution of boating activity type for Mountain Island Lake based on Surveys A, B, and C individually when comparing the percentage of each boating activity type to overall boating use. The average boating party size for Survey A was 3.2; for Survey B was 3.1; for Survey C was 2.5; and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C was 2.8. The average number of hours boating was 4.3 hours for Survey A; 5.4 hours for Survey B; 5.1 hours for Survey C; and 5.2 hours for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C.

Figure 4.6-8

Figure 4.6-8.

Mountain Island Lake Distribution of Boating Use


Of the individuals surveyed who primarily recreated on Mountain Island Lake, 71 percent of Survey A respondents (n=7), and 95 percent of Survey B respondents (n=20) owned boats. About 54 percent of Survey C respondents (n=41) owned boats; and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C, about 68 (n=68) percent of the respondents owned boats.

Table 4.6-13 summarizes the distribution of boat ownership by type of boat for Mountain Island Lake. Motor boats comprised about 67 percent of the boat ownership compared to other boat categories, followed by canoes at about 16 percent. The ownership of motor boat types was primarily small motor boats (ranging 20 feet or less in size).

Table 4.6-13.

Mountain Island Lake Boat Ownership Type


Survey

A

B

C

Combined

N=

7

20

41

68

Motor Boat SM

42%

68%

45%

53%

Motor Boat MD

25%

8%

15%

14%

Motor Boat LG

0%

0%

0%

0%

Canoe

8%

16%

18%

16%

Kayak

0%

4%

9%

6%

Sailboat

0%

0%

0%

0%

Jet Ski

17%

4%

12%

10%

Other Boats

8%

0%

0%

1%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Figure 4.6-9 shows the period of the day the respondents indicated they primarily boated for Surveys A, B, and C. For Survey A about 1.6 percent indicated they primarily launched boats at Mountain Island Lake. For Survey B about 4.5 percent; for Survey C 4.2 percent; and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C about 3.7 percent of the respondents launched boats at Mountain Island Lake compared to other lakes within the Catawba-Wateree system.

Figure 4.6-9

Figure 4.6-9.

Mountain Island Lake Boating Period Distribution


4.6.3 Mountain Island Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

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 4.6-14) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989):

Factor
Adjustment
1. Location of the lake in relation to population served
0
2. Multiple use of water area
-

3.

Shoreline configuration
-
4. Amount of open water
-
5. Amount of facility and shoreline development
0
6. Crowding rating
0
 
Total
-3

Table 4.6-14.

Boat Type Acreage Adjustment
(Source:  Modified from Warren and Rea, 1989)


Boat Activity Type

Low

-4

-3

-2

-1

Base

1

2

3

4

High

Fishing

10.0

9.0

8.0

6.0

5.0

4.3

4.0

3.3

3.0

2.3

2.0

Canoe/Kayak

2.5

2.3

2.0

1.8

1.5

1.3

1.1

1.0

0.8

0.7

0.5

Motor Boating

18.0

17.0

15.0

13.0

11.0

9.0

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

3.0

Sailing

10.0

9.0

8.0

6.0

5.0

4.3

4.0

3.3

3.0

2.3

2.0

Jet Skiing

10.0

9.0

8.0

6.0

5.0

4.3

4.0

3.3

3.0

2.3

2.0

Water Skiing

20.0

18.0

17.0

15.0

14.0

12.0

11.0

10.0

9.0

8.0

7.0

Table 4.6-15 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 4.6-16 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Mountain Island Lake on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Mountain Island Lake during the weekday was estimated at 20 percent capacity, during the weekend at 36 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 25 percent capacity for overall boating use.

Table 4.6-15.

Mountain Island Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment


Boat Activity

Usable Acreage

Use Factor

Max. No. Boats

% Usage

Boat
Activity Mix

Persons/ Boat

Total Users

Fishing

3,231

8.0

404

40%

162

3.14

509

Canoe/Kayak

3,231

2.0

1,615

11%

178

3.26

580

Motor Boating

2,241

15.0

149

32%

47

3.90

185

Sailing

2,241

8.0

280

0%

 -  

3.36

-  

Jet Skiing

2,241

8.0

280

8%

23

3.85

89

Water Skiing

2,241

17.0

132

9%

12

4.39

54

Total

100%

422

1,417


Table 4.6-16.

Mountain Island Lake Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity


Peak Use

Weekday

% Capacity

Weekend

% Capacity

Holiday

% Capacity

No. Boats

86

20%

152

36%

107

25%

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 4.6-10 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Mountain Island Lake. Figure 4.6-11 shows the boating density on Mountain Island Lake for the peak use day and denotes areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 4.6-12 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the four 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.

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Figure 4.6-10

Mountain Island Lake Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Figure 4.6-10

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Figure 4.6-11

Mountain Island Lake Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Figure 4.6-11

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Figure 4.6-12

Mountain Island Lake Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Figure 4.6-12

Mountain Island Lake Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 4.6-17 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Mountain Island 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 4.6-17. 

Mountain Island Lake Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone


County

1999

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

Cabarrus

111,064

123,404

144,126

165,168

193,710

227,183

266,441

Catawba

120,581

133,979

146,217

157,650

176,071

196,645

219,623

Cleveland

83,358

92,620

96,803

100,034

106,779

113,979

121,664

Davie

29,402

32,669

36,116

39,072

45,301

52,524

60,898

Gaston

164,090

182,322

186,268

189,339

198,875

208,891

 219,412

Iredell

103,671

115,190

133,065

150,827

174,879

202,766

235,100

Lincoln

54,839

60,932

70,132

79,229

94,689

113,166

135,248

Mecklenburg

583,475

648,305

776,521

909,800

1,099,403

1,328,519

1,605,383

Rowan

114,836

127,595

141,998

156,886

175,339

195,962

219,012

Total

1,365,314

1,517,016

1,731,246

1,948,005

2,265,046

2,639,635

3,082,781

Table 4.6-18 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 4.6-19 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 4.6-18. 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 4.6-20 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 Mountain Island Lake. The acreage needs are then based on the Mountain Island Lake facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Mountain Island Lake, it is estimated that 18 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 1 acres of beaches, 1 acres of picnic areas, 4 acres of campsites, and 13 acres of boat ramps.

The estimated acreage needs for the reservoir are total usable acreage needs. Usable land acreage at existing developed public recreation facilities can be counted toward 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.

For Mountain Island Lake, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned were for more boat ramps and restrooms. Duke Power has increased the number of boat ramps and parking spaces at the public access areas. Duke Power is also working with the county recreation agencies for the development of additional recreation facilities, including restrooms, at the access areas upon signing of a lease.

Table 4.6-18

Mountain Island Lake Estimated Future Recreational Use


Activity

Est. 1999 Rec Use

Rec Use 2010

Rec Use 2020

Rec Use 2030

Rec Use 2040

Rec Use 2050

Motor Boating*

38,619

44,458

50,914

60,227

72,340

87,391

Boat Fishing*

53,892

66,258

79,329

96,173

113,226

130,607

Bank/Pier Fish

56,677

69,681

83,428

101,142

119,076

137,355

Lake Swimming

20,366

24,515

29,027

35,364

43,560

54,111

Canoeing*

10,808

12,853

14,934

18,284

23,206

30,550

Jet Skiing*

10,375

11,944

13,678

16,180

19,435

23,478

Kayaking*

1,249

1,438

1,646

1,947

2,356

2,907

Tailrace Fishing

2,498

3,071

3,677

4,457

5,248

6,053

Sailing*

0

0

0

0

0

0

Water Ski/Tubing*

10,808

12,442

14,248

16,855

20,245

24,457

Backpacking

2,498

3,395

4,510

6,055

7,913

10,220

Hunting

0

0

0

0

0

0

Tent/Vehicle Camp

3,747

5,195

7,021

9,562

12,820

16,969

Windsurfing

0

0

0

0

0

0

Bicycling

1,249

1,576

1,968

2,516

3,039

3,640

Picnicking

8,742

10,957

13,526

17,140

21,753

27,612

Sightseeing

8,742

11,284

14,256

18,278

23,397

29,749

Hiking

6,244

8,293

10,703

13,937

17,716

22,114

Wildlife Viewing

9,991

13,510

17,965

23,661

29,979

36,618

Using Playgrounds

1,249

1,567

1,922

2,409

3,032

3,824

Sub-total*

125,750

149,393

174,749

209,666

250,808

299,390

Total

247,753

302,437

362,752

444,187

537,341

647,655

*Boating activities

Table 4.6-19.

Mountain Island Lake Estimated Absorption Percentage
for Reservoir


Activity

Estimated 1999 Participants

Estimated 1999 Demand

Absorption Percentage

Swimming

20,366

4,231,968

0.5%

Picnicking

8,742

2,630,141

0.3%

Camping

3,747

1,024,531

0.4%

Boating

125,750

3,379,152

3.7%


Table 4.6-20.

Mountain Island Lake Estimated Recreational Facility Land Acreage Needs


A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Activity

Year

Weighted Population

Facility Standard

Facility Need

Facility Class

Mountain Island Lake Share

Acreage

Swimming

2010

645,755

1 per 50,000

12.92

beaches

0.06

0.36

 

2020

726,606

1 per 50,000

14.53

beaches

0.07

0.40

 

2030

844,862

1 per 50,000

16.90

beaches

0.08

0.46

 

2040

984,584

1 per 50,000

19.69

beaches

0.10

0.54

 

2050

1,149,878

1 per 50,000

23.00

beaches

0.11

0.63

Picnicking

2010

775,598

1 per 500

1,551.20

tables

4.65

0.47

 

2020

872,706

1 per 500

1,745.41

tables

5.24

0.52

 

2030

1,014,741

1 per 500

2,029.48

tables

6.09

0.61

 

2040

1,182,557

1 per 500

2,365.11

tables

7.10

0.71

 

2050

1,381,086

1 per 500

2,762.17

tables

8.29

0.83

Camping

2010

387,799

6 per 1,000

2,326.79

campsites

9.31

2.33

 

2020

436,353

6 per 1,000

2,618.12

campsites

10.47

2.62

 

2030

507,370

6 per 1,000

3,044.22

campsites

12.18

3.04

 

2040

591,278

6 per 1,000

3,547.67

campsites

14.19

3.55

 

2050

690,543

6 per 1,000

4,143.26

campsites

16.57

4.14

Boating

2010

779,061

1 per 4000

194.77

boat ramps

7.21

7.21

 

2020

876,602

1 per 4000

219.15

boat ramps

8.11

8.11

 

2030

1,019,271

1 per 4000

254.82

boat ramps

9.43

9.43

 

2040

1,187,836

1 per 4000

296.96

boat ramps

10.99

10.99

 

2050

1,387,252

1 per 4000

346.81

boat ramps

12.83

12.83

         

Total Acreage for 2050

18.44


4.6.4 Mountain Island Lake Survey Respondent Comments

Recreators were asked in the surveys if the existing recreational facilities within the Catawba-Wateree system met their recreational needs. For Mountain Island Lake, about 57 percent of Survey A (n=7); 10 percent for Survey B (n=20); 78 percent for Survey C (n=41); and 68 percent for combined Surveys A, B, and C of the respondents stated the existing facilities met their needs. The primary facilities that were indicated as needed at Mountain Island Lake included more boat ramps, marinas, trash receptacles, and restroom facilities. About 29 percent for Survey A (n=7); 40 percent for Survey B (n=20); 83 percent for Survey C (n=41); and 86 percent for combined Surveys A, B, and C felt the existing boating facilities were adequate. The primary boating facilities that were indicated as needed at Mountain Island Lake included marinas, pump out stations, and gas pumps.

About 57 percent for Survey A (n=7); 40 percent for Survey B (n=20); 7 percent for Survey C (n=41); and 22 percent for the combined Surveys A, B, and C indicated they had a negative experience while recreating. About 71 percent for Survey A (n=7); 25 percent for Survey B (n=20); 7 percent for Survey C (n=41); and 19 percent for the combined Surveys A, B, and C (n=68) 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.

In terms of responses to additional comments, many respondents to Surveys A, B, and C stated concerns about the development of the shoreline areas. Also, several respondents stated concern with jet ski use and requested that jet ski use be regulated. When asked if they could change one thing, respondents to Surveys A, B, and C again stated concerns about jet ski use and about increased shoreline development. One respondent to Survey E indicated they would like accessibility to Mountain Island Lake for Mt. Holly Life Saving Crew.