Lake Wylie, the third largest reservoir in the Catawba-Wateree system, is located southwest of Charlotte in Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties, North Carolina and York County, South Carolina. Lake Wylie has a surface area of about 13,433 acres and 314.7 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 569.4 feet msl. Table 4.7-1 summarizes the shoreline classification, based on the SMP maps.

There are nine developed Duke Power owned public recreation access locations, with three leased to agencies, on Lake Wylie. There are several developed county and city parks including: McDowell Nature Preserve, owned and operated by Mecklenburg County; River Street Park, owned and operated by the City of Mount Holly; Wind Jammer Beach and Pitcarin Parks, owned by the City of Tega Cay; and the Stowe Botanical Garden. There are three undeveloped county parks owned by Mecklenburg County. Figure 4.7-shows the public recreation access locations. In addition, there are 11 commercial non-residential and no commercial residential marinas that provide additional public access on Lake Wylie.

The Copperhead Access Area is operated as part of McDowell County Nature Preserve that is owned by Mecklenburg County. Ebenezer Access Area is operated by York County as a county park. The City of Rock Hill has the Indian Ground Access Area leased for fishing use by special populations. A recent major addition to public recreation on Lake Wylie was the creation of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on the South Fork arm of the lake. This facility consists of 450 acres of land that has the gardens being developed over a 20-year period.

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.7-1 Lake Wylie Public Recreation Access Areas

Existing Duke-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke-owned public access areas provide about 333 acres and about 27,803 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Wylie. Combined, the developed access areas have 24 public boat ramps, 12 loading piers, 4 fishing piers and about 568 parking spaces for vehicles/trailers and 305 parking spaces for cars. Table 4.7-2 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas.

In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Allen Fishing area (provide handicapped accessibility), Buster Boyd access area (replace the two 2-lane ramps with 6 new boat ramps and replace the pier with 3 new piers) and Nivens Creek access area (expand and pave the parking lot). In addition, Duke Power said it would add 36 acres to the South Point site (54 acres added), add 98 acres to the Allison Creek access area (59 added), add 25 acres to the Fort Mill site (40 acres added) and add 8 acres to the Nivens Creek site (13 acres added). All of the recreation commitments from the 1994 SMP have been met except for two ramps and one pier at Buster Boyd (because there was insufficient parking) and the expansion and paving of Nivens Creek (because of building code problems).

County and City Public Recreation Facilities

Table 4.7-3 summarizes the site acreage, shoreline footage and recreational facilities provided at the County Recreational Facilities. There are a total of 3 County facilities and 3 City Parks.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a family oriented, educational facility comprised of prime rolling meadows, woodlands, and lakefront property. It began in 1989 when retired Belmont textile executive, Daniel Jonathan Stowe, set aside 450 acres for the development of a world class botanical garden.

In October 1999, the Garden proudly opened a new 110-acre facility that includes four themed gardens, a 13,500 square foot Visitor Pavilion, fountains, entrance ponds, expanded Gift and Garden Shop, and half-mile Woodland Trail. The new gardens are a part of a Master Plan designed by landscape architect Geoffrey Rausch that will evolve over several decades. The completed Botanical Garden will include a conservatory complex, rose pavilion, Asian and English gardens, natural wetland, children's garden, restaurant, outdoor amphitheater, and lakefront access.

Approximately three miles of the Garden lies along the eastern shoreline of the Catawba Creek arm of Lake Wylie. The planned watercraft entrance will enable visitors to rent a slip where they can park their boat for a certain number of hours per day. This will be the water terminus of the garden's tram route. Visitors will be able to ride the length of site, or they may disembark from the tram at exit points in between.

When fully completed the Garden will represent an investment of $150-$200 million, employ over 300 people and entertain one million visitors a year, adding more than $36 million to the regional economy.

The three city parks, River Street Park, Wind Jammer Beach Park and Pitcarin Cove Park, are located on Lake Wylie. Table 4.7-4 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, county and city parks, the public can gain access to Lake Wylie through commercial non-residential and commercial residential marinas. Private access to Lake Wylie is through private marinas and private piers along the Lake Wylie shoreline. Table 4.7-5 summarizes the number and type of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 4.7-6 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

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

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

Allen Fishing Area

The Allen Fishing Area is located in the upper portion of Lake Wylie near the Allen Steam Station in Gaston County, North Carolina. Table 4.7-7 summarizes key site characteristics for the Allen Fishing Area.

South Point Access Area

The South Point access area is located in the upper portion of Lake Wylie in Gaston County, North Carolina, just north of the South Carolina state line. Table 4.7-8 summarizes key site characteristics for the South Point access area

Copperhead Access Area

The Copperhead access area is located in the middle portion of Lake Wylie on the eastern shoreline, near McDowell Park in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Table 4.7-9 summarizes key site characteristics for the Copperhead access area. This site is leased to Mecklenburg County.

Buster Boyd Access Area

The Buster Boyd access area is located in the middle portion of Lake Wylie in York County, South Carolina near McDowell Park in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Table 4.7-10 summarizes key site characteristics for the Buster Boyd access area.

Allison Creek Access Area

The Allison Creek access area is located in the lower portion of Lake Wylie in York County, South Carolina. Table 4.7-11 summarizes key site characteristics for the Allison Creek access area.

Indian Ground Access Area

The Indian Ground access area is located in the lower portion of Lake Wylie, in York County, South Carolina. Table 4.7-12 summarizes key site characteristics for the Indian Ground access area. The site is leased to the City of Rock Hill and is only open when they take groups to the site.

Nivens Creek Access Area

The Nivens Creek access area is located in the lower portion of Lake Wylie along the eastern shoreline near Tega Cay, South Carolina. Table 4.7-13 summarizes key site characteristics for the Nivens Creek access area.

Ebenezer Access Area

The Ebenezer access area is located in the lower portion of Lake Wylie in York County, South Carolina. Table 4.7-14 summarizes key site characteristics for the Ebenezer access area. The Ebenezer access area is leased to York County.

Fort Mill Access Area

The Fort Mill access area is located directly downstream of the Wylie dam in York County, South Carolina. Table 4.7-15 summarizes key site characteristics for the Fort Mill access area.

Recreation Use

Visitation at the public access areas on Lake Wylie 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 Wylie at these sites was about 839,531 visits. Figure 4.7-11 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake Wylie 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 4.7-16 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 Wylie Duke-owned access areas, Ebenezer, Buster Boyd, and South Point were estimated to have the greatest amount of use at about 32 percent, 23 percent, and 22 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use at the Lake Wylie Duke-owned access areas.

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 Lake Wylie for the 1999 study period totaled 1,076,300 visits.

Click Here to View Full

Spot counts were conducted at six sites for Lake Wylie, Allen Fishing Area, Allison Creek, Buster Boyd, Fort Mill, Nivens Creek, and South Point Access areas. Table 4.7-17 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 4.7-18. Survey D was conducted of marina operators, therefore numbers of surveys sent and received were low. Figure 4.7-12 shows the distribution of recreation activity type for Survey A, Survey B, and Survey C categories. Figure 4.7-13 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 Wylie during the 1999 study period were motor boating, boat fishing, bank/pier fishing, and swimming. For Lake Wylie, respondents indicated that for Survey A, about 12 percent recreated on the islands, for Survey B about 19 percent, and for Survey C about 2 percent. The combined responses to Surveys A, B, and C indicated that about 11 percent overall recreated on the islands of Lake Wylie. The respondents indicated that the majority of the island activity was swimming, picnicking, fishing and camping.

For Lake Wylie, the average party size (average number of recreators in each party) for respondents to Survey A was 4.3, for Survey B was 3.9, and for Survey C was 2.8. The average party size for all three groups (A, B, and C) was 3.7. The average number of visits per year for Survey B was 64.9, for Survey C was 20.7, and for combined Survey B and C respondents was 42.9. The average length of stay for Survey B respondents was 9.3 hours, for Survey C respondents was 5 hours, and for combined Survey B and C respondents was 7.1 hours. About 29 percent of the respondents to Surveys A and B indicated that Lake Wylie was the lake they primarily recreated within the Catawba-Wateree system. For Survey A about 38 percent and for Survey B about 13 percent of the respondents indicated they had land abutting Lake Wylie.

Table 4.7-19 summarizes the perceived crowding ratings for Lake Wylie 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 Wylie (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 survey 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 mid-range crowding ratings for weekdays and high crowding levels for weekends.

* Weighted Average

Boating Use

Figure 4.7-14 shows the distribution of boating activity type for Lake Wylie 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 3.8 for Survey A; 3.7 for Survey B; 2.5 for Survey C; and 3.3 for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C. The average number of hours boating was indicated as 3.4 hours for Survey A; 4.7 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 Wylie, about 94 percent of the Survey A respondents owned boats. For Survey B respondents, about 83 percent owned boats, about 68 percent of the Survey C respondents owned boats, and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C, about 82 percent of the respondents owned boats.

Table 4.7-20 summarizes the distribution of boat ownership by type of boat for Lake Wylie. Motor boats comprised over 57 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 36 percent for small motor boats (ranging 20 feet or less in size) and about 21 percent for medium motor boats (ranging between 21 to 40 feet in size).

Figure 4.7-15 shows the period of the day the respondents indicated they primarily boated, for Surveys A, B, and C. Lake Wylie was the second primary boat launching lake of the lakes within the Catawba-Wateree system for all survey respondents. For Survey A about 32 percent indicated they primarily launched boats at Lake Wylie. For Survey B about 26 percent;, for Survey C about 21 percent; and for the combined responses for Surveys A, B, and C about 26 percent of the respondents launched boats at Lake Wylie, 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 4.7-21) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989):

Table 4.7-22 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 4.7-23 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Wylie on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Lake Wylie during the weekday was estimated at 19 percent capacity, during the weekend at 36 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 64 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 4.7-16 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lake Wylie. Figure 4.7-17 shows the boating density on Lake Wylie for the peak use day and areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 4.7-18 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.

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.7-16 Lake Wylie Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.7-17 Lake Wylie Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Click Here to View Full Figure 4.7-18 Lake Wylie Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Lake Wylie Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 4.7-23 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Wylie 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 4.7-24 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 4.7-25 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 4.7-24. 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 4.7-26 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 Wylie. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Wylie facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Wylie, it is estimated that 146 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 8 acres of beaches, 12 acres of picnic areas, 11 acres of campsites, and 115 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.

For Lake Wylie, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned were for more restrooms and boat ramps. Through the AAII, additional restrooms will be provided at some access areas upon the signing of a lease with the county agency. Duke power does not plan to provide additional boat ramps at this time because the existing ramps are not used to capacity, except on some weekends.

*Boating activities

Recreators were asked in the surveys if the existing recreational facilities within the Catawba-Wateree system met their recreational needs. For Lake Wylie, 88 percent of Survey A (n=137); 70 percent for Survey B (n=129); 86 percent for Survey C (n=127); and 81 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 Wylie included more boat ramps, picnic areas, and restroom facilities, and camping areas around the lake. In response to whether additional boating facilities were needed, 83 percent for Survey A (n=137); 70 percent for Survey B (n=129); 85 percent for Survey C (n=127); and 81 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 Wylie included more marinas, pump out stations, and gas pumps.

About 47 percent for Survey A (n=137); 38 percent for Survey B (n=129); 10 percent for Survey C (n=127); and 32 percent for the combined Surveys A, B, and C indicated they had a negative experience while recreating. About 39 percent for Survey A (n=137); 23 percent for Survey B (n=129); 8 percent for Survey C (n=127); and 24 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 the result of reckless or inconsiderate boat or jet ski use by other recreators. Many of the comments were related to dangerous and inexperienced operation of jet skis and dangerous operation of boats that created large wakes or resulted in near collisions. In addition, respondents commented that Lake Wylie was too crowded with boat traffic. Several respondents commented on poor water quality.

In terms of responses to additional comments, many respondents to Surveys A, B, and C stated concerns associated with boating use on Lake Wylie. The primary concerns were related to safety factors associated with improper use of jet skis and boats. Respondents commented on the need for proper boat safety education for the boaters and jet skiers and the need for more enforcement of boating regulations. Several respondents commented that Lake Wylie was overcrowded with boating use. Several respondents commented on the effects of poor water quality.

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 Wylie, and more boat regulation in terms of use and size of boats allowed on the lake. Respondents also stated concerns about water quality and pollution. Respondents to Survey E stated that jet skis should be required to operate at low speeds in restrictive areas, commented on overcrowding of boating activity, and cited inappropriate boating and jet ski practices.