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The following sections describe the results of the lake assessment for each reservoir within the Catawba-Wateree system, including: shoreline classification, shallow water fish habitat survey, recreational use and demand assessment, cultural resources assessment, and proposed recreational enhancements.
Lake James is the northernmost reservoir in the Catawba-Wateree system, located northwest of Morganton in Burke and McDowell counties, North Carolina. Lake James has a surface area of about 6,577 acres and 151.5 shoreline miles, at full pond elevation of 1,200 feet mean sea level (MSL).
Table 3.1-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake James, based on the 2001 SMP maps.
Lake James Woody Debris Study See the final results of the Woody Debris Study in Appendix A. In 1999, Duke Power implemented a cooperative study to evaluate the importance of coarse woody debris as shallow water fish habitat. The study was developed cooperatively with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and was conducted in three Duke Power lakes (i.e. James, Hickory, and Fishing Creek) located on the Catawba-Wateree Project in North Carolina and South Carolina. Eight 100-m shoreline transects were selected in coarse woody debris, developed and undeveloped habitats and associated fish populations were sampled using daytime boat electrofishing in spring (March or April), summer (July), and fall (October or November) of 1999-2000. Coarse woody debris, developed and undeveloped habitats were defined as: littoral zones composed of >50% felled trees that were >25.4 cm in diameter at chest height, littoral zones composed of >50% piers and riprap, and undeveloped littoral zones with no piers, riprap, and <50%coarse woody debris, respectively.
Within the Lake James Study Area, there are 36 previously recorded cultural resources including 8 architectural resources and 28 archaeological sites. Architectural resources include 3 single dwellings, 3 dams, an industrial site, and a bridge. The architectural resources range in date from the late-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. The archeological sites include those from the Early Archaic through the Historic cultural periods. There are 5 archaeological sites that can be attributed to the Archaic period and 8 can be assigned specifically to the Woodland period. Eight sites are associated with a combination of Archaic and Woodland periods. No determination of the time period was made for 6 of the sites. One site is linked to the Mississippian period. For 24 of the prehistoric sites, there is not enough data to determine site function. Two of the sites are completely underwater. None of the archaeological sites are listed in the National Register. None of the architectural resources are listed in the National Register. The information on both the archaeological and architectural sites from the state files is being used in preparation of the predictive model to assign the shoreline on Lake James either a High, Medium, Low, or No probability for the occurrence of cultural resources. Prior to the completion of the model non-exempt activities such as excavation projects, commercial marina development, and certain conveyance projects will be provided to the appropriate SHPO for review before construction or excavation activity begins within the project boundary. To ensure the potential impact to cultural resources is properly evaluated after completion of the predictive model, Lake Management will review the predictive model for all non-exempt activities. Applicants for all non-exempt lake use permitting activities in medium and high probability areas will be required to consult with the appropriate SHPO regarding their proposal.
Lake James Existing Recreational Areas There are 5 developed Duke Power-owned public recreational access locations (with 2 leased to the NCDPR) on Lake James and 1 state park, Lake James State Park. Figure 3.1-1 shows the public recreational access locations. In addition, there are 4 commercial non-residential marinas that provide additional public access to the lake. The following sections describe the Duke Power-owned public access areas, summarize the facilities at the state park, and provide estimates of the number and types of commercial recreational access facilities at Lake James. Existing Duke Power-owned Public Access Areas The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 404 acres and 32,139 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake James. Combined, the developed access areas have 13 public boat ramps, 6 loading piers, and about 23 car and 345 vehicle/trailer parking spaces. Table 3.1-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas. In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Canal Bridge access area (replace the 2 boat ramps with 3 new boat ramps and install a loading pier), relocate the North Fork access area (install 6 new boat ramps, 3 loading piers, 165 paved parking spaces, light the area and provide bank fishing), and construct a canoe portage. In addition, Duke Power said it would provide 180 acres at the relocated North Fork site (164 acres provided), add 109 acres to the Linville site (174 acres added) and add 25 acres to the Bridgewater Fishing Area (35 added). All of the recreation commitments from the 1994 SMP have been met.
The NCWRC has entered into a creative partnership with Duke Power for the maintenance and operation of the non-leased access areas. Under this agreement Duke Power pays the NCWRC to maintain the access areas and the NCWRC makes at least the same capital dollar amount available to Duke Power, and agency lessees for the non boat launching portion of the access areas, for improvements that will help the boating public. This agreement is a continuation of a long established partnership with the NCWRC with the added benefit of designated cost sharing capital dollars for access area improvements.
* Vehicle/Trailer parking areas State and County Public Recreational Facilities There is one state park, Lake James State Park, which is located in the central portion of Lake James and is owned and operated by the NCDPR. Table 3.1-4 summarizes the site acreage, shoreline footage, and recreational facilities provided at the Lake James State Park (not including Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge access areas). The state has leased the Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge access areas, which are run in conjunction with Lake James State Park.
Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access In addition to the Duke Power-owned public access areas and the state park, the lake users can gain access to Lake James through both commercial non-residential and commercial residential marinas. Private access to Lake James is through private marinas and private piers along the Lake James shoreline. Table 3.1-5 summarizes the number and types of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.1-6 shows the estimated number of private piers.
Lake James Recreational Use Assessment Visitation figures at the public access areas on Lake James were derived based on estimates of the traffic entering the Duke Power-owned public access areas. For the 1999 study period, there were an estimated total of 220,143 visits for Lake James at these sites. Figure 3.1-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake James for the Duke Power-owned public access areas. A visit is considered a vehicle or vehicle/trailer entering the site for any part of a day. Table 3.1-7 provides a summary of the estimated recreational visitation based on the traffic counter data for the sampled sites during the 1999 study period. Of the Duke Power-owned Lake James access areas, those experiencing the greatest usage were Black Bear, Canal Bridge, and Linville (with estimates of 37 percent, 27 percent, and 21 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use). 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 1.41 to 1. Accordingly, the estimated overall recreational visitation for Lake James for the 1999 study period totaled 311,258 visits.
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Lake James Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment The overall boat carrying capacity is assessed based on the peak boating use estimates obtained during the flyovers in the 1999 study period. The available boating acreage was adjusted from the base boats per acreage estimate (see Table 3.1-8) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989, as modified):
Table 3.1-9 summarizes the assessment of the optimum overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. Table 3.1-10 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake James on the peak day during the 1999 study period. During the weekday, Lake James was estimated at 19 percent capacity; during the weekend, at 24 percent capacity; and during the peak holiday period, at 42 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 where higher density of boating use occurred, the general location of boating activity was recorded during the flyovers for each day of aerial coverage. Figure 3.1-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lake James. Figure 3.1-4 shows the boating density on Lake James for the peak use day, and denotes areas where the greatest clustering of boating activity occurred. Figure 3.1-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the five 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 where high density boating occurred during this same period. Based on the results of the boat capacity study in Table 3.1-10 there were no overall crowding problems on Lake James, even on holiday weekends. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.1-4 (for only one day), does show three areas where the boat density is higher than the rest of the lake, but when averaging the five highest boat count days, Figure 3.1-5, no crowding problems are identified. For all of the remaining times during the year the boat density levels are low.
Lake James Estimated Future Recreational Demand Table 3.1-11 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake James. Population projections were conducted for the impact zone using a combination of 1970 - 1990 population data and 2000 and 2010 population projections from U.S. Census Bureau data; these figures were to make projections for 2030, 2040, and 2050.
Table 3.1-12 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 multiplying 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 3.1-13 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 3.1-12. 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" (Cordell et al., 1996). Participation rates are for the South and are similar to 1995 North Carolina and South Carolina SCORP data. Specific participation rates are as follows: swimming, 37.3%; picnicking, 44.8%; camping, 22.4%; and 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 3.1-14 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 James. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake James facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake James, it is estimated that 36 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 2 acres of beaches, 3 acres of picnic areas, 12 acres of campsites, and 19 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 James, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned were for restrooms, campsites, picnic areas and bank fishing areas. The Lake James State Park is in the planning process for development of restroom facilities at the Canal Bridge access area. McDowell County has proposed to provide restrooms at the Black Bear Access Area once they lease the site and begin construction. McDowell County's plans for the Black Bear access area also include 8 primitive campsites, trails and bank fishing facilities for the public. Duke Power will work with the agencies and non-agency operators of access areas to provide the additional 7 campsites for Lake James.
* Boating Activitie
Based on comments received from the Recreation Use and Needs Survey conducted for Duke Power in 1999, the respondents indicated a need for camping, picnicking, swimming, jogging/bicycling trails, mooring sites, gas pumps and restroom facilities on Lake James. Through the AAII and existing agency leases, additional camping, picnicking, hiking/bicycling trails and restroom facilities will be constructed by the agencies in the next 5 years to meet the identified needs. Additional mooring sites, gas pumps and other facilities may also be installed as Duke Power begins accepting access area lease requests by non-agency groups for the access areas not leased to the agencies. The non-agency groups had to wait until after June 1, 2000 (the deadline for agencies to submit an application, plan and schedule) before Duke Power would consider accepting their applications. Based on the projected population projections and facility standards and estimated acreage needs for the facility class, approximately 36 usable acres will be needed through 2050 to meet future recreational facility demand. Currently, 404 acres of mainland and 70 acres of islands have been reserved for recreational use. The land has areas of good topography and will be able to support the facilities identified by the survey respondents in the Recreation Use and Needs Study. There is also one North Carolina State Park located on the lake. Survey respondents indicated they would like to see the shoreline development controlled and slowed. On Lake James, development of the shoreline is regulated by the counties. The amount of shoreline where Duke Power will allow construction within the project boundary has been reduced from the 1994 SMP. Another survey item mentioned was the need to see more controls on jet skiing and speed controls. Additional safety items concerning safe use of jet skis and controlling boat speed will be included in the Duke Power's lake map publication. The known proposed recreational changes for Lake James follow: Duke Power Access Bridgewater Fishing Area, Burke County, North Carolina The entrance road and parking lot will be paved within the next 5 years. Black Bear Access Area The changes proposed by McDowell County for this site during Fiscal Year 2000-2001, contingent on successful signing of a lease for the site:
Duke Power Islands The NCWRC has expressed an interest in managing the islands on Lake James. A management plan is being developed and may be completed for the SMP filing in 2001. |
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