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

(FERC No. 2232)

Volume I SMP Update


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
Lake Assessment
Lake James
Lake James Shoreline Classification
Lake James Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake James Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake James Recreational Use and Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake James Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Rhodhiss
Lake Rhodhiss Shoreline Classification
Lake Rhodhiss Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Rhodhiss Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Rhodhiss Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Rhodhiss Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Hickory
Lake Hickory Shoreline Classification
Lake Hickory Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Hickory Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Hickory Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Hickory Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lookout Shoals Lake
Lookout Shoals Lake Shoreline Classification
Lookout Shoals Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lookout Shoals Lake Cultural Resources Assessment
Lookout Shoals Lake Recreational Use and Carrying
Capacity Assessment
Lookout Shoals Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Norman
Lake Norman Shoreline Classification
Lake Norman Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Norman Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Norman Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Norman Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Mountain Island Lake
Mountain Island Lake Shoreline Classification
Mountain Island Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Mountain Island Lake Cultural Resources Assessment
Mountain Island Lake Recreational Use and Carrying
Capacity Assessment
Mountain Island Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie Shoreline Classification
Lake Wylie Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Wylie Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Wylie Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Wylie Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Fishing Creek Lake
Fishing Creek Lake Shoreline Classification
Fishing Creek Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Fishing Creek Lake Cultural Resources Assessment
Fishing Creek Lake Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Fishing Creek Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements

3.9
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake

3.9.1
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Shoreline Classification

3.9.2
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

3.9.3
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Cultural Resources Assessment

3.9.4
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment

3.9.5
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements

3.10
Lake Wateree

3.10.1
Lake Wateree Shoreline Classification

3.10.2
Lake Wateree Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

3.10.3
Lake Wateree Cultural Resources Assessment

3.10.4
Lake Wateree Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment

3.10.5
Lake Wateree Proposed Recreational Enhancements

 
3.0 Lake Assessment

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.

3.1 Lake James

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).

3.1.1 Lake James Shoreline Classification

Table 3.1-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake James, based on the 2001 SMP maps.

Table 3.1-1. 

Shoreline Classification for Lake James


Shoreline Classification

Shoreline Miles

Percent of Total

Commercial/Non-Residential

1.6

1.1%

Commercial/Residential

4.4

2.9%

Residential

12.5

8.3%

Business Industrial

0.0

0.0%

Public Recreational

0.7

0.0%

Public Infrastructure

0.7

0.0%

Project Operations

2.3

1.5%

Future Commercial/Non-Residential

60.8

40.1%

Future Commercial/Residential

4.0

2.6%

Future Residential

15.8

10.4%

Future Public Recreational

10.0

6.6%

Impact Minimization Zones

9.5

6.3%

Impact Minimization Zone (Dev)

0.2

0.0%

Environmental Area

20.8

13.7%

Natural Area

8.1

5.3%

Total

151.5

100.0%

 

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3.1.2 Lake James Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

Table 3.1-2. 

Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey Shoreline
Classifications (miles)


Lake

Developed

Sand

Cobble

Woody Debris

Vegetated

Natural

Undeveloped No Critical Habitat

Total

James

18.9

6.6

2.8

29.9

15

2.1

62

137

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.

3.1.3 Lake James Cultural Resources Assessment

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.

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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.

3.1.4 Lake James Recreational Use and Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

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.

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Click Here to View Full
Figure 3.1-1

Lake James Public Recreational Access Areas

Figure 3.1-1

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.     

Table 3.1-3. 

Lake James Duke Power-owned Public Access Areas


Access Area Name

Acreage

Shoreline Frontage (ft)

Boat Ramps

Loading Piers

Fishing Piers

Car
Parking
(Spaces)

V/T*
Parking
(Spaces)

Black
Bear

163.8

12,871

6

3

0

0

165

Hidden Cove

8.3

1,659

2

1

0

0

30

Canal Bridge

11.4

2,251

3

1

0

0

90

Linville

180.3

13,846

2

1

0

0

60

Bridge water Fishing area¹

39.8

1,512

0

0

1

23

0

Total

403.6

32,139

13

6

1

23

345

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* Vehicle/Trailer parking areas
¹ Located in the tailrace

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.

Table 3.1-4.

Summary of Lake James State Park Public Recreational Facilities


Site Description/Facility

Number

Site Acreage

605

Shoreline Footage

21,246

Concrete Boat Ramps

0

ADA Fishing Pier

1

Paved Parking Spaces

78

Swimming Beach

1

Concession Building

1

Restroom/Shower

1

Picnic Tables

20

Ranger Residences

1

Park Office

1

Miles of Trail

4.5

Backpack Tent Campsites

20

Picnic Shelter (12 tables)

1

Maintenance Building

1

Residence (purchased)

1

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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.

Table 3.1-5.

Summary of Lake James Commercial Recreational Access Facilities


Type of Facility

Commercial
Non-Residential

Commercial Residential

Public Marinas

4

0

Private Marinas

0

10

Wet Slips

386

323

Dry Slips

0

0


Table 3.1-6. 

Summary of Lake James Private Recreational Access Facilities


Type of Facility

No. Private Facilities

Piers

285

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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Figure 3.1-2.

Lake James Estimate of Recreational Visitation at the Duke Power-owned Access Areas

Figure 3.1-2

Click Here to View Full

Table 3.1-7.

1999 Lake James Estimated Recreation Visitation at Duke
Power-Owned Access Areas

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):

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
0
5. Amount of facility and shoreline development
0
6. Crowding rating
0
 
Total
-2

Table 3.1-6.

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

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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.

Table 3.1-9. 

Lake James Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment


Boat Activity

Usable Acreage

Use Factor

Opt. No. Boats

% Usage

Boat
Activity
Mix

Persons/ Boat

Total Users

Fishing

     6,812

6.0

     1,135

40.0%

        454

3.14

    1,427

Canoe/Kayak

     6,812

1.8

     3,784

4.5%

        171

3.26

       557

Motor Boating

     5,059

13.0

        389

26.5%

        103

3.90

        402

Sailing

     5,059

6.0

        843

2.6%

          22

3.36

          73

Jet Skiing

     5,059

6.0

        843

11.6%

          98

3.85

        377

Water Skiing

     5,059

15.0

        337

14.8%

          50

4.39

        220

Total

     

100%

        898

 

     3,055


Table 3.1-10. 

Lake James Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity


Peak Use

Weekday

% Capacity

Weekend

% Capacity

Holiday

% Capacity

No. Boats

175

19%

219

24%

377

42%

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.

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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.

Click Here to View Full
Figure 3.1-3

Lake James Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Figure 3.1-3

Click Here to View Full
Figure 3.1-4

Lake James Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Figure 3.1-4

Click Here to View Full
Figure 3.1-5

Lake James Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Figure 3.1-5

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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 3.1-11.

Lake James Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone


County

1999

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

Burke

77,086

85,651

92,340

98,366

103,730

108,457

112,587

McDowell

37,166

41,296

44,196

46,347

47,910

49,030

49,825

Buncombe

176,416

196,018

213,232

229,759

245,476

260,296

274,167

Alexander

29,121

32,357

36,056

39,314

 42,122

44,500

46,485

Watauga

37,759

41,954

45,542

48,552

51,032

53,046

  54,665

Avery

14,149

15,721

16,002

16,054

16,063

16,065

16,066

Caldwell

68,560

76,178

78,758

80,411

81,457

82,113

82,524

Rutherford

54,126

60,140

62,576

64,776

66,753

68,521

70,096

Cleveland

83,358

92,620

96,803

100,034

102,502

104,370

105,776

Yancey

15,000

16,667

17,304

17,702

17,947

18,097

18,187

Mitchell

13,303

14,781

14,714

14,751

14,730

14,742

14,735

Total

606,044

673,383

717,523

756,066

789,722

819,238

845,112

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.

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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.

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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.

Table 3.1-12.

Lake James 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*

73,115

78,639

84,436

90,636

98,221

106,483

Boat Fishing*

146,902

169,494

190,814

210,438

223,040

229,633

Bank/Pier Fish

51,118

58,979

66,398

73,227

77,612

79,906

Lake Swimming

82,686

93,274

103,771

115,065

128,221

143,386

Canoeing*

12,152

13,533

14,756

16,450

18,947

22,595

Jet Skiing*

35,369

38,041

40,845

43,844

47,514

51,510

Kayaking*

0

0

0

0

0

0

Tailrace Fishing

2,987

3,447

3,880

4,279

4,535

4,669

Sailing*

7,671

8,251

8,859

9,509

10,305

11,172

Water Ski/Tubing*

36,049

38,773

41,631

44,688

48,428

52,501

Backpacking

5,974

7,667

9,637

11,885

14,137

16,505

Hunting

7,468

7,714

7,868

7,849

7,557

7,184

Tent/Vehicle Camp

19,416

25,455

32,582

40,804

49,915

59,882

Windsurfing

0

0

0

0

0

0

Bicycling

5,974

7,085

8,344

9,754

10,635

11,419

Picnicking

39,240

46,212

53,743

62,216

71,656

82,075

Sightseeing

36,049

43,803

52,209

61,220

71,178

81,680

Hiking

19,416

24,319

29,646

35,358

40,793

45,864

Wildlife Viewing

20,910

26,693

33,587

40,557

46,624

51,171

Using Playgrounds

4,481

5,282

6,103

6,981

7,966

9,058

Sub-total *

311,258

346,731

381,341

415,565

446,455

473,894

Total

606,977

696,661

789,109

884,760

977,284

1,066,693

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* Boating Activitie  

Table 3.1-13. 

Lake James Estimated Absorption Percentage for Reservoir


Activity

Estimated 1999 Participants

Estimated 1999 Demand

Absorption Percentage

Swimming

82,686

1,878,512

4.4%

Picnicking

39,240

1,156,622

3.4%

Camping

19,416

454,775

4.2%

Boating

          311,258

1,499,958

20.8%


Table 3.1-14.  

Lake James Estimated Recreational Facility Land Acreage Needs


A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Activity

Year

Weighted Population

Facility Standard

Facility Need

Facility Class

Lake James Share

Acreage

Swimming

2010

267,636

1 per 50,000

5.35

beaches

0.24

1.30

 

2020

282,013

1 per 50,000

5.64

beaches

0.25

1.36

 

2030

294,566

1 per 50,000

5.89

beaches

0.26

1.43

 

2040

305,576

1 per 50,000

6.11

beaches

0.27

1.48

 

2050

315,227

1 per 50,000

6.30

beaches

0.28

1.53

Picnicking

2010

321,450

1 per 500

642.90

tables

21.86

2.19

 

2020

338,718

1 per 500

677.44

tables

23.03

2.30

 

2030

353,795

1 per 500

707.59

tables

24.06

2.41

 

2040

367,019

1 per 500

734.04

tables

24.96

2.50

 

2050

378,610

1 per 500

757.22

tables

25.75

2.57

Camping

2010

160,725

6 per 1,000

964.35

campsites

40.50

10.13

 

2020

169,359

6 per 1,000

1016.15

campsites

42.68

10.67

 

2030

176,898

6 per 1,000

1061.39

campsites

44.58

11.14

 

2040

183,509

6 per 1,000

1101.06

campsites

46.24

11.56

 

2050

189,305

6 per 1,000

1135.83

campsites

47.70

11.93

Boating

2010

322,885

1 per 4000

80.72

boat ramps

16.79

16.79

 

2020

340,230

1 per 4000

85.06

boat ramps

17.69

17.69

 

2030

355,375

1 per 4000

88.84

boat ramps

18.48

18.48

 

2040

368,657

1 per 4000

92.16

boat ramps

19.17

19.17

 

2050

380,300

1 per 4000

95.08

boat ramps

19.78

19.78

         

Total Acreage for 2050

35.80

 

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3.1.5 Lake James Proposed Recreational Enhancements

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.

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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:


Develop 8 primitive campsites with fire rings.

Develop 1.5 miles of hiking and bicycling trails with approximately .3 miles being paved.

Provide a handicapped compliant restroom facility along the paved trail. A panic phone would be installed at the restroom facility.

Construct a handicapped accessible fishing pier near the paved trail.v

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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