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%

 

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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

Back to Top

* 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

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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

Back to Top

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.