3.2	Lake Rhodhiss

Lake Rhodhiss is a relatively small lake within the Catawba-Wateree system, located northeast of Morganton in Burke and Caldwell counties, North Carolina. Lake Rhodhiss has a surface area of about 3,021 acres and 103.9 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 995.1 feet MSL.

3.2.1

Lake Rhodhiss Shoreline Classification

Table 3.2-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake Rhodhiss, based on the July 2001 SMP maps.

Table 3.2-1.

Shoreline Classification for Lake Rhodhiss

Shoreline Classification	Shoreline Miles	Percent of Total
Commercial/Non-Residential	0.4	0.0%
Commercial/Residential	0.3	0.0%
Residential	0.4	0.0%
Business Industrial	0.4	0.0%
Public Recreation	0.4	0.0%
Public Infrastructure	1.2	1.2%
Project Operations	1.0	1.0%
Future Commercial/Non-Residential	28.1	27.0%
Future Commercial/Residential	1.8	1.7%
Future Residential	4.9	4.7%
Future Public Recreation	2.3	2.2%
Impact Minimization Zones	1.6	2.0%
Impact Minimization Zones (Dev)	0.0	0.0%
Environmental Area	24.5	23.6%
Natural Area	36.7	35.3%
Total	103.9	100.0%

 

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3.2.2

Lake Rhodhiss Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

Table 3.2-2 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake Rhodhiss, based on the
results of the SWFHS.

Table 3.2-2.

Shallow Water Habitat Shoreline Classifications (Miles)

Lake	Developed	Sand	Cobble	Woody Debris	Vegetated	Natural	Undeveloped No Critical Habitat	Total
Rhodhiss	1.5	2.2	1.3	9.2	21.3	2.5	59.5	98

3.2.3

Lake Rhodhiss Cultural Resources Assessment

Within the Lake Rhodhiss Study Area, there are 66 previously recorded cultural resources including 6 architectural resources and 60 archaeological sites. Architectural resources include 2 single dwellings, 2 dams, and 2 bridges. The architectural resources range in date from the early nineteenth to the middle twentieth century. The archeological sites range from the Early Archaic through the Historic cultural periods.

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Twenty sites are associated with the archaic periods and 14 are from the woodland period. Eleven of the prehistoric sites are habitation sites, but site function could not be determined for 23 of the archaeological sites. Fourteen of the sites are associated with the historic period. One historic archaeological site is the possible location for eighteenth-century Fort McDowell. There are also three historic cemetery sites within the study area. Fourteen of the sites have been affected by landfills, four are underwater, six are affected by erosion, and one has been destroyed, although another site is now a parking lot and another is on the site of a future road. The associated time period has not been determined for 12 of the archaeological sites.

None of the archaeological sites are listed in the National Register.

The Bellevue house is the only architectural resource 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 Rhodhiss 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.

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3.2.4

Lake Rhodhiss Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessmentv

Lake Rhodhiss Existing Recreational Areas

There are 5 developed Duke Power-owned public recreational access locations on Lake Rhodhiss and the Marsh Project area, leased by Duck's Unlimited and the State of North Carolina. Figure 3.2-1 shows the public recreational access locations. In addition, there is 1 commercial non-residential and 1 commercial residential marina that provide additional access on Lake Rhodhiss. The following sections describe the Duke Power-owned public access areas and provide estimates of the number and types of commercial recreational access facilities at Lake Rhodhiss.

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.2-1 Lake Rhodhiss Public Recreational Access Areas

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Existing Duke Power-owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 247 acres and about 15,756 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Rhodhiss. Combined, the developed access areas have 11 public boat ramps, 6 loading piers, and about 350 car/trailer and 20 vehicle parking spaces. Table 3.2-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas. The NCWRC, under an agreement with Duke Power, maintains all of the access areas on Lake Rhodhiss.

In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed improving the Castle Bridge access area (replace 1 ramp with 6 new ramps, replace 2 piers with 3 new piers, and add 150 paved parking spaces), relocate the Tator Hole site (add 4 new ramps, 2 loading piers, and 100 paved parking spaces). In addition, Duke Power said it would add 5 acres of land at Castle Bridge (45 acres added), add 20 acres to the Conley Creek site (64 added) and provide 100 acres at the relocated Tator Hole site (now called the Rhodhiss site where 127 acres were provided). All of the commitments were met except for the provision of 4 boat ramps at the Rhodhiss site where, after consultation with the NCWRC and FERC, only 2 ramps and 1 pier were provided initially.

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.

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Table 3.2-3.

Lake Rhodhiss 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)
Johns River	1.8	172	1	1	0	0	30
Huffman Bridge	2.3	610	0	0	0	20	0
Castle Bridge	47.7	1,290	6	3	0	0	150
Conley Creek	67.9	4,842	2	1	0	0	70
Rhodhiss	126.9	8,842	2	1	0	0	100
Total	246.6	15,756	11	6	0	20	350

* Vehicle/Trailer parking areas

Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access

In addition to the Duke Power-owned public access areas, the public and lake neighbors can gain access to Lake Rhodhiss through a commercial non-residential marina. Private access to Lake Rhodhiss is through a private marina and private piers along the Lake Rhodhiss shoreline. Table 3.2-4 summarizes the number and types of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.2-5 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

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Table 3.2-4.

Summary of Lake Rhodhiss Commercial Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	Commercial Non-Residential	Commercial Residential
Public Marinas	1	0
Private Marinas	0	1
Wet Slips	62	2
Dry Slips	0	0

Table 3.2-5.

Summary of Lake Rhodhiss Private Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	No. Private Facilities
Piers	5

Lake Rhodhiss Recreational Use Assessment

Visitation figures at the public access areas on Lake Rhodhiss were derived based on estimates of the traffic entering the Duke Power-owned public access areas. For the 1999 study period, there was an estimated total of 228,010 visits for Lake Rhodhiss at these sites. Figure 3.2-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake Rhodhiss for the Duke Power-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 3.2-2.

Lake Rhodhiss Estimate of Recreational Visitation at the Duke Power-Owned Access Areas

Table 3.2-6 shows 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 Rhodhiss access areas, those experiencing the greatest usage were Castle Bridge, Rhodhiss, and Conley Creek with estimates of 51 percent, 22 percent, and 15 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use.

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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 1.27 to 1. The estimated overall recreational visitation for Lake Rhodhiss for the 1999 study period totaled 288,655 visits.

Lake Rhodhiss 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 3.2-7) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989, as modified):

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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	-
6.	Crowding rating	0
	Total	-3

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Table 3.2-6.

1999 Lake Rhodhiss Estimated Recreational Visitation at Duke Power-Owned Access Areas

Table 3.2-7.

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

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 3.2-8 summarizes the assessment of the optimum overall boat capacity based on the usable boating water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. Table 3.2-9 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Rhodhiss on the peak day during the 1999 study period. During the weekday, Lake Rhodhiss was estimated at 11 percent capacity; during the weekend, at 9 percent capacity; and during the peak holiday period, at 19 percent capacity for overall boating use.

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Table 3.2-8.

Lake Rhodhiss Boat Carrying Capacity Assessmentvvvv

Boat Activity	Usable Acreage	Use Factor	Opt. No. Boats	% Usage	Boat Activity Mix	Persons/ Boat	Total Users
Fishing	3,060	8.0	383	60%	230	3.14	722
Canoe/Kayak	3,060	2.0	1,530	12%	184	3.26	600
Motor Boating	1,743	15.0	116	13%	15	3.90	59
Sailing	1,743	8.0	218	0%	-	3.36	-
Jet Skiing	1,743	8.0	218	13%	28	3.85	108
Water Skiing	1,743	17.0	103	2%	2	4.39	9
Total				100%	459		1,498

Table 3.2-9.

Lake Rhodhiss Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacityvv

Peak Use	Weekday	% Capacity	Weekend	% Capacity	Holiday	% Capacity
No. Boats	49	11%	41	9%	89	19%

The overall boat carrying capacity assessment provides an assessment of the total surface area of boating use. To assess the areas of the lakes with higher boating density, the general location of boating activity was recorded during the flyovers for each day of aerial coverage. Figure 3.2-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lake Rhodhiss. Figure 3.2-4 shows the boating density on Lake Rhodhiss for the peak use day, and denotes areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 3.2-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the five highest boating use days. This figure illustrates the areas with 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 this same period.

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Click Here to View Full Figure 3.2-3 Lake Rhodhiss Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.2-4 Lake Rhodhiss Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.2-5 Lake Rhodhiss Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Based on the boat capacity study in Table 3.2-9, there are no crowding problems on Lake Rhodhiss. The highest capacity reached was 19% on holiday weekends. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.2-4 (for only one day), does show one area where the boat density is higher than the rest of the lake, but the acres available per boat for are adequate for all boating activities. When averaging the five highest boat count days, Figure 3.2-5, no crowding problems are identified. For all of the remaining times during the year the boat density levels are very low.

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Lake Rhodhiss Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 3.2-10 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Rhodhiss. 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 used to make projections for 2030, 2040, and 2050

Table 3.2-10.

Lake Rhodhiss Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zonevv

County	1999	2000	2010	2020	2030	2040	2050
Burke	77,086	85,651	92,340	98,366	108,595	119,888	132,355
McDowell	37,166	41,296	44,196	46,347	50,404	54,816	59,614
Wilkes	57,966	64,407	66,789	68,158	72,777	77,710	82,976
Alexander	29,121	32,357	36,056	39,314	45,333	52,273	60,275
Watauga	37,759	41,954	45,542	48,552	56,388	65,488	76,056
Avery	14,149	15,721	16,002	16,054	16,853	17,692	18,573
Caldwell	68,560	76,178	78,758	80,411	86,374	92,779	99,659
Rutherford	54,126	60,140	62,576	64,776	69,009	73,519	78,323
Cleveland	83,358	92,620	96,803	100,034	106,779	113,979	121,664
Lincoln	54,839	60,932	70,132	79,229	94,689	113,166	135,248
Catawba	120,581	133979	146,217	157,650	176,071	196,645	219,623
Total	634,711	705,235	755,411	798,891	883,272	977,955	1,084,366

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Table 3.2-11 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 3.2-12 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 3.2-11. 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.

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Table 3.2-13 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 Rhodhiss. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Rhodhiss facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Rhodhiss, it is estimated that 37 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 1 acre of beaches, 3 acres of picnic areas, 11 acres of campsites, and 22 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. 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 Rhodhiss, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned boat ramps, restrooms and picnic areas. In the past 5 years, 6 new boat ramps have been added to the lake and they are currently underutilized, so no additional boat ramps are proposed at this time. A picnic area is proposed by the Town of Sawmills at the Conley Creek access area. Restrooms will not be provided at unsupervised access areas because of the potential vandalism problems that could occur at these remote sites.

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Table 3.2-11.

Lake Rhodhiss 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*	61,202	66,169	71,301	80,596	92,572	106,968
Boat Fishing*	146,546	169,902	191,927	222,594	250,368	275,646
Bank/Pier Fishing	51,564	59,782	67,532	78,323	88,095	96,990
Lake Swimming	51,862	58,794	65,636	76,517	90,231	107,345
Canoeing*	14,075	15,753	17,238	20,198	24,574	31,060
Jet Skiing*	31,561	34,122	36,769	41,562	47,738	55,162
Kayaking*	2,815	3,043	3,279	3,705	4,289	5,067
Tailrace Fishing	5,928	6,873	7,764	9,005	10,128	11,151
Sailing*	0	0	0	0	0	0
Water Ski/Tubing*	32,456	35,090	37,811	42,741	49,092	56,726
Backpacking	5,928	7,641	9,634	12,430	15,591	19,316
Hunting	23,713	24,627	25,214	26,587	27,326	27,928
Tent/Vehicle Camp	17,785	23,415	30,062	39,359	50,701	64,445
Windsurfing	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bicycling	0	0	0	0	0	0
Picnicking	32,158	38,052	44,399	53,928	65,609	79,834
Sightseeing	32,158	39,254	46,939	57,713	70,845	86,356
Hiking	5,928	7,458	9,121	11,397	13,889	16,607
Wildlife Viewing	2,815	3,609	4,555	5,760	6,995	8,177
Using Playgrounds	0	0	0	0	0	0
Sub-total*	288,655	324,079	358,325	411,396	468,633	530,629
Total	518,494	593,584	669,181	782,415	908,043	1,048,777

 

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Table 3.2-12.

Lake Rhodhiss Estimated Absorption Percentage for Reservoir

Activity	Estimated 1999 Participants	Estimated 1999 Demand	Absorption Percentage
Swimming	51,862	1,967,369	2.6%
Picnicking	32,158	1,222,707	2.6%
Camping	17,785	476,287	3.1%
Boating	288,655	1,570,910	18.4%

Table 3.2-13.

Lake Rhodhiss 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 Rhodhiss Share	Acreage
Swimming	2010	281,768	1 per 50,000	5.64	beaches	0.15	0.81
	2020	297,986	1 per 50,000	5.96	beaches	0.15	0.85
	2030	329,460	1 per 50,000	6.59	beaches	0.17	0.94
	2040	362,724	1 per 50,000	7.25	beaches	0.19	1.04
	2050	399,346	1 per 50,000	7.99	beaches	0.21	1.16
Picnicking	2010	338,424	1 per 500	676.85	tables	17.60	1.76
	2020	357,903	1 per 500	715.81	tables	18.61	1.86
	2030	395,706	1 per 500	791.41	tables	20.58	2.06
	2040	435,658	1 per 500	871.32	tables	22.67	2.27
	2050	479,643	1 per 500	959.29	tables	25.26	2.53
Camping	2010	169,212	6 per 1,000	1,015.27	campsites	31.47	7.87
	2020	178,952	6 per 1,000	1,073.71	campsites	33.28	8.32
	2030	197,853	6 per 1,000	1,187.12	campsites	36.80	9.20
	2040	217,829	6 per 1,000	1,306.97	campsites	40.54	10.13
	2050	239,822	6 per 1,000	1,438.93	campsites	45.18	11.29
Boating	2010	339,935	1 per 4000	84.98	boat ramps	15.64	15.64
	2020	359,501	1 per 4000	89.88	boat ramps	16.54	16.54
	2030	397,472	1 per 4000	99.37	boat ramps	18.28	18.28
	2040	437,603	1 per 4000	109.40	boat ramps	20.14	20.14
	2050	481,784	1 per 4000	120.45	boat ramps	22.45	22.45
					Total Acreage for 2050		37.42

 

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3.2.5

Lake Rhodhiss 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 more boat ramps, picnicking, gas pumps, more public access and restroom facilities on Lake Rhodhiss. Through the AAII agency leases, additional picnicking, trails, fishing access and restroom facilities will be constructed in the next 5 years to meet the identified needs.

Additional 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, facility standards and estimated acreage needs for the facility class, approximately 37 acres will be needed through 2050 to meet future recreational facility demand. Currently, 247 acres of mainland have been reserved for recreational use. The land is good topographically and will be able to support the facilities identified by the survey respondents in the Recreation Use and Needs Study.

Some items that concerned recreationists were cleanup of trash and control of shoreline development. Duke Power supports and participates in the annual Big Sweep project to cleanup litter from the shoreline of the lakes. On Lake Rhodhiss 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.

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.

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The known proposed recreational changes for Lake Rhodhiss follow:

Duke Power Access

Johns River Access Area, Burke County, North Carolina

The changes proposed for this site in the next 5 years are:

	Replace the existing pier and boat ramp.
	Pave the site.

Huffman Bridge Fishing Area, Burke County, North Carolina

The changes proposed for this site in the next 5 years are to pave the access road and parking lot.

Conley Creek Access Area, Caldwell County, North Carolina

The changes proposed by the Town of Sawmills for this site during the following Fiscal Years:

Fiscal Year 2000-2001

	Construct 2 fishing piers.
	Construct approximately 2.5 miles of nature trail.
	Construct a picnic shelter.

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Fiscal Year 2001-2002

Construct 2 fishing piers.

Fiscal Year 2002-2003

Grade for future athletic fields.

Fiscal Year 2003-2004

Construct soccer/football fields.

Fiscal Year 2004-2005

Construction of baseball/softball fields.

Duke Power Islands

The NCWRC has expressed an interest in managing the islands on Lake Rhodhiss. A management plan is being developed and may be completed for the SMP filing in 2001.

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