3.3	Lake Hickory

Lake Hickory is located downstream of Lake Rhodhiss and northeast of Hickory in Caldwell, Burke, Catawba, and Alexander counties, North Carolina. Lake Hickory has a surface area of about 3,941 acres and 110.6 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 935 feet MSL.

3.3.1

Lake Hickory Shoreline Classification

Table 3.3-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake Hickory, based on the July 2001 SMP maps.

Table 3.3-1.

Shoreline Classification for Lake Hickory

Shoreline Classification	Shoreline Miles	Percent of Total
Commercial/Non-Residential	1.6	1.4%
Commercial/Residential	2.0	1.8%
Residential	52.7	47.6%
Business Industrial	0.8	0.7%
Public Recreation	0.7	0.6%
Public Infrastructure	1.2	1.1%
Project Operations	1.7	1.5%
Future Commercial/Non-Residential	5.0	4.5%
Future Commercial/Residential	13.4	12.1%
Future Residential	8.3	7.5%
Future Public Recreation	2.8	2.5%
Impact Minimization Zones	2.2	2.0%
Impact Minimization Zones (Dev)	0.0	0.0%
Environmental Area	18.1	16.4%
Natural Area	0.1	0.0%
Total	110.6	100.0%

3.3.2

Lake Hickory Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

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Table 3.3-2 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake Hickory, based on the
results of the SWFHS.

Table 3.3-2.

Lake Hickory Shallow Water Habitat Shoreline Classifications (Miles)

Lake	Developed	Sand	Cobble	Woody Debris	Vegetated	Natural	Undeveloped No Critical Habitat	Total
Hickory	54.7	1.4	0.8	2.6	17.5	0	29.1	106

Lake Hickory 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.

3.3.3

Lake Hickory Cultural Resources Assessment

Within the Lake Hickory Study Area, there are 14 previously recorded cultural resources including 8 architectural resources and 6 archaeological sites. Architectural resources include 3 single dwellings, a bridge, a commercial building, 2 mill villages, and a mill. While the architectural resources range in date from the early nineteenth to the twentieth centuries, most of the resources are from the early twentieth centuries. The archeological sites range from the Early Archaic through the Historic cultural periods.

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Information is somewhat meager for the six archaeological sites. For one of the sites, we do not have enough data to determine its specific site function. Ceramics or lithic artifacts were recovered at the remaining 5 sites. Four of those five sites are 76 to 100 percent destroyed, while the fifth is 51 to 75 percent destroyed. All of the previously recorded archaeological sites in the APE have been recommended as "not eligible" for listing 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 Hickory 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.

3.3.4

Lake Hickory Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment

Lake Hickory Existing Recreational Areas

There are 5 developed and 1 undeveloped Duke Power-owned public recreational access locations on Lake Hickory. There are 2 city parks operated by the City of Hickory, John Geitner Park and Glen C. Hilton Park, and a county park, River Bend Park, located about 800 feet downstream of the Oxford dam and operated by Catawba County. Figure 3.3-1 shows the public recreational access locations. In addition, there are 7 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 county parks, and provide estimates of the number and type of commercial recreational access facilities at Lake Hickory.

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Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 222 acres of land and 20,108 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Hickory. Combined, the developed access areas have 16 public boat ramps, 9 loading piers, 3 fishing piers, and about 445 parking spaces for car/trailers and 34 spaces for cars. Table 3.3-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas. The undeveloped access area provides about 20 acres and 551 feet of shoreline frontage for future public recreational development.

In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Gunpowder access area (replace 1 ramp with 2 new boat ramps and replace the pier), the Lovelady access area (replace 1 ramp with 2 new boat ramps), the Wittenburg access area (replace 3 ramps with 6 new boat ramps, replace the piers with 3 new piers, light the site, and provide 165 paved parking spaces), and the Dusty Ridge access area (replace the 2 boat ramps, replace the pier, and pave the site). In addition, Duke Power said it would add 5 acres to the Gunpowder site (8 acres added) and 35 acres to the Lovelady site (42 added). All of the commitments from the 1994 SMP will be completed by the end of 2001. Additional projects that have been completed are the provision of handicapped fishing opportunities at the Wittenburg access area in cooperation with the NCWRC and the relocation of the Long Shoals access area on 53 acres of land (4 new boat ramps, 2 new loading piers, 120 paved parking spaces, and lighting of the site).

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 3.3-3.

Lake Hickory 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)
Gunpowder	13.3	2,590	2	1	0	0	60
Lovelady	44.1	1,965	2	2	0	0	60
Wittenburg	13.1	3,358	6	3	3	34	165
Dusty Ridge	78.9	5,027	2	1	0	0	40
Oxford	52.9	6,617	4	2	0	0	120
Long Shoals **	20.1	551	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
Total	222.4	20,108	16	9	3	34	445

*   Vehicle/Trailer parking area            **  Undeveloped sitess

County and City Public Recreational Facilities

There are 1 county park and 2 city park facilities located along the Lake Hickory shoreline. The 2 city parks, Glen C. Hilton Park and John Geitner Park, are located along the upper portion of Lake Hickory along the southern shoreline and are owned and operated by the City of Hickory. The City of Hickory also has two undeveloped park sites on the lake. The River Bend Park is located approximately 800 feet downstream of the Oxford Hydroelectric Station and is operated by Catawba County. Table 3.3-4 summarizes the key characteristics of these facilities.

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Table 3.3-4.

Summary of County and City Public Recreational Facilities

Glen C. Hilton Park	John Geitner Park	River Bend Park
5 picnic shelters	1 fishing access	1 fishing pier
2 playgrounds	1 picnic shelter	6 miles of hiking trails
2 miles walking trails	1 boat ramp	Canoe access
3 fishing access areas	1 boat dock	Restrooms
1 canoe launch		3.3 miles of horse/bike trails

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.3-1 Lake Hickory Public Recreational Access Areas

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Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access

In addition to the Duke Power-owned public access areas and the city and county parks, the public and lake neighbors can gain access to Lake Hickory through commercial non-residential and commercial residential marinas, respectively. Private access to Lake Hickory is through private marinas and private piers along the Lake Hickory shoreline. Table 3.3-5 shows the number and types of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.3-6 shows the estimated number of private piers.

Table 3.3-5.

Summary of Lake Hickory Commercial Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	Commercial Non-Residential	Commercial Residential
Public Marinas	7	0
Private Marinas	1	6
Wet Slips	349	95
Dry Slips	735	0

Table 3.3-6.

Summary of Lake Hickory Private Recreational Access Facilitiesv

Type of Facility	No. Private Facilities
Piers	2,200

Lake Hickory Recreational Use Assessment

Visitation figures at the public access areas on Lake Hickory 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 299,009 visits for Lake Hickory at these sites. Figure 3.3-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake Hickory 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.

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Table 3.3-7 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 Hickory access areas, those experiencing the greatest usage were Wittenburg and Oxford with estimates of 43 percent and 28 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) compared to Survey C respondents (respondents at the public access areas) was 1.41 to 1. The estimated overall recreational visitation for Lake Hickory for the 1999 study period totaled 423,317 visits.

Figure 3.3-2.

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

Click Here to View Full

Table 3.3-7.

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

Lake Hickory 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 3.3-8) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989):

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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	-
	Total	-3

Table 3.3-7.

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

Table 3.3-9 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 3.3-10 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Hickory on the peak day during the 1999 study period. During the weekday, Lake Hickory was estimated at 38 percent capacity; during the weekend, at 55 percent capacity; and during the peak holiday period, at 71 percent capacity for overall boating use.

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Table 3.3-9.

Lake Hickory Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

Boat Activity	Usable Acreage	Use Factor	Opt. No. Boats	% Usage	Boat Activity Mix	Persons/ Boat	Total Users
Fishing	4,223	8.0	528	33%	174	3.14	546
Canoe/Kayak	4,223	2.0	2,111	6%	127	3.26	414
Motor Boating	2,827	15.0	188	29%	55	3.90	215
Sailing	2,827	8.0	353	4%	14	3.36	47
Jet Skiing	2,827	8.0	353	15%	53	3.85	204
Water Skiing	2,827	17.0	166	13%	22	4.39	97
Total				100%	445		1,524

Table 3.3-10.

Lake Hickory Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity

Peak Use	Weekday	% Capacity	Weekend	% Capacity	Holiday	% Capacity
No. Boats	168	38%	243	55%	317	71%

The optimum boat carrying capacity assessment provides an assessment of the total surface area available for boating use. To assess the areas of the lakes with higher density of boating use, the general location of boating activity was recorded during the flyovers for each day of aerial coverage. Figure 3.3-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lake Hickory. Figure 3.3-4 shows the boating density on Lake Hickory for the peak use day, and denotes areas where the greatest clustering of boating activity occurred. Figure 3.3-5 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 boat capacity study in Table 3.3-10, Lake Hickory reaches about 55% capacity on weekends and 72% capacity on holiday weekends. Even though the boat capacity is high for the holiday weekends, the remaining time the boat capacity is low to moderate. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.3-4 (for only one day), does show three areas 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 3.3-5, there are only two areas where boat densities are higher than the rest of the lake. For all of the remaining times during the year the boat density levels are moderate.

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Click Here to View Full Figure 3.3-3 Lake Hickory Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.3-4 Lake Hickory Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.3-5 Lake Hickory Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Lake Hickory Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 3.3-11 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Hickory. 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.

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Table 3.3-11.

Lake Hickory Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone

County	1999	2000	2010	2020	2030	2040	2050
Burke	77,086	85,651	92,340	98,366	108,595	119,888	132,355
Buncombe	176,416	196,018	213,232	229,759	251,935	276,251	302,914
Alexander	29121	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	133,979	146,217	157,650	176,071	196,645	219,623
Iredell	103,671	115,190	133,065	150,827	174,879	202,766	235,100
Total	819,666	910,740	990,723	1,064,972	1,186,905	1,324,446	1,479,790

Table 3.3-12 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 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.

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Table 3.3-13 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 3.3-12. 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 3.3-14 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 Hickory. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Hickory facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Hickory, it is estimated that 45 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 2 acres of beaches, 3 acres of picnic areas, 5 acres of campsites, and 35 acres of boat ramps.

The estimated acreage needs for the reservoir are total usable acreage needs. Usable land acreage at existing developed public recreation 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.

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At Lake Hickory the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned restrooms and a picnic area. A picnic area and restrooms are proposed at the Dusty Ridge access area to help meet theses needs.

Table 3.3-12.

Lake Hickory 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*	116,289	127,665	139,786	159,288	184,412	214,777
Boat Fishing*	175,093	205,919	236,193	276,093	313,067	347,538
Bank/Pier Fishing	100,643	118,362	135,763	158,698	179,950	199,764
Lake Swimming	93,777	107,873	122,303	143,697	170,765	204,716
Canoeing*	19,198	21,807	24,242	28,628	35,092	44,674
Jet Skiing*	57,961	63,631	69,673	79,393	91,916	107,050
Kayaking*	1,227	1,347	1,474	1,680	1,960	2,333
Tailrace Fishing	2,454	2,886	3,310	3,869	4,387	4,870
Sailing*	13,064	14,342	15,704	17,895	20,718	24,129
Water Ski/Tubing*	40,484	44,444	48,664	55,454	64,200	74,771
Backpacking	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hunting	12,268	12,945	13,479	14,336	14,866	15,329
Tent/Vehicle Camp	6,134	8,178	10,642	14,030	18,202	23,302
Windsurfing	1,227	1,347	1,475	1,680	1,945	2,266
Bicycling	4,907	5,929	7,108	8,779	10,222	11,799
Picnicking	36,309	43,570	51,595	63,140	77,394	94,882
Sightseeing	32,693	40,453	49,076	60,789	75,177	92,324
Hiking	18,338	23,376	28,993	36,495	44,807	53,986
Wildlife Viewing	17,175	22,308	28,542	36,352	44,481	52,402
Using Playgrounds	1,227	1,473	1,734	2,098	2,549	3,104
Sub-total*	423,316	479,155	535,736	618,431	711,365	815,272
Total	750,468	867,855	989,756	1,162,394	1,356,110	1,574,016

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*Boating Activities

Table 3.3-13.

Lake Hickory Estimated Absorption Percentages for Reservoir

Activity	Estimated 1999 Participants	Estimated 1999 Demand	Absorption Percentage
Swimming	93,777	2,540,661	3.7%
Picnicking	36,309	1,578,994	2.3%
Camping	6,143	734,439	1.0%
Boating	423,316	2,028,673	20.9%

Table 3.3-14.

Lake Hickory 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 Hickory Share	Acreage
Swimming	2010	369,540	1 per 50,000	7.39	beaches	0.27	1.50
	2020	397,235	1 per 50,000	7.94	beaches	0.29	1.62
	2030	442,716	1 per 50,000	8.85	beaches	0.33	1.80
	2040	491,462	1 per 50,000	9.83	beaches	0.37	2.01
	2050	545,576	1 per 50,000	10.91	beaches	0.41	2.25
Picnicking	2010	443,844	1 per 500	887.69	tables	20.42	2.04
	2020	477,107	1 per 500	954.21	tables	21.95	2.19
	2030	531,733	1 per 500	1,063.47	tables	24.46	2.45
	2040	590,281	1 per 500	1,180.56	tables	27.29	2.73
	2050	655,276	1 per 500	1,310.55	tables	30.50	3.05
Camping	2010	221,922	6 per 1,000	1,331.53	campsites	13.32	3.33
	2020	238,554	6 per 1,000	1,431.32	campsites	14.31	3.58
	2030	265,867	6 per 1,000	1,595.20	campsites	15.95	3.99
	2040	295,141	6 per 1,000	1,770.84	campsites	17.80	4.45
	2050	327,638	6 per 1,000	1,965.83	campsites	19.89	4.97
Boating	2010	445,825	1 per 4000	111.46	boat ramps	23.29	23.29
	2020	479,237	1 per 4000	119.81	boat ramps	25.04	25.04
	2030	534,107	1 per 4000	133.53	boat ramps	27.91	27.91
	2040	592,916	1 per 4000	148.23	boat ramps	31.14	31.14
	2050	658,201	1 per 4000	164.55	boat ramps	34.79	34.79
					Total Acreage for 2050		45.06

3.3.5

Lake Hickory 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 picnicking, marinas, boat ramps, pump out stations, restaurants, gas pumps and restroom facilities on Lake Hickory. Through the AAII and existing agency leases additional restroom facilities will be constructed in the next 5 years to meet the identified needs. The boat ramps are being improved through Duke Power's general access area improvement plan.

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Additional marinas, pump out stations, 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 45 acres will be needed through 2050 to meet future recreational facility demand. Currently 222 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. There are also a total of three county and city parks that provide additional recreation facilities.

Some items that concerned recreationists were less or no jet skiing and additional no wake zones. Additional safety items concerning safe use of jet skis and controlling boat speed will be including in the Duke Power's lake map publication.

The following is a description of the known proposed recreational changes for Lake Hickory:

Duke Power Access

Lovelady Access Area, Caldwell County, North Carolina

The changes proposed by Duke Power in the next 5 years:

	Replace the 2 existing ramps.
	Replace the existing loading piers.Replace the existing loading piers.v
	Pave the entrance road and parking lot.

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Dusty Ridge Access Area, Alexander County, North Carolina

The changes proposed by Alexander County for this site during the Fiscal Year 2000-2001:

	Develop 3 ball fields.
	Develop 2 soccer fields.
	Develop additional parking.

The changes proposed by Duke Power in the next 5 years:

	Duke Power will remove the existing ramps and pier and replace them with 2 new ramps and 1 loading pier.
	The parking lot will be paved.

Duke Power Islands

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

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