3.4	Lookout Shoals Lake

Lookout Shoals Lake is the second smallest lake within the Catawba-Wateree system, located downstream of Lake Hickory west of Statesville in Alexander, Catawba, and Iredell counties, North Carolina. Lookout Shoals Lake has a surface area of about 1,208 acres and 36.3 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 838.1 feet MSL.

3.4.1

Lookout Shoals Lake Shoreline Classification

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Table 3.4-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lookout Shoals Lake, based on the July 2001 SMP maps.

Table 3.4-1.

Shoreline Classification for Lookout Shoals Lake

s

Shoreline Classification	Shoreline Miles	Percent of Total
Commercial /Non-Residential	0.0	0.0%
Commercial /Residential	0.7	1.9%
Residential	6.8	18.7%
Business Industrial	0.0	0.0%
Public Recreation	0.1	0.0%
Public Infrastructure	0.4	1.1%
Project Operations	1.7	4.7%
Future Commercial/Non-Residential	3.3	9.1%
Future Commercial/Residential	0.7	1.9%
Future Residential	2.3	6.3%
Future Public Recreation	2.5	6.9%
Impact Minimization Zones	3.9	10.7%
Impact Minimization Zones (Dev)	0.0	0.0%
Environmental Area	8.7	24.0%
Natural Area	5.1	14.0%
Total	36.3	100.0%

3.4.2

Lookout Shoals Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

Table 3.4-2 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lookout Shoals Lake, based on the results of the SWFHS.

Table 3.4-2.

Lookout Shoals Lake Shallow Water Habitat Shoreline Classifications (Miles)

Lake	Developed	Sand	Cobble	Woody Debris	Vegetated	Natural	Undeveloped No Critical Habitat	Total
Lookout Shoals	7.6	2.7	1.2	0.4	6.7	0.3	14.2	33

 

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3.4.3

Lookout Shoals Lake Cultural Resources Assessment

Within the Lookout Shoals Lake Study Area, there are 7 cultural resources including 3 architectural and 4 recorded archaeological sites. Architectural resources include a single dwelling, a bridge, and a commercial building. The architectural resources date from the late nineteenth century to the twentieth century. The archeological sites are from the Historic period.

All of the archaeological sites are from the Historic period. Three of the sites are domestic sites. None of the archaeological sites are listed in the National Register.

There are no architectural resources within the Lookout Shoals Lake 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 Lookout Shoals Lake 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.

3.4.4

Lookout Shoals Lake Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment

Lookout Shoals Lake Existing Recreational Areas

There are 2 developed Duke Power-owned public recreational access areas on Lookout Shoals Lake. There are no state or county park facilities located along the lake, and Figure 3.4-1 shows the public recreational access locations. There are two commercial residential marinas on Lookout Shoals Lake. There are no public commercial non-residential marinas located on Lookout Shoals Lake. The following sections describe the Duke Power-owned public access area facilities at Lookout Shoals Lake.

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Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 39 acres and about 2,492 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lookout Shoals Lake. Combined, the developed access areas have 3 public boat ramps, 4 loading piers, and about 74 vehicle/trailer parking spaces. Table 3.4-3 summarizes the facilities at these public access areas.

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.4-1 Lookout Shoals Lake Public Recreational Access Areas

In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Lookout Shoals access area (replace 2 ramps with 2 new boat ramps, pave the site and light the parking area) and Sharon access area (replace the ramp with a new ramp, pave the site and light the parking area). The Lookout Shoals access area improvements will be completed in 2001 and the Sharon improvements will be completed in early 2002, in order not to have both sites closed at the same time, which will meet all of the 1994 SMP commitments. In addition, Duke Power has added 23 acres of land to the Lookout Shoals site.

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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 3.4-3.

Lookout Shoals Lake 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)
Lookout Shoals	30.3	2,237	2	3	0	0	50
Sharon	8.8	255	1	1	0	0	24
Total	39.1	2,492	3	4	0	0	74

*  Vehicle/Trailer parking area.

Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access

There are, currently, no public marinas on Lookout Shoals Lake. Private access to Lookout Shoals Lake is through private marinas and private piers along the Lookout Shoals Lake shoreline. Table 3.4-4 summarizes the number and types of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.4-5 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

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Table 3.4-4.

Summary of Lookout Shoals Lake Commercial Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	Commercial Non-Residential	Commercial Residential
Public Marinas	0	0
Private Marinas	0	2
Wet Slips	0	13
Dry Slips	0	0

Table 3.4-5.

Summary of Lookout Shoals Lake Private Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	No. Private Facilities
Piers	250

Lookout Shoals Lake Recreational Use Assessment

Visitation figures at the public access areas on Lookout Shoals Lake were derived based on estimates of the traffic entering the Duke Power-owned public access areas. Total estimated visitation during the 1999 study period for Lookout Shoals Lake at these sites was 48,780 visits. Figure 3.4-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lookout Shoals Lake 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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Figure 3.4-2.

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

.

Table 3.4-6 provides a summary of the estimated recreational visitation based on the traffic counter data for the sampled sites during the 1999 study period. 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 a ratio of 1.3 to 1. The estimated overall recreational visitation for Lookout Shoals Lake for the 1999 study period totaled 63,605 visits.

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Table 3.4-6.

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

Lookout Shoals Lake 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 3.4-7) 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	0
6.	Crowding rating	0
	Total	-3

Table 3.4-7.

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

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 3.4-8 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 3.4-9 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lookout Shoals Lake on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Lookout Shoals Lake during the weekday was estimated at 21 percent capacity, during the weekend at 16 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 44 percent capacity for overall boating use.

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Table 3.4-8.

Lookout Shoals Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

Boat Activity	Usable Acreage	Use Factor	Opt. No. Boats	% Usage	Boat Activity Mix	Persons/ Boat	Total Users
Fishing	1,305	8.0	163	42%	68	3.14	215
Canoe/Kayak	1,305	2.0	653	6%	42	3.26	137
Motor Boating	898	15.0	60	16%	10	3.90	38
Sailing	898	8.0	112	3%	4	3.36	12
Jet Skiing	898	8.0	112	19%	22	3.85	84
Water Skiing	898	17.0	53	13%	7	4.39	30
Total				100%	152		515

Table 3.4-9.

Lookout Shoals Lake Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity

Peak Use	Weekday	% Capacity	Weekend	% Capacity	Holiday	% Capacity
No. boats	32	21%	24	16%	67	44%

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 3.4-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lookout Shoals Lake. Figure 3.4-4 shows the boating density on Lookout Shoals Lake for the peak use day and denotes areas where the greatest clustering of boating activity occurred. Figure 3.4-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the three 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 with high density boating during this same period.

Based on the boat capacity study in Table 3.4-9, there are no crowding problems on Lookout Shoals Lake. The highest capacity reached was 44% on a holiday weekend. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.4-4 (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 three highest boat count days, Figure 3.4-5, there is only one area where boat density is higher than the rest of the lake. For all of the remaining times during the year the boat density levels are very low.

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Click Here to View Full Figure 3.4-3 Lookout Shoals Lake Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.4-4 Lookout Shoals Lake Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.4-5 Lookout Shoals Lake Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

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Lookout Shoals Lake Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 3.4-10 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lookout Shoals Lake. 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 3.4-10.

Lookout Shoals Lake 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
Wilkes	176,416	64,407	66,789	68,158	72,777	77,710	82,976
Alexander	29121	32,357	36,056	39,314	45,333	52,273	60,275
Watauga	37,759	41,954	45,542	48,552	51,821	55,310	59,033
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
Davie	29,402	32,669	36,116	39,072	45,301	52,524	60,898
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	794,942	751,658	817,820	877,667	979,473	1,094,732	1,225,404

Table 3.4-11 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.

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Table 3.4-12 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 3.4-11. 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%; 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 3.4-13 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 Lookout Shoals Lake. The acreage needs are then based on the Lookout Shoals Lake facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lookout Shoals Lake, it is estimated that 8 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 1 acre of beaches, 1 acre of picnic areas, 2 acres of campsites, and 4 acres of boat ramps.

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

At Lookout Shoals Lake the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned fishing access and picnic tables. Currently there are two access points where bank fishing can take place. Duke will work with the agencies to identify additional fishing opportunities on the development.

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Table 3.4-11.

Lookout Shoals Lake 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*	9,031	9,916	10,840	12,359	14,315	16,680
Boat Fishing*	28,809	33,887	38,809	45,386	51,490	57,187
Bank/Pier Fish	15,972	18,787	21,516	25,163	28,547	31,706
Lake Swimming	21,868	25,160	28,481	33,479	39,803	47,739
Canoeing*	3,612	4,104	4,555	5,382	6,600	8,406
Jet Skiing*	12,360	13,571	14,836	16,914	19,591	22,828
Kayaking*	0	0	0	0	0	0
Tailrace Fishing	3,612	4,249	4,866	5,691	6,456	7,171
Sailing*	2,567	2,819	3,082	3,513	4,069	4,742
Water Ski/Tubing*	7,225	7,933	8,672	9,887	11,452	13,344
Backpacking	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hunting	5,419	5,719	5,945	6,326	6,563	6,771
Tent/Vehicle Camp	3,612	4,817	6,260	8,256	10,716	13,724
Windsurfing	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bicycling	0	0	0	0	0	0
Picnicking	8,747	10,498	12,413	15,198	18,637	22,858
Sightseeing	5,419	6,706	8,123	10,067	12,455	15,303
Hiking	0	0	0	0	0	0
Wildlife Viewing	3,612	4,693	5,996	7,640	9,353	11,023
Using Playgrounds	0	0	0	0	0	0
Sub-total*	63,604	72,230	80,794	93,441	107,517	123,187
Total	131,867	152,859	174,394	205,261	240,047	279,482

*Boating activities

Table 3.4-12.

Lookout Shoals Lake Estimated Absorption Percentage for Reservoirv

Activity	Estimated 1999 Participants	Estimated 1999 Demand	Absorption Percentage
Swimming	21,868	2,464,026	0.9%
Picnicking	8,747	1,531,376	0.5%
Camping	3,612	596,524	0.6%
Boating	63,604	1,967,481	3.2%

 

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Table 3.4-13.

Lookout Shoals Lake Estimated Recreational Facility Land Acreage Needs

A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
Activity	Year	Weighted Population	Facility Standard	Facility Need	Facility Class	Lookout Shoals Lake Share	Acreage
Swimming	2010	305,047	1 per 50,000	6.10	beaches	0.05	0.30
	2020	327,370	1 per 50,000	6.55	beaches	0.06	0.32
	2030	365,343	1 per 50,000	7.31	beaches	0.07	0.36
	2040	405,773	1 per 50,000	8.12	beaches	0.07	0.40
	2050	450,676	1 per 50,000	9.01	beaches	0.08	0.45
Picnicking	2010	366,383	1 per 500	732.77	tables	3.66	0.37
	2020	393,195	1 per 500	786.39	tables	3.93	0.39
	2030	438,804	1 per 500	877.61	tables	4.39	0.44
	2040	487,363	1 per 500	974.73	tables	4.90	0.49
	2050	541,295	1 per 500	1,082.59	tables	5.49	0.55
Camping	2010	183,192	6 per 1,000	1,099.15	campsites	6.59	1.65
	2020	196,597	6 per 1,000	1,179.58	campsites	7.08	1.77
	2030	219,402	6 per 1,000	1,316.41	campsites	7.90	1.97
	2040	243,681	6 per 1,000	1,462.09	campsites	8.83	2.21
	2050	270,647	6 per 1,000	1,623.88	campsites	9.88	2.47
Boating	2010	368,019	1 per 4000	92.00	boat ramps	2.94	2.94
	2020	394,950	1 per 4000	98.74	boat ramps	3.16	3.16
	2030	440,763	1 per 4000	110.19	boat ramps	3.53	3.53
	2040	489,538	1 per 4000	122.38	boat ramps	3.94	3.94
	2050	543,711	1 per 4000	135.93	boat ramps	4.41	4.41
					Total Acreage for 2050		7.88

 

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3.4.5

Lookout Shoals Lake 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, swimming areas, fishing areas, gas pumps and restroom facilities on Lookout Shoals Lake. Additional marinas, fishing areas, restrooms, gas pumps and other facilities may 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 population projections and facility standards and estimated acreage needs for the facility class, approximately 8 acres will be needed through 2050 to meet future recreational facility demand. Currently 39 acres of mainland and 47 acres of islands have been reserved for recreational use. The majority of the land is good topographically with good road and lake access.

Some survey respondents said they would like to see increased regulation of jet skies and control of aquatic vegetation. Additional safety items concerning safe use of jet skis and controlling boat speed will be including in the Duke Power's lake map publication. Duke Power has been working with state agencies for several years to watch the aquatic weeds on the lake and take appropriate action when necessary.

The known proposed recreational changes for Lookout Shoals Lake follow:

Duke Power Access

Sharon Access Area, Iredell County, North Carolina

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

	Replace the existing boat ramp.
	Install a new loading pier.
	Pave the entrance road and parking lot.

Duke Power Islands

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

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