3.5	Lake Norman

Lake Norman, the largest reservoir in the Catawba-Wateree system, is located northwest of Charlotte in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Catawba and Lincoln counties, North Carolina. Lake Norman has a surface area of about 31,984 acres and 591.6 shoreline miles at full pond elevation of 760 feet MSL.

3.5.1

Lake Norman Shoreline Classification

Table 3.5-1 summarizes the shoreline classification for Lake Norman, based on the July 2001 SMP maps.

Table 3.5-1.

Shoreline Classification for Lake Norman

Shoreline Classification	Shoreline Miles	Percent of Total
Commercial /Non-Residential	6.5	1.1%
Commercial /Residential	23.9	4.0%
Residential	310.9	52.6%
Business Industrial	2.7	0.5%
Public Recreation	2.6	0.4%
Public Infrastructure	19.8	3.3%
Project Operations	3.3	0.6%
Future Commercial/Non-Residential	15.7	2.7%
Future Commercial/Residential	30.4	5.1%
Future Residential	50.7	8.6%
Future Public Recreation	28.2	4.8%
Impact Minimization Zones	12.8	2.2%
Impact Minimization Zones (Dev)	0.5	0.0%
Environmental Area	75.7	12.8%
Natural Area	7.8	1.3%
Total	591.6	100.0%

 

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3.5.2

Lake Norman Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

Table3.5-2  Lake Norman Shallow Water Habitat Shoreline Classifications (Miles)

Table 3.4-1.

Shoreline Classification for Lookout Shoals Lake

Lake	Developed	Sand	Cobble	Woody Debris	Vegetated	Natural	Undeveloped No Critical Habitat	Total
Norman	340.3	11.5	2.2	0.3	69.1	2	143.8	569

3.5.3

Lake Norman Cultural Resources Assessment

Within the Lake Norman Study Area, there are 455 previously recorded cultural resources including 34 architectural resources and 421 archaeological sites. The architectural resources include 23 single dwellings, a church with a cemetery, 2 other cemeteries, 2 agricultural complexes, a mill, a bridge, a commercial building, a mill village, a school, and a commercial district. The architectural resources date from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries, although most of the resources date to the nineteenth century. The archeological sites range in date from the Early Archaic through the Historic cultural periods.

Approximately one-third of the archaeological sites are not associated with a specific cultural period. The majority of the sites have components that date to the Woodland period, and many contain ceramic and lithic artifacts. Only lithic artifacts were recovered at the majority of the other sites. There are 41 sites for which we do not have enough data to determine their specific functions. The integrity of the sites is varied. More than half of the sites are underwater.

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

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Twenty of the architectural resources are listed in the National Register. The single dwellings listed are the Perkins House, the Cornelius House, the Falls-Hobbs House, and the Neill-Turner-Lester House. The other listed resource is the Catawba Historic District.

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 Norman 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.

3.5.4

Lake Norman Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment

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Lake Norman Existing Recreational Areas

There are 10 developed and 3 undeveloped Duke Power owned public recreational access locations (two are leased to county recreation agencies) on Lake Norman, one state park (Lake Norman State Park, formerly Duke Power State Park), two county owned parks (Jetton Road and Blythe Landing County Parks), two county leased parks (Ramsey Creek and Stumpy Creek), and one city park (Davidson Lake Park). Figure 3.5-1 shows the public recreational access locations. In addition, there are 15 commercial non-residential and 4 commercial residential marinas that provide additional public access to Lake Norman. The following sections describe the Duke Power-owned public access areas, summarize the facilities at the state and county parks, and provide estimates of the number and types of commercial recreational access facilities at Lake Norman.

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.5-1 Lake Norman Public Recreational Access Areas

Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 119 acres of land and about 14,669 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Norman. Combined, the developed access areas have 18 public boat ramps, 7 loading piers, 1 fishing pier and about 553 vehicle/trailer and 62 car parking spaces. Table 3.5-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas. The undeveloped access areas provide about 152 acres and 8,350 feet of shoreline frontage for future public recreational development.

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In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Stumpy Creek access area (replace the 1 ramp with 2 new boat ramps, install a loading pier, and expand, light and pave the parking lot), Pinnacle access area (replace the 3 ramps with 5 new boat ramps, replace the pier with 2 new loading piers, and light the parking lot), McCrary Creek access area (replace the 2 ramps with 4 new boat ramps and light and pave the parking lot), Hager Creek access area (replace the ramp with 3 new boat ramps, install a loading pier, and pave and light the parking lot), Long Island access area (relocate the site, install two boat ramps, a loading pier, and pave the site), Little Creek access area (replace the 2 ramps with 2 new boat ramps, install a loading pier, and expand, light, and pave the parking lot), Beattys Ford access area (replace the 3 ramps with 4 new boat ramps, install 2 loading piers and expand, light, and pave the parking lot), and McGuire Fishing area (pave 5 handicapped parking spaces).

In addition, Duke Power said it would add 20 acres to the McCrary Creek site (16 acres added), add 10 acres to the Hager Creek site (8 acres added), relocate Long Island to 12 acres (relocated to 29 acres), add 5 acres to the Little Creek site (4 acres added), add 4 acres to the Beattys Ford site (7 acres added) and identify a new undeveloped 87 acre site (this is a new undeveloped 128 acre site). All of the recreation commitments from the 1994 SMP will be completed by the end of 2001. Duke Power also added two additional undeveloped sites with one at Buffalo Shoals (11 acres) and one at Slanting Bridge (13 acres).

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 3.5-3.

Lake Norman 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)
Long Island	28.8	2,015	2	1	0	0	50
Pinnacle	9.4	1,035	5	2	0	0	155
McCrary Creek	21.2	1,867	2	0	0	0	50
Marshall Fish Area	-	1,100	0	0	0	0	38
Hager Creek	28.3	3,308	4	2	0	0	120
Little Creek	7.9	1,673	1	0	0	20	20
Beatties Ford	23.7	1,871	4	2	0	0	120
McGuire Fish Area	-	1,800	0	0	1	42	0
Buffalo Shoals **	10.8	1,456	NA	NA	NA	0	NA
Island Point**	128.3	6,245	NA	NA	NA	0	NA
Slanting Bridge**	12.6	649	NA	NA	NA	0	NA
Total	271.0	23,019	18	7	1	62	553

*   Vehicle/Trailer parking area.
**  Undeveloped site.

State and County Public Recreational Facilities

There is 1 state park and 4 county parks located along the Lake Norman shoreline. Table 3.5-4 summarizes the site acreage, shoreline footage, and recreational facilities provided at the Lake Norman State Park. This facility is located in the northern portion of Lake Norman, and is owned and operated by North Carolina Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.

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Table 3.5-4.

Summary of Lake Norman State Park Public Recreational Facilities

Site Description/Facility	Number
Site Acreage	1,459
Shoreline Footage	39,850
Concrete Boat Ramps	2
Loading Pier	1
Paved Parking Spaces for Trailers	50
Paved Parking Spaces for Cars	370
Swimming Beach and Bathhouse	1 each
Concession Building	1
Primitive Group Campsites	1
Campsites without Hookups	33
Restroom/Shower	1
Picnic Tables	67
Ranger Residences	2
Maintenance Facility	1
Miles of Trail	7.5

Four county parks, Jetton Park, Blythe Landing, Ramsey Creek Park, and Stumpy Creek Access Area are located along the southern and eastern shoreline of Lake Norman. Jetton Park and Blythe Landing are owned and operated by Mecklenburg County, while Ramsey Creek Park and Stumpy Creek are operated by Mecklenburg County and Iredell County, respectively, on lands under lease from Duke Power. Table 3.5-5 summarizes the key characteristics of these facilities.

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Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access

In addition to the Duke Power-owned public access areas and the state and county parks, the public can gain access to Lake Norman through both commercial non-residential and commercial residential marinas. Private access to Lake Norman is through private marinas and private piers along the Lake Norman shoreline. Table 3.5-6 summarizes the number and types of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.5-7 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

Table 3.5-5.

Summary of County Public Recreational Facilities

Jetton Park	Blythe Landing	Ramsey Creek Park	Stumpy Creek
105 acres	11 picnic tables	46 acres	4 soccer fields
12,877 shoreline footage	6 boat ramps	3,828 shoreline frontage	120 parking spaces
1 beach area	3 picnic shelters	4 concrete boat ramps	To be completed in 2001
1 concession area	.5 miles of trail	1 floating loading pier with 8 slips	2 concrete boat ramps
3 double picnic decks with grills	157 boat parking spaces	115 paved parking spaces for trailers	1 floating loading pier
9 picnic decks with grills	101 car parking spaces	49 paved parking spaces for cars	51 paved parking spaces
1 playground	1 dockside café	4 paved parking spaces for buses
2 restrooms	1 playground	12 picnic tables
8 tennis courts	8 boat slips	3 picnic shelters with 13 tables
1.5 miles of biking trails	5 volleyball courts	15 grills
1 mile of hiking trails	2 restrooms	2 restrooms
1 office complex	1 loading pier	1 concessions/office complex
1 maintenance facility		1 playground area
		2 horseshoe pits
		1 volleyball court
		2 beach areas
		1 fishing pier
		5 miles of trails

 

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Table 3.5-6.

Summary of Lake Norman Commercial Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	Commercial Non-Residential	Commercial Residential
No. Public Marinas	15	4
No. Private Marinas	7	65
No. Wet Slips	1,903	3,398
No. Dry Slips	1,570	1,035

Table 3.5-7.

Summary of Lake Norman Private Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	No. Private Facilities
Piers	8,100

Lake Norman Recreational Use Assessment

Visitation figures at the public access areas on Lake Norman 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 Lake Norman at these sites was 387,400 visits. Figure 3.5-3 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at the Duke Power-owned Lake Norman 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.

Table 3.5-8 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 Lake Norman Duke Power-owned access areas, Ramsey Creek, Pinnacle, and Beatties Ford have the greatest amount of use at 19 percent, 17 percent, and 16 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use at the Lake Norman Duke Power-owned access areas.

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 Lake Norman for the 1999 study period totaled 492,146 visits.

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Table 3.5-8.

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

Figure 3.5-2.

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

.

Lake Norman 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 3.5-9) 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	+
5.	Amount of facility and shoreline development	+
6.	Crowding rating	-
	Total	-1

 

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Table 3.5-9.

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 3.5-10 summarizes the optimum overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. For the estimate of the boating surface acreage, the available boating surface acreage was assessed based on the 120-foot buffer for motor boating, sailing and jet skiing activity. For the available boating surface area for water skiing, an additional 150-foot buffer was excluded around the perimeter of the lake in order to account for the "no wake" zone, where water skiing activity could not occur. Table 3.5-11 provides the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Norman on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Lake Norman during the weekday was estimated at 14 percent capacity, during the weekend at 21 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 25 percent capacity for overall boating use.

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Table 3.5-10.

Lake Norman Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

Boat Activity	Usable Acreage	Use Factor	Opt. No. Boats	% Usage	Activity Mix	Persons/ Boat	Total Users
Fishing	31,793	5.0	6,358	23%	1,462	3.14	4,590
Canoe/Kayak	31,793	1.5	21,195	6%	1,272	3.26	4,147
Motor Boating	24,907	11.0	2,264	33%	747	3.90	2,913
Sailing	24,907	5.0	4,981	6%	299	3.36	1,005
Jet Skiing	24,907	5.0	4,981	15%	747	3.85	2,877
Water Skiing	18,730	14.0	1,338	17%	227	4.4	999
Total				100%	4,754		16,531

Table 3.5-11.

Lake Norman Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity

Peak Use	Weekday	% Capacity	Weekend	% Capacity	Holiday	% Capacity
No. Boats	651	14%	981	21%	1,199	25%

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 3.5-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day, in this case July 4, 1999, for Lake Norman. Figure 3.5-4 shows the boating density on Lake Norman for the peak use day and areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 3.5-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the five highest boating use days. This figure shows the areas with the most boating use 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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Based on the boat capacity study in Table 3.5-11, there are no overall crowding problems on Lake Norman. The highest capacity reached was 25% on a holiday weekend. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.5-4 (for only one day), does show several areas where the boat density is higher than the rest of the lake, but the acres available per boat are adequate for most boating activities. When averaging the five highest boat count days, Figure 3.5-5, 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 low.

Lake Norman Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 3.5-12 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Norman. 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 3.5-12.

Lake Norman Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone

County	1999	2000	2010	2020	2030	2040	2050
Cabarrus	111,064	123,404	144,126	165,168	193,710	227,183	266,441
Catawba	120,581	133,979	146,217	157,650	176,071	196,645	219,623
Cleveland	83,358	92,620	96,803	100,034	106,779	113,979	121,664
Davie	29,402	32,669	36,116	39,072	45,301	52,524	60,898
Gaston	164,090	182,322	186,268	189,339	198,875	208,891	219,412
Iredell	103,671	115,190	133,065	150,827	174,879	202,766	235,100
Lincoln	54,839	60,932	70,132	79,229	94,689	113,166	135,248
Meck- lenburg	583,475	648,305	776,521	909,800	1,099,403	1,328,519	1,605,383
Rowan	114,836	127,595	141,998	156,886	175,339	195,962	219,012
Total	1,365,316	1,517,016	1,731,246	1,948,005	2,265,046	2,639,635	3,082,781

Table 3.5-13 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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Click Here to View Full Figure 3.5-3 Lake Norman Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.5-4 Lake Norman Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Click Here to View Full Figure 3.5-5 Lake Norman Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

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Table 3.5-14 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 3.5-13. 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 3.5-15 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 Norman. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Norman facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Norman, it is estimated that 66 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 4 acres of beaches, 5 acres of picnic areas, 5 acres of campsites, and 52 acres of boat ramps.

The estimated acreage needs for the reservoir are total usable acreage needs. Usable land acreage at existing developed public recreational facilities can be counted toward meeting these needs. Duke Power sites, county and state parks, and other private and public agencies will meet these needs. There are a number of 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 Norman the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned restrooms and swimming areas. Under the AAII two counties have submitted plans for the development of additional recreational facilities at the access areas including restrooms. Lake Norman State Park is in the process of relocating their swimming area to reduce the problems at the old site. In addition, Duke Power will be offering the access areas to non-agency operators for the development of public recreation facilities.

Table 3.5-13.

Lake Norman 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*	148,779	171,277	196,146	232,025	278,691	336,675
Boat Fishing*	163,055	200,469	240,016	290,979	342,574	395,162
Bank/Pier Fish	130,775	160,782	192,500	233,373	274,754	316,931
Lake Swimming	128,433	154,597	183,047	223,010	274,696	341,232
Canoeing*	14,191	16,877	19,609	24,008	30,470	40,113
Jet Skiing*	73,671	84,812	97,126	114,892	138,000	166,712
Kayaking*	3,393	3,907	4,473	5,290	6,401	7,898
Tailrace Fishing	4,319	5,310	6,357	7,707	9,074	10,467
Sailing*	31,008	35,697	40,880	48,358	58,084	70,169
Water Ski/Tubing*	58,049	66,827	76,531	90,530	108,737	131,361
Backpacking	1,234	1,677	2,228	2,991	3,909	5,049
Hunting	4,010	4,446	4,853	5,372	5,803	6,236
Tent/Vehicle Camp	5,244	7,272	9,828	13,384	17,944	23,752
Windsurfing	4,748	5,466	6,259	7,404	8,894	10,744
Bicycling	10,797	13,622	17,016	21,755	26,275	31,467
Picnicking	42,919	53,793	66,404	84,144	106,792	135,557
Sightseeing	43,107	55,640	70,296	90,125	115,368	146,688
Hiking	15,666	20,806	26,851	34,964	44,445	55,479
Wildlife Viewing	17,087	23,106	30,725	40,466	51,271	62,626
Using Playgrounds	8,329	10,448	12,819	16,069	20,221	25,501
Sub-total*	492,146	579,866	674,781	806,082	962,957	1,148,090
Total	908,814	1,096,831	1,303,964	1,586,846	1,922,405	2,319,819

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*Boating activities

Table 3.5-14.

Lake Norman Estimated Absorption Percentages for Reservoir

Activity	Estimated 1999 Participants	Estimated 1999 Demand	Absorption Percentage
Swimming	128,433	4,231,968	3.0%
Picnicking	42,919	2,630,144	1.6%
Camping	5,244	1,024,531	0.5%
Boating	492,146	3,255,407	15.1%

 

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Table 3.5-15.

Lake Norman 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 Norman Share	Acreage
Swimming	2010	645,755	1 per 50,000	12.92	beaches	0.39	2.13
	2020	726,606	1 per 50,000	14.53	beaches	0.44	2.40
	2030	844,862	1 per 50,000	16.90	beaches	0.51	2.79
	2040	974,554	1 per 50,000	19.49	beaches	0.59	3.25
	2050	1,124,155	1 per 50,000	22.48	beaches	0.69	3.79
Picnicking	2010	775,598	1 per 500	1,551.20	tables	24.82	2.48
	2020	872,706	1 per 500	1,745.41	tables	27.93	2.79
	2030	1,014,741	1 per 500	2,029.48	tables	32.47	3.25
	2040	1,170,510	1 per 500	2,341.02	tables	37.84	3.78
	2050	1,350,191	1 per 500	2,700.38	tables	44.19	4.42
Camping	2010	387,799	6 per 1,000	2,326.79	campsites	11.63	2.91
	2020	436,353	6 per 1,000	2,618.12	campsites	13.09	3.27
	2030	507,370	6 per 1,000	3,044.22	campsites	15.22	3.81
	2040	585,255	6 per 1,000	3,511.53	campsites	17.74	4.43
	2050	675,096	6 per 1,000	4,050.57	campsites	20.72	5.18
Boating	2010	779,061	1 per 4000	194.77	boat ramps	29.41	29.41
	2020	876,602	1 per 4000	219.15	boat ramps	33.09	33.09
	2030	1,019,271	1 per 4000	254.82	boat ramps	38.48	38.48
	2040	1,175,736	1 per 4000	293.93	boat ramps	44.84	44.84
	2050	1,356,219	1 per 4000	339.05	boat ramps	52.37	52.37
					Total Acreage for 2050		65.76

 

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3.5.5

Lake Norman Proposed Recreational Enhancements

Based on comments received from the Recreation Use and Needs Survey conducted for Duke Power in 1999, the respondents indicated a need for camping, picnicking, swimming, marinas, more boat ramps, gas pumps, fishing access and restroom facilities on Lake Norman. Through the AAII and existing agency leases, additional picnicking, fishing areas and restroom facilities will be constructed in the next 5 years to meet the identified needs.

Additional marinas, gas pumps, pump out stations 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 66 acres will be needed through 2050 to meet future recreational facility demand. Currently, 401 acres of mainland and 223 acres of islands 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 is also 1 North Carolina State Park and 2 county owned parks located on the lake.

Survey respondents indicated they would like to see fewer or no jet skiing and regulation of size of boats on the lake. Additional safety items concerning safe use of jet skis and controlling boat speed will be included in the Duke Power's lake map publication.

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The known proposed recreational changes for Lake Norman follow:

Duke Power Access

Beattys Ford Access Area, Lincoln County, North Carolina

The changes proposed by Lincoln County for this site in 2001-2002:

	Install recycling and waste receptacles.
	Install picnic tables.
	Install an 18 hole disc golf course.v
	Install a restroom facility (Portable toilets will be used until the permanent building is completed).

The changes proposed by Lincoln County for this site in 2003-2004:

	Development of a walking trail.
	Installation of playground equipment.
	Construction of 1 picnic shelter.
	Roadway improvements.

The changes proposed by Lincoln County for this site in 2005-2006:

	Installation of 2 sand volleyball courts.
	Installation of 2 horseshoe courts.
	Installation of some smaller shelters.
	Extension and possible paving of the trail.

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The changes proposed by Lincoln County for this site in 2007-2008:

	Develop an outdoor classroom in a modified amphitheater style.
	Improvements to the secondary entrance and expanded parking.

Little Creek Access Area, Lincoln County, North Carolina

The changes proposed by Lincoln County for this site during 2001-2002 are to install picnic tables and benches.

Duke Power Islands

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

One island in Mecklenburg County is designated a Colonial Waterbird Nesting Area with the NCWRC to protect a Great Blue Heron rookery (nesting area) on the island. The island is off-limits to human use between April 1 and August 31 which is their nesting period. The ban on use of the island during the nesting period is enforced by the NCWRC. In cooperation with the NCWRC, the shoreline of the island was classified as Natural with lake use restrictions that do not allow construction or excavation within the project boundary. The Natural areas classification have characteristics (i.e. shallow water, significant cultural resources or significant terrestrial habitat) that make most types of development inside the project boundary undesirable from an overall Lake Management standpoint.

Mecklenburg County is also interested in leasing some of the islands and is investigating potential recreation uses for them.

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