Cover ImageDuke Power
Final Shoreline Management
Plan Update for the
Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project

(FERC No. 2232)

Volume I SMP Update


Submitted by:

Duke Power, A Division of
Duke Energy Corporation

Group Environment
Health & Safety
Lake Management

July 30, 2001

Prepared by:
The Louis Berger Group, Inc.
Needham, MA

Table of Contents
Lake Assessment
Lake James
Lake James Shoreline Classification
Lake James Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake James Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake James Recreational Use and Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake James Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Rhodhiss
Lake Rhodhiss Shoreline Classification
Lake Rhodhiss Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Rhodhiss Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Rhodhiss Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Rhodhiss Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Hickory
Lake Hickory Shoreline Classification
Lake Hickory Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Hickory Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Hickory Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Hickory Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lookout Shoals Lake
Lookout Shoals Lake Shoreline Classification
Lookout Shoals Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lookout Shoals Lake Cultural Resources Assessment
Lookout Shoals Lake Recreational Use and Carrying
Capacity Assessment
Lookout Shoals Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Norman
Lake Norman Shoreline Classification
Lake Norman Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Norman Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Norman Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Norman Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Mountain Island Lake
Mountain Island Lake Shoreline Classification
Mountain Island Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Mountain Island Lake Cultural Resources Assessment
Mountain Island Lake Recreational Use and Carrying
Capacity Assessment
Mountain Island Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie Shoreline Classification
Lake Wylie Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Lake Wylie Cultural Resources Assessment
Lake Wylie Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Wylie Proposed Recreational Enhancements
Fishing Creek Lake
Fishing Creek Lake Shoreline Classification
Fishing Creek Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey
Fishing Creek Lake Cultural Resources Assessment
Fishing Creek Lake Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment
Fishing Creek Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements

3.9
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake

3.9.1
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Shoreline Classification

3.9.2
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

3.9.3
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Cultural Resources Assessment

3.9.4
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment

3.9.5
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Proposed Recreational Enhancements

3.10
Lake Wateree

3.10.1
Lake Wateree Shoreline Classification

3.10.2
Lake Wateree Shallow Water Fish Habitat Survey

3.10.3
Lake Wateree Cultural Resources Assessment

3.10.4
Lake Wateree Recreational Use and Carrying Capacity Assessment

3.10.5
Lake Wateree Proposed Recreational Enhancements

 
3.5 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

Figure 3.5-1

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

Figure 3.5-2.

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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Figure 3.5-3

Lake Norman Peak Use Day Boat Counts

Figure 3.5-3

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Figure 3.5-4

Lake Norman Peak Use Day Boat Density Map

Figure 3.5-4

Click Here to View Full
Figure 3.5-5

Lake Norman Composite Peak Use Boat Density Map

Figure 3.5-5

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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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