Recreational Use & Boat Carrying Capacity
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Existing Recreational Areas
There are 2 developed Duke Power-owned public recreational access locations on Rocky Creek Lake and there is no public access to Great Falls Lake.
There are no public commercial non-residential or commercial residential marinas, and no private piers on either Great Falls Lake or Rocky Creek Lake.
Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas
The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide 21 acres and about 2,046 feet of shoreline frontage of public access on Rocky Creek Lake and none on Great Falls Lake. Combined, the developed access areas have 2 public boat ramps and about 43 parking spaces. Table 3.9-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas.
In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power did not propose to make any improvements because there are only two access areas on Rocky Creek Lake.
Table 3.9-3
Rocky Creek 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stumpy Pond | 13 | 374 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Debutary Creek | 8.3 | 1,672 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Total | 21.3 | 2,046 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 |
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Recreational Use Assessment
Visitation figures for the public access areas on Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek 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 Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake at these sites was 23,447 visits. Figure 3.9-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek 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.
Duke Power-Owned Access Areas
Table 3.9-4 provides a summary of the estimated recreational visitation based on the traffic counter data for the sampled sites during the 1999 study period. There are no private piers on Great Falls or Rocky Creek Lakes. Therefore, the total visitation estimate is based on the visitation at the public access areas, which was estimated at 23,447 visits.
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek 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 3.9-5) 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 | 0 |
| Total | -4 | |
Table 3.9-5
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 3.9-6 summarizes the assessment of the allowable overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. Because no respondents commented on the Great Falls Lake or Rocky Creek Lake for Surveys A and B, the percent usage distribution values were substituted from Mountain Island Lake. Table 3.9-7 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake during the weekday was estimated at 2 percent capacity, during the weekend at 6 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 8 percent capacity for overall boating use.
Table 3.9-6
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
| Boat Activity | Usable Acreage | Use Factor | Opt. No. Boats | % Usage | Activity Mix | Persons/ Boat | Total Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing | 1,014 | 9.0 | 113 | 40% | 45 | 3.14 | 141 |
| Canoe/Kayak | 1,014 | 2.3 | 441 | 11% | 49 | 3.26 | 160 |
| Motor Boating | 821 | 17.0 | 48 | 32% | 15 | 3.90 | 60 |
| Sailing | 821 | 9.0 | 91 | 0% | - | 3.36 | - |
| Jet Skiing | 821 | 9.0 | 91 | 8% | 8 | 3.85 | 29 |
| Water Skiing | 821 | 18.0 | 46 | 9% | 4 | 4.39 | 19 |
| Total | 100% | 121 | 409 |
Table 3.9-7
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity
| Peak Use | Weekday | % Capacity | Weekend | % Capacity | Holiday | % Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. Boats | 3 | 2% | 7 | 6% | 10 | 8% |
The overall boat carrying capacity assessment provides an assessment of the total surface area for available 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 3.9-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake. Figure 3.9-4 shows the boating density on Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake for the peak use day and denotes areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity occurred. Figure 3.9-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the four 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.
Based on the boat capacity study in Table 3.9-7, there are no crowding problems on Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake. The highest capacity reached was about 7% capacity on a holiday weekend and 5% capacity on weekends. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.9-4 (for only one day), does not show any areas where the boat density is higher than the rest of the lake. When averaging the four highest boat count days, Figure 3.9-5, there are no 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 extremely low.
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Estimated Future Recreational Demand
Table 3.9-8 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek 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 3.9-8
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone
| County | 1999 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mecklenburg | 583,475 | 648,305 | 776,521 | 909,800 | 1,099,403 | 1,328,519 | 1,605,383 |
| Cabarrus | 111,064 | 123,404 | 144,126 | 165,168 | 193,710 | 227,183 | 266,441 |
| Lincoln | 54,839 | 60,932 | 70,132 | 79,229 | 94,689 | 113,166 | 135,248 |
| Gaston | 164,090 | 182,322 | 186,268 | 189,339 | 198,875 | 208,891 | 219,412 |
| Union | 27,720 | 30,800 | 30,800 | 33,880 | 33,532 | 33,188 | 32,847 |
| York | 144,990 | 161,100 | 198,600 | 214,710 | 258,662 | 311,612 | 375,401 |
| Cherokee | 44,370 | 49,400 | 53,300 | 58,230 | 63,835 | 69,980 | 76,717 |
| Chester | 30,690 | 34,100 | 36,100 | 39,150 | 41,354 | 43,682 | 46,142 |
| Lancaster | 51,750 | 57,500 | 58,500 | 64,250 | 69,694 | 75,598 | 82,003 |
| Total | 1,212,987 | 1,347,863 | 1,554,347 | 1,753,756 | 2,053,754 | 2,411,819 | 2,839,594 |
Table 3.9-9 provides the estimated recreational use for the impact zone through the year 2050. Current use estimates are based on spot counts and responses to surveys. The recreational use projections were estimated by computing the projected population increase for the impact zone and incorporating indexed values for future recreational use for the various activities. The index values for each activity were obtained from "Outdoor Recreation in American Life: A National Assessment of Demand and Supply Trends" (Cordell, 1999). The indices are based on models that incorporate a number of variables, including age structure of the population, income, race, sex, and population density, as well as other explanatory variables. Full model parameters and estimates are available from the author.
Table 3.9-10 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 3.9-9. 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 SCORP data and 1995 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 (days of participation numbers specific to South Carolina are not available). 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 3.9-11 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 Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes. The acreage needs are then based on the Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes are relatively remote areas that offer a more primitive experience. The number of roads that access areas near the shoreline is low, especially on the eastern side of the lake. The lakes receive relatively low levels of use for most activities and no camping occurs. More than one-quarter of the shoreline has been set aside for future public recreation. It would be anticipated that much of this land would remain in an undeveloped state to be used by the public for activities such as bank fishing that do not require large scale facilities. For Great Falls and Rocky Creek Lakes, it is estimated that 2 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 0 acres of beaches, 1 acres of picnic areas, 0 acres of campsites, and 1 acre of boat ramps.
The estimated acreage needs for the reservoir are total usable acreage needs. Usable land acreage at existing 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 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.
For Rocky Creek Lake, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned were for picnic tables and better boat ramps. Duke Power does not propose to install picnic tables at either of the sites because of the potential vandalism that could occur at unsupervised access areas. Duke Power has planned for the improvement of the Stumpy Pond access area during the next five-year period. In addition Duke Power relocated the Debutary boat ramp because of silting problems at the old ramp location.
Table 3.9-9
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek 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* | 1,465 | 1,705 | 1,957 | 2,315 | 2,780 | 3,358 |
| Boat Fishing* | 13,189 | 16,373 | 19,653 | 23,822 | 28,040 | 32,338 |
| Bank/Pier Fish | 1,465 | 1,819 | 2,184 | 2,647 | 3,116 | 3,593 |
| Lake Swimming | 2,931 | 3,563 | 4,230 | 5,152 | 6,345 | 7,880 |
| Canoeing* | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jet Skiing* | 1,465 | 1,705 | 1,957 | 2,315 | 2,780 | 3,358 |
| Kayaking* | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tailrace Fishing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sailing* | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Water Ski/Tubing* | 1,465 | 1,705 | 1,957 | 2,315 | 2,780 | 3,358 |
| Backpacking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hunting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tent/Vehicle Camp | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Windsurfing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bicycling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Picnicking | 1,465 | 1,854 | 2,295 | 2,907 | 3,689 | 4,682 |
| Sightseeing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hiking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wildlife Viewing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Using Playgrounds | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sub-total* | 17,584 | 21,488 | 25,524 | 30,767 | 36,380 | 42,412 |
| Total | 23,447 | 28,724 | 34,233 | 41,473 | 49,530 | 58,567 |
* Boating Activities
Table 3.9-10
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Estimated Absorption Percentages for Reservoir
| Activity | Estimated 1999 Participants | Estimated 1999 Demand | Absorption Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | 1,465 | 2,994,294 | 0.1% |
| Picnicking | 2,931 | 4,817,900 | 0.1% |
| Camping | 0 | 1,166,381 | 0% |
| Boating | 17,584 | 3,002,142 | 0.6% |
Table 3.9-11
Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek 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 | Great Falls Lake and Rocky Creek Lake Share | Acreage |
| Swimming | 2010 | 579,771 | 1 per 50,000 | 11.60 | beaches | 0.01 | 0.06 |
| 2020 | 654,151 | 1 per 50,000 | 13.08 | beaches | 0.01 | 0.07 | |
| 2030 | 766,050 | 1 per 50,000 | 15.32 | beaches | 0.02 | 0.08 | |
| 2040 | 899,609 | 1 per 50,000 | 17.99 | beaches | 0.02 | 0.10 | |
| 2050 | 1,037,497 | 1 per 50,000 | 20.75 | beaches | 0.02 | 0.12 | |
| Picnicking | 2010 | 696,347 | 1 per 500 | 1,392.69 | tables | 1.39 | 0.14 |
| 2020 | 785,683 | 1 per 500 | 1,571.37 | tables | 1.57 | 0.16 | |
| 2030 | 920,082 | 1 per 500 | 1,840.16 | tables | 1.84 | 0.18 | |
| 2040 | 1,080,495 | 1 per 500 | 2,160.99 | tables | 2.16 | 0.22 | |
| 2050 | 1,246,109 | 1 per 500 | 2,492.22 | tables | 2.54 | 0.25 | |
| Camping | 2010 | 348,174 | 6 per 1,000 | 2,089.04 | campsites | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 2020 | 392,841 | 6 per 1,000 | 2,357.05 | campsites | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 2030 | 460,041 | 6 per 1,000 | 2,760.25 | campsites | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 2040 | 540,248 | 6 per 1,000 | 3,241.49 | campsites | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 2050 | 623,054 | 6 per 1,000 | 3,738.33 | campsites | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Boating | 2010 | 699,456 | 1 per 4000 | 174.86 | boat ramps | 0.70 | 0.70 |
| 2020 | 789,190 | 1 per 4000 | 197.30 | boat ramps | 0.79 | 0.79 | |
| 2030 | 924,189 | 1 per 4000 | 231.05 | boat ramps | 0.92 | 0.92 | |
| 2040 | 1,085,319 | 1 per 4000 | 271.33 | boat ramps | 1.09 | 1.09 | |
| 2050 | 1,251,672 | 1 per 4000 | 312.92 | boat ramps | 1.28 | 1.28 | |
| Total Acreage for 2050 | 1.65 | ||||||
