Recreational Use & Carrying Capacity Assessment
Lake Hickory Existing Recreational Areas
There are 5 developed and 1 undeveloped Duke Power-owned public recreational access locations on Lake Hickory. There are 2 city parks operated by the City of Hickory, John Geitner Park and Glen C. Hilton Park, and a county park, River Bend Park, located about 800 feet downstream of the Oxford dam and operated by Catawba County. Figure 3.3-1 shows the public recreational access locations. In addition, there are 7 commercial non-residential marinas that provide additional public access to the lake. The following sections describe the Duke Power-owned public access areas, summarize the facilities at the county parks, and provide estimates of the number and type of commercial recreational access facilities at Lake Hickory.
Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas
The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 222 acres of land and 20,108 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Hickory. Combined, the developed access areas have 16 public boat ramps, 9 loading piers, 3 fishing piers, and about 445 parking spaces for car/trailers and 34 spaces for cars. Table 3.3-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas. The undeveloped access area provides about 20 acres and 551 feet of shoreline frontage for future public recreational development.
In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Gunpowder access area (replace 1 ramp with 2 new boat ramps and replace the pier), the Lovelady access area (replace 1 ramp with 2 new boat ramps), the Wittenburg access area (replace 3 ramps with 6 new boat ramps, replace the piers with 3 new piers, light the site, and provide 165 paved parking spaces), and the Dusty Ridge access area (replace the 2 boat ramps, replace the pier, and pave the site). In addition, Duke Power said it would add 5 acres to the Gunpowder site (8 acres added) and 35 acres to the Lovelady site (42 added). All of the commitments from the 1994 SMP will be completed by the end of 2001. Additional projects that have been completed are the provision of handicapped fishing opportunities at the Wittenburg access area in cooperation with the NCWRC and the relocation of the Long Shoals access area on 53 acres of land (4 new boat ramps, 2 new loading piers, 120 paved parking spaces, and lighting of the site).
The NCWRC has entered into a creative partnership with Duke Power for the maintenance and operation of the non-leased access areas. Under this agreement Duke Power pays the NCWRC to maintain the access areas and the NCWRC makes at least the same capital dollar amount available to Duke Power, and agency lessees for the non boat launching portion of the access areas, for improvements that will help the boating public. This agreement is a continuation of a long established partnership with the NCWRC with the added benefit of designated cost sharing capital dollars for access area improvements.
Table 3.3-3
Lake Hickory Duke Power-owned Public Access Areas
| Access Area Name | Acreage | Shoreline Frontage (ft) |
Boat Ramps | Loading Piers | Fishing Piers | Car Parking (Spaces) |
V/T* Parking (Spaces) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunpowder | 13.3 | 2,590 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| Lovelady | 44.1 | 1,965 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| Wittenburg | 13.1 | 3,358 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 34 | 165 |
| Dusty Ridge | 78.9 | 5,027 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| Oxford | 52.9 | 6,617 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 120 |
| Long Shoals ** | 20.1 | 551 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Total | 222.4 | 20,108 | 16 | 9 | 3 | 34 | 445 |
* Vehicle/Trailer parking area
** Undeveloped sites
County and City Public Recreational Facilities
There are 1 county park and 2 city park facilities located along the Lake Hickory shoreline. The 2 city parks, Glen C. Hilton Park and John Geitner Park, are located along the upper portion of Lake Hickory along the southern shoreline and are owned and operated by the City of Hickory. The City of Hickory also has two undeveloped park sites on the lake. The River Bend Park is located approximately 800 feet downstream of the Oxford Hydroelectric Station and is operated by Catawba County. Table 3.3-4 summarizes the key characteristics of these facilities.
Table 3.3-4
Summary of County and City Public Recreational Facilities
| Glen C. Hilton Park | John Geitner Park | River Bend Park |
|---|---|---|
| 5 picnic shelters | 1 fishing access | 1 fishing pier |
| 2 playgrounds | 1 picnic shelter | 6 miles of hiking trails |
| 2 miles walking trails | 1 boat ramp | Canoe access |
| 3 fishing access areas | 1 boat dock | Restrooms |
| 1 canoe launch | 3.3 miles of horse/bike trails |
Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access
In addition to the Duke Power-owned public access areas and the city and county parks, the public and lake neighbors can gain access to Lake Hickory through commercial non-residential and commercial residential marinas, respectively. Private access to Lake Hickory is through private marinas and private piers along the Lake Hickory shoreline. Table 3.3-5 shows the number and types of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.3-6 shows the estimated number of private piers.
Table 3.3-5
Summary of Lake Hickory Commercial Recreational Access Facilities
| Type of Facility | Commercial Non-Residential |
Commercial Residential |
|---|---|---|
| Public Marinas | 7 | 0 |
| Private Marinas | 1 | 6 |
| Wet Slips | 349 | 95 |
| Dry Slips | 735 | 0 |
Table 3.3-6
Summary of Lake Hickory Private Recreational Access Facilities
| Type of Facility | No. Private Facilities |
|---|---|
| Piers | 2,200 |
Lake Hickory Recreational Use Assessment
Visitation figures at the public access areas on Lake Hickory were derived based on estimates of the traffic entering the Duke Power-owned public access areas. For the 1999 study period, there were an estimated total of 299,009 visits for Lake Hickory at these sites. Figure 3.3-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake Hickory for the Duke Power-owned public access areas during the 1999 study period. A visit is considered a vehicle or vehicle/trailer entering the site for any part of a day.
Table 3.3-7 provides a summary of the estimated recreational visitation based on the traffic counter data for the sampled sites during the 1999 study period. Of the Duke Power-owned Lake Hickory access areas, those experiencing the greatest usage were Wittenburg and Oxford with estimates of 43 percent and 28 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use.
Based on survey data input, the estimated ratio for annual visits to the project area for Survey B respondents (respondents that use both public and private access areas) compared to Survey C respondents (respondents at the public access areas) was 1.41 to 1. The estimated overall recreational visitation for Lake Hickory for the 1999 study period totaled 423,317 visits.
Lake Hickory Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
The overall boat carrying capacity is assessed based on the peak boating use estimates obtained during the flyovers in the 1999 study period. The available boating acreage was adjusted from the base boats per acreage estimate (see Table 3.3-8) by the following factors (Warren and Rea, 1989):
| Factor | Adjustment | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Location of the lake in relation to population served | 0 |
| 2. | Multiple use of water area | - |
| 3. | Shoreline configuration | - |
| 4. | Amount of open water | - |
| 5. | Amount of facility and shoreline development | + |
| 6. | Crowding rating | - |
| Total | -3 | |
Table 3.3-7
Boat Type Acreage Adjustment
(Source: Modified from Warren and Rea, 1989)
| Boat Activity Type | Low | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | Base | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing | 10.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| Canoe/kayak | 2.5 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Motor boating | 18.0 | 17.0 | 15.0 | 13.0 | 11.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Sailing | 10.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| Jet skiing | 10.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| Water skiing | 20.0 | 18.0 | 17.0 | 15.0 | 14.0 | 12.0 | 11.0 | 10.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
Table 3.3-9 summarizes the assessment of the optimum overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. Table 3.3-10 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Hickory on the peak day during the 1999 study period. During the weekday, Lake Hickory was estimated at 38 percent capacity; during the weekend, at 55 percent capacity; and during the peak holiday period, at 71 percent capacity for overall boating use.
Table 3.3-9
Lake Hickory Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
| Boat Activity | Usable Acreage | Use Factor | Opt. No. Boats | % Usage | Boat Activity Mix |
Persons/ Boat | Total Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing | 4,223 | 8.0 | 528 | 33% | 174 | 3.14 | 546 |
| Canoe/Kayak | 4,223 | 2.0 | 2,111 | 6% | 127 | 3.26 | 414 |
| Motor Boating | 2,827 | 15.0 | 188 | 29% | 55 | 3.90 | 215 |
| Sailing | 2,827 | 8.0 | 353 | 4% | 14 | 3.36 | 47 |
| Jet Skiing | 2,827 | 8.0 | 353 | 15% | 53 | 3.85 | 204 |
| Water Skiing | 2,827 | 17.0 | 166 | 13% | 22 | 4.39 | 97 |
| Total | 100% | 445 | 1,524 |
Table 3.3-10
Lake Hickory Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity
| Peak Use | Weekday | % Capacity | Weekend | % Capacity | Holiday | % Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. Boats | 168 | 38% | 243 | 55% | 317 | 71% |
The optimum boat carrying capacity assessment provides an assessment of the total surface area available for boating use. To assess the areas of the lakes with higher density of boating use, the general location of boating activity was recorded during the flyovers for each day of aerial coverage. Figure 3.3-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lake Hickory. Figure 3.3-4 shows the boating density on Lake Hickory for the peak use day, and denotes areas where the greatest clustering of boating activity occurred. Figure 3.3-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the five highest boating use days. This figure illustrates the areas where boating use most often occurred during the peak use days during the study period, and provides an assessment of areas where high density boating occurred during this same period.
Based on the boat capacity study in Table 3.3-10, Lake Hickory reaches about 55% capacity on weekends and 72% capacity on holiday weekends. Even though the boat capacity is high for the holiday weekends, the remaining time the boat capacity is low to moderate. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.3-4 (for only one day), does show three areas where the boat density is higher than the rest of the lake, but the acres available per boat for are adequate for all boating activities. When averaging the five highest boat count days, Figure 3.3-5, there are only two areas where boat densities are higher than the rest of the lake. For all of the remaining times during the year the boat density levels are moderate.
Lake Hickory Estimated Future Recreational Demand
Table 3.3-11 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Hickory. Population projections were conducted for the impact zone using a combination of 1970 - 1990 population data and 2000 and 2010 population projections from U.S. Census Bureau data; these figures were used to make projections for 2030, 2040, and 2050.
Table 3.3-11
Lake Hickory Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone
| County | 1999 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burke | 77,086 | 85,651 | 92,340 | 98,366 | 108,595 | 119,888 | 132,355 |
| Buncombe | 176,416 | 196,018 | 213,232 | 229,759 | 251,935 | 276,251 | 302,914 |
| Alexander | 29,121 | 32,357 | 36,056 | 39,314 | 45,333 | 52,273 | 60,275 |
| Watauga | 37,759 | 41,954 | 45,542 | 48,552 | 56,388 | 65,488 | 76,056 |
| Avery | 14,149 | 15,721 | 16,002 | 16,054 | 16,853 | 17,692 | 18,573 |
| Caldwell | 68,560 | 76,178 | 78,758 | 80,411 | 86,374 | 92,779 | 99,659 |
| Rutherford | 54,126 | 60,140 | 62,576 | 64,776 | 69,009 | 73,519 | 78,323 |
| Cleveland | 83,358 | 92,620 | 96,803 | 100,034 | 106,779 | 113,979 | 121,664 |
| Lincoln | 54,839 | 60,932 | 70,132 | 79,229 | 94,689 | 113,166 | 135,248 |
| Catawba | 120,581 | 133,979 | 146,217 | 157,650 | 176,071 | 196,645 | 219,623 |
| Iredell | 103,671 | 115,190 | 133,065 | 150,827 | 174,879 | 202,766 | 235,100 |
| Total | 819,666 | 910,740 | 990,723 | 1,064,972 | 1,186,905 | 1,324,446 | 1,479,790 |
Table 3.3-12 provides the estimated recreational use for the impact zone through the year 2050. Current use estimates are based on spot counts and responses to surveys. The recreational use projections were estimated by computing the projected population increase for the impact zone and incorporating indexed values for future recreational use for the various activities. The index values for each activity were obtained from "Outdoor Recreation in American Life: A National Assessment of Demand and Supply Trends" (Cordell, 1999). The indices are based on models that incorporate a number of variables, including age structure of the population, income, race, sex, and population density, as well as other explanatory variables. Full model parameters and estimates are available from the author.
Table 3.3-13 shows the estimated absorption percentage for the four major recreation activities that require specific lands and facilities. Picnicking, swimming, camping, and boating are activities that require specific developed facilities. The other activities listed are dispersed activities that can take place at a variety of undeveloped areas. The estimated 1999 use levels are from Table 3.3-12. The estimated demand is based on the impact zone population (population of all counties within 50-60 miles of the lake). The impact zone population is multiplied by the participation rate for the activity, which was obtained from "Emerging Markets for Outdoor Recreation in the United States: Based on the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment" (Cordell et al., 1996). Participation rates are for the South and are similar to 1995 North Carolina and South Carolina SCORP data. Specific participation rates are as follows: swimming, 37.3%; picnicking, 44.8%; camping, 22.4%; and boating, 45.0%. The product of the impact zone population and participation rates are then multiplied by the estimated of number of days of participation for each activity, which were obtained from the 1995 North Carolina SCORP. The 1999 estimated number of participants for each activity was then divided by the 1999 estimated demand to obtain the estimated absorption percentage. Absorption percentage is defined as the percent of total demand for the impact zone that is met by the individual lake.
Table 3.3-14 provides the estimate of the recreational facilities land acreage needed to meet the future recreational demand through the year 2050. The weighted population is the estimated impact zone population multiplied by the participation rate for each activity. The facility standards and estimated acreage needs for the facility class are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreational Facilities. The facility need is the total facility need for the impact zone based on the weighted population and the facility standards. The total facility need is then multiplied by the absorption percentage to determine the facility need for Lake Hickory. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Hickory facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Hickory, it is estimated that 45 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 2 acres of beaches, 3 acres of picnic areas, 5 acres of campsites, and 35 acres of boat ramps.
The estimated acreage needs for the reservoir are total usable acreage needs. Usable land acreage at existing developed public recreation facilities can be counted toward meeting these needs. Duke Power sites, county and state parks, and other private and public agencies will meet these needs. There are a number of state and county parks that are located on lands leased from Duke Power. These areas are not included in the discussion, as Duke Power owned access areas. Duke Power is expected to meet a portion of the future recreational land needs. The entire estimated need will be met by a combination of opportunities from all sources.
At Lake Hickory the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned restrooms and a picnic area. A picnic area and restrooms are proposed at the Dusty Ridge access area to help meet theses needs.
Table 3.3-12
Lake Hickory Estimated Future Recreational Use
| Activity | Est. 1999 Rec Use | Rec Use 2010 | Rec Use 2020 | Rec Use 2030 | Rec Use 2040 | Rec Use 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Boating* | 116,289 | 127,665 | 139,786 | 159,288 | 184,412 | 214,777 |
| Boat Fishing* | 175,093 | 205,919 | 236,193 | 276,093 | 313,067 | 347,538 |
| Bank/Pier Fishing | 100,643 | 118,362 | 135,763 | 158,698 | 179,950 | 199,764 |
| Lake Swimming | 93,777 | 107,873 | 122,303 | 143,697 | 170,765 | 204,716 |
| Canoeing* | 19,198 | 21,807 | 24,242 | 28,628 | 35,092 | 44,674 |
| Jet Skiing* | 57,961 | 63,631 | 69,673 | 79,393 | 91,916 | 107,050 |
| Kayaking* | 1,227 | 1,347 | 1,474 | 1,680 | 1,960 | 2,333 |
| Tailrace Fishing | 2,454 | 2,886 | 3,310 | 3,869 | 4,387 | 4,870 |
| Sailing* | 13,064 | 14,342 | 15,704 | 17,895 | 20,718 | 24,129 |
| Water Ski/Tubing* | 40,484 | 44,444 | 48,664 | 55,454 | 64,200 | 74,771 |
| Backpacking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hunting | 12,268 | 12,945 | 13,479 | 14,336 | 14,866 | 15,329 |
| Tent/Vehicle Camp | 6,134 | 8,178 | 10,642 | 14,030 | 18,202 | 23,302 |
| Windsurfing | 1,227 | 1,347 | 1,475 | 1,680 | 1,945 | 2,266 |
| Bicycling | 4,907 | 5,929 | 7,108 | 8,779 | 10,222 | 11,799 |
| Picnicking | 36,309 | 43,570 | 51,595 | 63,140 | 77,394 | 94,882 |
| Sightseeing | 32,693 | 40,453 | 49,076 | 60,789 | 75,177 | 92,324 |
| Hiking | 18,338 | 23,376 | 28,993 | 36,495 | 44,807 | 53,986 |
| Wildlife Viewing | 17,175 | 22,308 | 28,542 | 36,352 | 44,481 | 52,402 |
| Using Playgrounds | 1,227 | 1,473 | 1,734 | 2,098 | 2,549 | 3,104 |
| Sub-total * | 423,316 | 479,155 | 535,736 | 618,431 | 711,365 | 815,272 |
| Total | 750,468 | 867,855 | 989,756 | 1,162,394 | 1,356,110 | 1,574,016 |
*Boating Activities
Table 3.3-13
Lake Hickory Estimated Absorption Percentages for Reservoir
| Activity | Estimated 1999 Participants | Estimated 1999 Demand | Absorption Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | 93,777 | 2,540,661 | 3.7% |
| Picnicking | 36,309 | 1,578,994 | 2.3% |
| Camping | 6,143 | 734,439 | 1.0% |
| Boating | 423,316 | 2,028,673 | 20.9% |
Table 3.3-14
Lake Hickory Estimated Recreational Facility Land Acreage Needs
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity | Year | Weighted Population | Facility Standard | Facility Need | Facility Class | Lake James Share | Acreage |
| Swimming | 2010 | 369,540 | 1 per 50,000 | 7.39 | beaches | 0.27 | 1.50 |
| 2020 | 397,235 | 1 per 50,000 | 7.94 | beaches | 0.29 | 1.62 | |
| 2030 | 442,716 | 1 per 50,000 | 8.85 | beaches | 0.33 | 1.80 | |
| 2040 | 491,462 | 1 per 50,000 | 9.83 | beaches | 0.37 | 2.01 | |
| 2050 | 545,576 | 1 per 50,000 | 10.91 | beaches | 0.41 | 2.25 | |
| Picnicking | 2010 | 443,844 | 1 per 500 | 887.69 | tables | 20.42 | 2.04 |
| 2020 | 477,107 | 1 per 500 | 954.21 | tables | 21.95 | 2.19 | |
| 2030 | 531,733 | 1 per 500 | 1,063.47 | tables | 24.46 | 2.45 | |
| 2040 | 590,281 | 1 per 500 | 1,180.56 | tables | 27.29 | 2.73 | |
| 2050 | 655,276 | 1 per 500 | 1,310.55 | tables | 30.50 | 3.05 | |
| Camping | 2010 | 221,922 | 6 per 1,000 | 1,331.53 | campsites | 13.32 | 3.33 |
| 2020 | 238,554 | 6 per 1,000 | 1,431.32 | campsites | 14.31 | 3.58 | |
| 2030 | 265,867 | 6 per 1,000 | 1,595.20 | campsites | 15.95 | 3.99 | |
| 2040 | 295,141 | 6 per 1,000 | 1,770.84 | campsites | 17.80 | 4.45 | |
| 2050 | 327,638 | 6 per 1,000 | 1,965.83 | campsites | 19.89 | 4.97 | |
| Boating | 2010 | 445,825 | 1 per 4000 | 111.46 | boat ramps | 23.29 | 23.29 |
| 2020 | 479,237 | 1 per 4000 | 119.81 | boat ramps | 25.04 | 25.04 | |
| 2030 | 534,107 | 1 per 4000 | 133.53 | boat ramps | 27.91 | 27.91 | |
| 2040 | 592,916 | 1 per 4000 | 148.23 | boat ramps | 31.14 | 31.14 | |
| 2050 | 658,201 | 1 per 4000 | 164.55 | boat ramps | 34.79 | 34.79 | |
| Total Acreage for 2050 |
45.06 | ||||||
