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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 more boat ramps, marinas, gas pumps, trash receptacles, restrooms and pump out stations on Mountain Island Lake. Duke Power has added boat ramps to the two public access areas as identified the 1996 SMP. Through the AAII, additional gas pumps 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 18 acres will be needed through 2050 to meet future recreational facility demand. Currently 69 acres of mainland and 20 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 are also 5 existing or proposed county and state recreation areas on the lake.

Survey respondent indicated they would like to see controls on jet ski use and controlled development. Additional safety items concerning safe use of jet skis and controlling boat speed will be including in the Duke Power's lake map publication. With the recent land purchases by the counties and conservation groups, the majority of the lake's shoreline will not be developed.

The known proposed recreational changes for Mountain Island Lake follow:

Duke Power Access

Riverbend Access Area, Gaston County, North Carolina

The changes proposed by Gaston County for this site in 2002:

  • Develop a parking area.
  • Install picnic facilities.
  • Develop some trails.

The changes proposed by Gaston County for this site in 2003:

  • Install restrooms.
  • Install additional picnic facilities.
  • Additional trail development.

The changes proposed by Gaston County for this site in 2004:

  • Install playground equipment.
  • Conduct beautification on the site.

The changes proposed by Gaston County for this site in 2005:

  • Install additional picnic facilities.
  • Additional trail enhancements.
  • Provide landscaping on the site.

Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area, Gaston County, North Carolina

The changes proposed by the City of Mount Holly for this site in 2001:

  • Construct a paved walking trail.
  • Construct a canoe launching area.
  • Complete a nature trail.
  • Construct some primitive campsites.
  • Install safety rails.

Duke Power Islands

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