Recreational Use & Carrying Capacity Assessment
Mountain Island Lake Existing Recreational Areas
There are 3 developed Duke Power-owned public recreational access locations (one leased to a city recreation agency) on Mountain Island Lake. In addition, there is 1 developed county nature preserve, 3 undeveloped county nature preserves, 1 proposed state educational forest, 1 city-owned conservation area, and 1 county-owned wildlife refuge along the Mountain Island Lake shoreline. Figure 3.6-1 denotes the location of the public recreational access locations. There are no public commercial non-residential and two commercial residential marinas on Mountain Island Lake. The following sections describe the Duke Power-owned public access area facilities at Mountain Island Lake.
The Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area has been recently leased to the City of Mount Holly for a city park. The City is planning to install 8 campsites, a restroom, an archery range, playground, picnic deck, canoe access and trails on the site.
Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas
The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 148 acres and about 7,328 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Mountain Island Lake. Combined, the developed access areas have 6 public boat ramps, 3 loading piers, 2 fishing piers, and about 160 vehicle/trailer and 20 car parking spaces. Table 3.6-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas.
In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Riverbend access area (replace 3 ramps with 4 new boat ramps, replace 2 piers with 2 new loading piers and pave the parking lot). In addition Duke Power said it would add 31 acres to the Riverbend site (67 acres added). All of the recreation commitments from the1994 SMP have been met. In addition, at Neck Road access area Duke Power replaced the ramp with 2 new boat ramps, installed a loading pier, and paved, lighted the parking lot and added 3 acres of land to the site. At the Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing area, Duke Power built 2 fishing platforms and provided 49 acres of land.
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 3.6-3
Mountain Island 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Road | 8.9 | 724 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| Riverbend | 89.7 | 3,285 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Mountain Island Tailrace | 49.2 | 3,319 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 0 |
| Total | 147.8 | 7,328 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 160 |
State and County Public Recreational Facilities
There is one developed county park (Latta Plantation Nature Preserve), and one county wildlife area (Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge), along the Mountain Island shoreline. Both facilities are owned and operated by Mecklenburg County. There are three undeveloped recreation areas: Auten Nature Preserve and Rural Hill Nature Preserve in Mecklenburg County, and the proposed State Educational Forest in Lincoln and Gaston counties. The City of Gastonia owns a conservation area south of Highway 16 along the shoreline in Gaston county. The City of Mount Holly is in the process of developing the Mountain Island Tailrace Fishing Area (leased from Duke Power) as a city park. Table 3.6-4 summarizes the recreational facilities provided at the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. The facilities at Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge include a wildlife viewing platform.
Table 3.6-4
Summary of Latta Plantation Nature Preserve Public Recreational Facilities
| Site Description/Facility | Number |
|---|---|
| Site Acreage | 1,290 |
| Shoreline Footage | 48,000 |
| Canoe Access | 2 |
| Canoe and Jon Boat Rental | 1 |
| Fishing Pier with 2 slips | 1 |
| Concession Areas | 2 |
| Gravel Parking Spaces | 225 |
| Beach Area | 1 |
| Horseshoe Pits | 2 |
| Equestrian Center | 1 |
| Historic Building | 1 |
| Horse Arenas | 2 |
| Horse Barns with 194 Stalls | 4 |
| Maintenance Facility and Office Complex | 1 each |
| Picnic Tables | 15 |
| Raptor Center Hospital | 1 |
| Restroom Units | 32 |
| Shelters | 2 |
| Miles of Horseback Trails | 14 |
| Miles of Nature Trails | 18 |
| Volleyball Courts | 2 |
| Backyard Habitat Education Area | 1 |
| Caretaker’s Residence | 1 |
| 34 Acre Piedmont Prairie Restoration Area | 1 |
Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access
There are no public commercial non-residential and two commercial residential marinas on Mountain Island Lake. Private access to Mountain Island Lake is through private marinas and private piers along the Mountain Island Lake shoreline. Table 3.6-5 summarizes the number of commercial facilities. Table 3.6-6 provides the estimated number of private piers.
Table 3.6-5
Summary of Mountain Island Lake Commercial Recreational Access Facilities
| Type of Facility | Commercial Non-Residential |
Commercial Residential |
|---|---|---|
| Public Marinas | 0 | 0 |
| Private Marinas | 0 | 2 |
| Wet Slips | 0 | 287 |
| Dry Slips | 0 | 0 |
Table 3.6-6
Summary of Mountain Island Lake Private Recreational Access Facilities
| Type of Facility | No. Private Facilities |
|---|---|
| Piers | 315 |
Mountain Island Lake Recreational Use Assessment
Visitation figures at the public access areas on Mountain Island 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 Mountain Island Lake at these sites was 99,135 visits. Figure 3.6-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Mountain Island 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.
Table 3.6-7 provides a summary of the estimated recreational visitation based on the traffic counter data for the sampled sites during the 1999 study period. 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 a ratio of 1.3 to 1. The estimated overall recreational visitation for Mountain Island Lake for the 1999 study period totaled 125,750 visits.
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 3.6-8) 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 | 0 |
| 6. | Crowding rating | 0 |
| Total | -3 | |
Table 3.6-8
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 3.6-9 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 3.6-10 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Mountain Island Lake on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Mountain Island Lake during the weekday was estimated at 20 percent capacity, during the weekend at 36 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 25 percent capacity for overall boating use.
Table 3.6-9
Mountain Island Lake Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment
| Boat Activity | Usable Acreage | Use Factor | Opt. No. Boats | % Usage | Boat Activity Mix |
Persons/ Boat | Total Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing | 3,281 | 8.0 | 410 | 40% | 164 | 3.14 | 515 |
| Canoe/Kayak | 3,281 | 2.0 | 1,641 | 11% | 181 | 3.26 | 590 |
| Motor Boating | 2,241 | 15.0 | 149 | 32% | 47 | 3.90 | 185 |
| Sailing | 2,241 | 8.0 | 280 | 0% | - | 3.36 | - |
| Jet Skiing | 2,241 | 8.0 | 280 | 8% | 23 | 3.85 | 89 |
| Water Skiing | 2,241 | 17.0 | 132 | 9% | 12 | 4.39 | 54 |
| Total | 100% | 427 | 1,433 |
Table 3.6-10
Mountain Island Lake Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity
| Peak Use | Weekday | % Capacity | Weekend | % Capacity | Holiday | % Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. Boats | 86 | 20% | 152 | 36% | 107 | 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 3.6-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Mountain Island Lake. Figure 3.6-4 shows the boating density on Mountain Island Lake for the peak use day and denotes areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 3.6-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the four 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 with high density boating during this same period.
Based on the boat capacity study in Table 3.6-10, there are no crowding problems on Mountain Island Lake. The highest capacity reached was about 36% capacity on a weekend and 25% capacity on holiday weekends. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.6-4 (for only one day), does show two areas where the boat density is higher than the rest of the lake, but the acres available per boat for are adequate for most boating activities. When averaging the four highest boat count days, Figure 3.6-5, there is only one area 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 low.
Mountain Island Lake Estimated Future Recreational Demand
Table 3.6-11 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Mountain Island 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 and were used to make projections for 2030, 2040, and 2050.
Table 3.6-11
Mountain Island Lake 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 |
| Mecklenburg | 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 | 1,365,314 | 1,517,016 | 1,731,246 | 1,948,005 | 2,265,046 | 2,639,635 | 3,082,781 |
Table 3.6-12 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 3.6-13 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 3.6-12. 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 3.6-14 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 Mountain Island Lake. The acreage needs are then based on the Mountain Island Lake facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Mountain Island Lake, it is estimated that 18 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 1 acres of beaches, 1 acres of picnic areas, 4 acres of campsites, and 13 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 these needs. Duke Power sites, county and state parks, and other private and public agencies will meet these needs. 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 Mountain Island Lake, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned were for more boat ramps and restrooms. Duke Power has increased the number of boat ramps and parking spaces at the public access areas. Duke Power is also working with the county recreation agencies for the development of additional recreation facilities, including restrooms, at the access areas upon signing of a lease.
Table 3.6-12
Mountain Island 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* | 38,619 | 44,458 | 50,914 | 60,227 | 72,340 | 87,391 |
| Boat Fishing* | 53,892 | 66,258 | 79,329 | 96,173 | 113,226 | 130,607 |
| Bank/Pier Fish | 56,677 | 69,681 | 83,428 | 101,142 | 119,076 | 137,355 |
| Lake Swimming | 20,366 | 24,515 | 29,027 | 35,364 | 43,560 | 54,111 |
| Canoeing* | 10,808 | 12,853 | 14,934 | 18,284 | 23,206 | 30,550 |
| Jet Skiing* | 10,375 | 11,944 | 13,678 | 16,180 | 19,435 | 23,478 |
| Kayaking* | 1,249 | 1,438 | 1,646 | 1,947 | 2,356 | 2,907 |
| Tailrace Fishing | 2,498 | 3,071 | 3,677 | 4,457 | 5,248 | 6,053 |
| Sailing* | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Water Ski/Tubing* | 10,808 | 12,442 | 14,248 | 16,855 | 20,245 | 24,457 |
| Backpacking | 2,498 | 3,395 | 4,510 | 6,055 | 7,913 | 10,220 |
| Hunting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tent/Vehicle Camp | 3,747 | 5,195 | 7,021 | 9,562 | 12,820 | 16,969 |
| Windsurfing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bicycling | 1,249 | 1,576 | 1,968 | 2,516 | 3,039 | 3,640 |
| Picnicking | 8,742 | 10,957 | 13,526 | 17,140 | 21,753 | 27,612 |
| Sightseeing | 8,742 | 11,284 | 14,256 | 18,278 | 23,397 | 29,749 |
| Hiking | 6,244 | 8,293 | 10,703 | 13,937 | 17,716 | 22,114 |
| Wildlife Viewing | 9,991 | 13,510 | 17,965 | 23,661 | 29,979 | 36,618 |
| Using Playgrounds | 1,249 | 1,567 | 1,922 | 2,409 | 3,032 | 3,824 |
| Sub-total* | 125,750 | 149,393 | 174,749 | 209,666 | 250,808 | 299,390 |
| Total | 247,753 | 302,437 | 362,752 | 444,187 | 537,341 | 647,655 |
* Boating activities
Table 3.6-13
Mountain Island Lake Estimated Absorption Percentage for Reservoir
| Activity | Estimated 1999 Participants | Estimated 1999 Demand | Absorption Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | 20,366 | 4,231,968 | 0.5% |
| Picnicking | 8,742 | 2,630,141 | 0.3% |
| Camping | 3,747 | 1,024,531 | 0.4% |
| Boating | 125,750 | 3,379,152 | 3.7% |
Table 3.6-14
Mountain Island 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 | Mountain Island Lake Share | Acreage |
| Swimming | 2010 | 645,755 | 1 per 50,000 | 12.92 | beaches | 0.06 | 0.36 |
| 2020 | 726,606 | 1 per 50,000 | 14.53 | beaches | 0.07 | 0.40 | |
| 2030 | 844,862 | 1 per 50,000 | 16.90 | beaches | 0.08 | 0.46 | |
| 2040 | 984,584 | 1 per 50,000 | 19.69 | beaches | 0.10 | 0.54 | |
| 2050 | 1,149,878 | 1 per 50,000 | 23.00 | beaches | 0.11 | 0.63 | |
| Picnicking | 2010 | 775,598 | 1 per 500 | 1,551.20 | tables | 4.65 | 0.47 |
| 2020 | 872,706 | 1 per 500 | 1,745.41 | tables | 5.24 | 0.52 | |
| 2030 | 1,014,741 | 1 per 500 | 2,029.48 | tables | 6.09 | 0.61 | |
| 2040 | 1,182,557 | 1 per 500 | 2,365.11 | tables | 7.10 | 0.71 | |
| 2050 | 1,381,086 | 1 per 500 | 2,762.17 | tables | 8.29 | 0.83 | |
| Camping | 2010 | 387,799 | 6 per 1,000 | 2,326.79 | campsites | 9.31 | 2.33 |
| 2020 | 436,353 | 6 per 1,000 | 2,618.12 | campsites | 10.47 | 2.62 | |
| 2030 | 507,370 | 6 per 1,000 | 3,044.22 | campsites | 12.18 | 3.04 | |
| 2040 | 591,278 | 6 per 1,000 | 3,547.67 | campsites | 14.19 | 3.55 | |
| 2050 | 690,543 | 6 per 1,000 | 4,143.26 | campsites | 16.57 | 4.14 | |
| Boating | 2010 | 779,061 | 1 per 4000 | 194.77 | boat ramps | 7.21 | 7.21 |
| 2020 | 876,602 | 1 per 4000 | 219.15 | boat ramps | 8.11 | 8.11 | |
| 2030 | 1,019,271 | 1 per 4000 | 254.82 | boat ramps | 9.43 | 9.43 | |
| 2040 | 1,187,836 | 1 per 4000 | 296.96 | boat ramps | 10.99 | 10.99 | |
| 2050 | 1,387,252 | 1 per 4000 | 346.81 | boat ramps | 12.83 | 12.83 | |
| Total Acreage for 2050 | 18.44 | ||||||
