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Recreational Use & Carrying Capacity Assessment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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  

Table 3.5-6
Summary of Lake Norman Commercial Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility Commercial
Non-Residential
Commercial Residential
Public Marinas 15 4
Private Marinas 7 65
Wet Slips 1,903 3,398
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.

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

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.

Table 3.5-10
Lake Norman Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

Boat Activity Usable Acreage Use Factor Opt. No. Boats % Usage Boat
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.

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
Mecklenburg 583,475 648,305 776,521 776,521 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.

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.

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

* 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%

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 James 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