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, picnicking, gas pumps, more public access and restroom facilities on Lake Rhodhiss. Through the AAII agency leases, additional picnicking, trails, fishing access and restroom facilities will be constructed in the next 5 years to meet the identified needs.
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 37 acres will be needed through 2050 to meet future recreational facility demand. Currently, 247 acres of mainland 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.
Some items that concerned recreationists were cleanup of trash and control of shoreline development. Duke Power supports and participates in the annual Big Sweep project to cleanup litter from the shoreline of the lakes. On Lake Rhodhiss development of the shoreline is regulated by the counties. The amount of shoreline where Duke Power will allow construction within the project boundary has been reduced from the 1994 SMP.
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.
The known proposed recreational changes for Lake Rhodhiss follow:
Duke Power Access
Johns River Access Area, Burke County, North Carolina
The changes proposed for this site in the next 5 years are:
- Replace the existing pier and boat ramp.
- Pave the site.
Huffman Bridge Fishing Area, Burke County, North Carolina
The changes proposed for this site in the next 5 years are to pave the access road and parking lot.
Conley Creek Access Area, Caldwell County, North Carolina
The changes proposed by the Town of Sawmills for this site during the following Fiscal Years:
Fiscal Year 2000-2001
- Construct 2 fishing piers.
- Construct approximately 2.5 miles of nature trail.
- Construct a picnic shelter.
Fiscal Year 2001-2002
- Construct 2 fishing piers.
Fiscal Year 2002-2003
- Grade for future athletic fields.
Fiscal Year 2003-2004
- Construct soccer/football fields.
Fiscal Year 2004-2005
- Construction of baseball/softball fields.
Duke Power Islands
The NCWRC has expressed an interest in managing the islands on Lake Rhodhiss. A management plan is being developed and may be completed for the SMP filing in 2001.
