Recreational Use & Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

Lake Wateree Existing Recreational Areas

There are 8 developed Duke Power-owned public recreational access areas on Lake Wateree, one state park, Lake Wateree State Park, and one SCDNR boat access area. Figure 3.10-1 shows the public recreational access locations. In addition, there are six commercial non-residential marinas that provide additional public access to Lake Wateree. The following sections describe the Duke Power-owned public access areas, summarize the facilities at the state park, and provide estimates of the number and type of commercial recreational access facilities at Lake Wateree.

Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 144 acres and 9,971 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Wateree. Combined, the developed access areas have 17 public boat ramps, 3 loading piers, 1 fishing pier, and 452 parking spaces. Table 3.10-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas.

In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the White Oak Creek access area (replace the ramp with a 4-lane boat ramp, install 2 loading piers and pave and light the parking lot), June Creek access area (replace the 2 ramps with 2 new boat ramps and pave the parking lot) and Taylor Creek access area (replace the existing ramp with 2 new boat ramps). In addition, Duke Power said it would add 25 acres of land to the Cedar Creek access area (24 acres added) and add 20 acres of land to the White Oak Creek access area (52 acres added). All of the recreation commitments from the 1994 SMP will be completed by the end of 2001.

Table 3.10-3
Lake Wateree 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)
Cedar Creek	31.4	2,082	2	0	0	0	55
Wateree Creek	11.7	1,455	1	0	0	0	40
Taylor Creek	6.7	1,024	2	1	0	0	68
June Creek	5.9	1,002	2	0	0	0	34
Colonel's Creek	5.0	670	3	0	0	0	72
White Oak Creek	58.5	1,708	4	2	1	0	86
Buck Hill	11.3	1,080	2	0	0	0	50
Lugoff	13.4	950	1	0	0	0	47
Total	143.9	9,971	17	3	1	0	452

State Park Public Recreational Facilities

Table 3.10-4 shows the site acreage, amount of shoreline and recreational facilities provided at the Lake Wateree State Park, located in the upper portion of Lake Wateree. The SCDNR Beaver Creek access area provides parking and a boat launch access to Lake Wateree.

Table 3.10-4
Summary of Lake Wateree State Park Public Recreational Facilities

Site Description/Facility	Number
Site Acreage	238
Shoreline Footage	40,432
Concrete Boat Ramps	2
Paved Parking Spaces for Trailers	72
Paved Parking Spaces for Cars	50
Floating Loading Pier	1
Playground Area	1
RV Campsites	72
Bathhouse/Restrooms	2
Tackle Shop/Park Store	1
Rangers Residence	2
Maintenance Area	1
Picnic Sites	25
RV Dump Stations	1
Mile of Nature Trail	1
Gas Dock	1

Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access

In addition to the Duke Power-owned public access areas and the state park, the public can gain access to Lake Wateree through commercial non-residential marinas. Private access to Lake Wateree is through private marinas and private piers located along the Lake Wateree shoreline. Table 3.10-5 summarizes the number and type of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.10-5 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

Table 3.10-5
Summary of Lake Wateree Commercial Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	Commercial Non-Residential	Commercial Residential
Public Marinas	6	0
Private Marinas	4	2
Wet Slips	1,106	0
Dry Slips	0	0

Table 3.10-6
Summary of Lake Wateree Private Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility	No. Private Facilities
Piers	2,083

Lake Wateree Recreational Use Assessment

Visitation figures for the public access areas on Lake Wateree 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 Wateree at these sites was 295,183 visits. Figure 3.10-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake Wateree 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 3.10-7 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 Lake Wateree Duke Power-owned access areas, White Oak Creek and Colonel’s Creek were estimated to have the greatest amount of use at 23 percent and 19 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use at the Lake Wateree 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) compared to Survey C respondents (respondents at the public access areas) was a ratio of 1.1 to 1. Accordingly, the estimated overall recreational visitation for Lake Wateree for the 1999 study period totaled 306,076 visits.

Lake Wateree 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 3.10-8) 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	0
5.	Amount of facility and shoreline development	+
6.	Crowding rating	0
	Total	-1

Table 3.10-8
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 3.10-9 shows the optimum overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from the surveys. Table 3.10-10 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Wateree on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Lake Wateree during the weekday was estimated at 10 percent capacity, during the weekend at 12 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 18 percent capacity for overall boating use.

Table 3.10-9
Lake Wateree Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

Boat Activity	Usable Acreage	Use Factor	Max. No. Boats	% Usage	Boat Activity Mix	Persons/ Boat	Total Users
Fishing	13,717	5.0	2,743	33%	914	3.14	2,833
Canoe/Kayak	13,717	1.5	9,144	5%	457	3.26	1,489
Motor Boating	11,042	11.0	1,004	34%	341	3.90	1,329
Sailing	11,042	5.0	2,208	5%	101	3.36	341
Jet Skiing	11,042	5.0	2,208	11%	242	3.85	932
Water Skiing	11,042	14.0	789	12%	98	4.39	428
Total				100%	2,153		7,352

Table 3.10-10
Lake Wateree Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity

Peak Use	Weekday	% Capacity	Weekend	% Capacity	Holiday	% Capacity
No. Boats	225	10%	260	12%	386	18%

The overall 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 3.10-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lake Wateree. Figure 3.10-4 shows the boating density on Lake Wateree for the peak use day and denotes areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 3.10-5 shows the boat density map based on the composite of the four highest boating use days. This figure illustrates 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 3.10-10, there are no crowding problems on Lake Wateree. The highest capacity reached was 18% on a holiday weekend and 12% on other weekends. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.10-4 (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 most boating activities. When averaging the four highest boat count days, Figure 3.10-5, there are only two areas 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 to moderate.

Lake Wateree Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 3.10-11 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Wateree. 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 3.10-11
Lake Wateree Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone

County	1999	2000	2010	2020	2030	2040	2050
Lancaster	30,690	57,500	58,500	64,250	69,694	75,598	82,003
Chester	51,750	34,100	36,100	39,150	41,354	43,682	46,142
Lincoln	54,893	60,932	70,132	79,229	94,689	113,166	135,248
Kershaw	44,820	49,800	55,300	60,280	67,317	75,176	83,951
Lee	18,270	20,300	20,400	22,430	23,384	24,378	25,415
Fairfield	21,150	23,500	25,000	27,350	29,122	31,009	33,018
Richland	281,340	312,600	331,800	335,060	360,387	387,629	416,930
Total	502,913	558,732	597,232	627,749	685,947	746,328	812,024

Table 3.10-12 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 3.10-13 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 3.10-12. 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 (days of participation numbers specific to South Carolina are not available). 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 3.10-14 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 Wateree. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Wateree facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Wateree, it is estimated that 36 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 2 acres of beaches, 4 acres of picnic areas, 8 acres of campsites, and 22 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 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.

For Lake Wateree, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned were for restrooms and boat ramps. Duke Power will not be providing restrooms at unsupervised access area because of the potential for vandalism at the sites. By the end of the next five-year period, Duke Power will have improved all of the boat launching facilities on Lake Wateree.

Table 3.10-12
Lake Wateree 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*	82,557	89,072	95,404	106,608	121,069	138,331
Boat Fishing*	130,742	151,287	169,920	194,873	216,667	235,739
Bank/Pier Fish	160,859	186,137	209,064	239,764	266,579	290,044
Lake Swimming	79,444	89,884	99,764	115,012	134,137	157,844
Canoeing*	6,576	7,345	7,990	9,259	11,146	13,943
Jet Skiing*	35,063	37,829	40,519	45,277	51,419	58,750
Kayaking*	3,653	3,942	4,221	4,716	5,398	6,307
Tailrace Fishing	6,576	7,610	8,547	9,802	10,898	11,857
Sailing*	15,705	16,944	18,148	20,280	23,031	26,314
Water Ski/Tubing*	31,780	34,287	36,725	41,038	46,605	53,249
Backpacking	731	940	1,179	1,506	1,870	2,292
Hunting	8,768	9,087	9,245	9,628	9,771	9,860
Tent/Vehicle Camp	10,960	14,406	18,402	23,855	30,420	38,273
Windsurfing	1,461	1,577	1,689	1,887	2,143	2,449
Bicycling	3,653	4,345	5,106	6,193	7,074	8,009
Picnicking	51,858	61,248	71,068	85,400	102,794	123,751
Sightseeing	28,677	34,941	41,556	50,556	61,406	74,056
Hiking	8,038	10,094	12,279	15,185	18,308	21,654
Wildlife Viewing	22,651	28,992	36,403	45,561	54,743	63,282
Using Playgrounds	2,923	3,455	3,983	4,732	5,645	6,749
Sub-total*	306,076	340,706	372,927	422,051	475,335	532,633
Total	692,677	793,422	891,212	1,031,132	1,181,123	1,342,753

* Boating activities

Table 3.10-13
Lake Wateree Estimated Absorption Percentages for Reservoir

Activity	Estimated 1999 Participants	Estimated 1999 Demand	Absorption Percentage
Swimming	79,444	1,558,844	5.1%
Picnicking	51,858	968,812	5.4%
Camping	10,960	377,386	2.9%
Boating	306,076	1,244,710	24.5%

Table 3.10-14
Lake Wateree 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 Wateree Share	Acreage
Swimming	2010	222,768	1 per 50,000	4.46	beaches	0.23	1.25
	2020	234,150	1 per 50,000	4.68	beaches	0.24	1.31
	2030	255,858	1 per 50,000	5.12	beaches	0.26	1.44
	2040	279,988	1 per 50,000	5.60	beaches	0.29	1.57
	2050	306,870	1 per 50,000	6.14	beaches	0.31	1.72
Picnicking	2010	267,560	1 per 500	535.12	tables	28.90	2.89
	2020	281,232	1 per 500	562.46	tables	30.37	3.04
	2030	307,304	1 per 500	614.61	tables	33.19	3.32
	2040	336,286	1 per 500	672.57	tables	36.32	3.63
	2050	368,573	1 per 500	737.15	tables	39.81	3.98
Camping	2010	133,780	6 per 1,000	802.68	campsites	23.28	5.82
	2020	140,616	6 per 1,000	843.69	campsites	24.47	6.12
	2030	153,652	6 per 1,000	921.91	campsites	26.74	6.68
	2040	168,143	6 per 1,000	1,008.86	campsites	29.26	7.31
	2050	184,286	6 per 1,000	1,105.72	campsites	32.07	8.02
Boating	2010	268,754	1 per 4000	67.19	boat ramps	16.46	16.46
	2020	282,487	1 per 4000	70.62	boat ramps	17.30	17.30
	2030	308,676	1 per 4000	77.17	boat ramps	18.91	18.91
	2040	337,787	1 per 4000	84.45	boat ramps	20.69	20.69
	2050	370,218	1 per 4000	92.55	boat ramps	22.68	22.68
					Total Acreage for 2050		36.39