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Recreational Use & Carrying Capacity Assessment

Lake Wylie Existing Recreational Areas

There are 9 developed Duke Power-owned public recreational access locations, with 3 leased to agencies, on Lake Wylie. There are several developed county and city parks, including: McDowell Nature Preserve, owned and operated by Mecklenburg County; River Street Park, owned and operated by the City of Mount Holly; Wind Jammer Beach and Pitcarin Parks, owned by the City of Tega Cay; and the Stowe Botanical Garden. There are 3 undeveloped county parks owned by Mecklenburg County. Figure 3.7-1 shows the public recreational access locations. In addition, there are 11 commercial non-residential and no commercial residential marinas that provide additional public access to Lake Wylie.

The Copperhead Access Area is operated as part of McDowell County Nature Preserve that is owned by Mecklenburg County. Ebenezer Access Area is operated by York County as a county park. The City of Rock Hill has the Indian Ground Access Area leased for fishing use by special populations. A recent major addition to public recreation on Lake Wylie was the creation of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on the South Fork arm of the lake. This facility consists of 450 acres of land that has the gardens being developed over a 20-year period.

Existing Duke Power-Owned Public Access Areas

The developed Duke Power-owned public access areas provide about 333 acres and 27,803 feet of shoreline frontage of public access at Lake Wylie. Combined, the developed access areas have 24 public boat ramps, 12 loading piers, 4 fishing piers and about 568 parking spaces for vehicles/trailers and 305 parking spaces for cars. Table 4.7-3 summarizes the facilities at the public access areas.

In the 1994 SMP, Duke Power proposed to improve the Allen Fishing area (provide handicapped accessibility), Buster Boyd access area (replace the two 2-lane ramps with 6 new boat ramps and replace the pier with 3 new piers) and Nivens Creek access area (expand and pave the parking lot). In addition, Duke Power said it would add 36 acres to the South Point site (54 acres added), 98 acres to the Allison Creek access area (59 added), 25 acres to the Fort Mill site (40 acres added), and 8 acres to the Nivens Creek site (13 acres added). All of the recreation commitments from the 1994 SMP have been met except for two ramps and one pier at Buster Boyd (because there was insufficient parking) and the expansion and paving of Nivens Creek (because of building code problems).

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 3.7-3
Lake Wylie 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)
Allen Fishing Area 21.0 1,919 0 0 0 29 0
South Point 70.0 6,747 6 3 0 0 165
Copperhead 25.3 3,225 4 3 2 25 72
Buster Boyd 4.4 632 4 2 0 51 119
Allison Creek 113.0 8,653 4 2 1 15 90
Indian Ground 9.8 2,340 0 0 1 25 0
Nivens Creek 23.2 871 2 1 0 0 32
Ebenezer 20.8 1,374 3 1 0 160 70
Fort Mill 45.5 2,042 1 0 0 0 20
Total 333.0 27,803 24 12 4 305 568

County, City, and Other Public Recreational Facilities

Table 3.7-4 summarizes the site acreage, shoreline footage and recreational facilities provided at the Mecklenburg County Parks. These facilities are located on Lake Wylie, and are owned and operated by Mecklenburg County.

The 3 city parks, River Street Park, Wind Jammer Beach Park and Pitcarin Cove Park, are located on Lake Wylie. Table 3.7-5 summarizes the key characteristics of these facilities.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a family oriented, educational facility comprised of prime rolling meadows, woodlands, and lakefront property. It began in 1989 when retired Belmont textile executive, Daniel Jonathan Stowe, set aside 450 acres for the development of a world class botanical garden.

In October 1999, the Garden proudly opened a new 110-acre facility that includes four themed gardens, a 13,500 square foot Visitor Pavilion, fountains, entrance ponds, expanded Gift and Garden Shop, and half-mile Woodland Trail. The new gardens are a part of a Master Plan designed by landscape architect Geoffrey Rausch that will evolve over several decades. The completed Botanical Garden will include a conservatory complex, rose pavilion, Asian and English gardens, natural wetland, children's garden, restaurant, outdoor amphitheater, and lakefront access.

Approximately three miles of the Garden lies along the eastern shoreline of the Catawba Creek arm of Lake Wylie. The planned watercraft entrance will enable visitors to rent a slip where they can park their boat for a certain number of hours per day. This will be the water terminus of the garden's tram route. Visitors will be able to ride the length of site, or they may disembark from the tram at exit points in between.

When fully completed the Garden will represent an investment of $150-$200 million, employ over 300 people and entertain one million visitors a year, adding more than $36 million to the regional economy.

Table 3.7-4
Summary of County Recreational Facilities

McDowell County Nature Preserve Copperhead Island Ebenezer Park
952 Acres 25 Acres 26 Acres
5500 Feet of shoreline 3225 Feet of shoreline 1374 Feet of shoreline
1 Amphitheater 4 Boat ramps 3 Boat ramps
80 Campsites 3 Floating loading piers 1 Floating loading pier with 4 slips
2 Concession areas 72 Paved trailer parking spaces 70 Paved trailer parking spaces
1 Gazebo 25 Paved vehicle parking spaces 160 Paved vehicle parking spaces
1 Information booth 1 Volleyball court 17 Picnic tables
1 Maintenance facility 1 Picnic shelter 5 Picnic shelters with 13 tables
1 Nature center 2 Restroom facilities 2 Restroom facilities
1 Office complex 2 Fishing piers (1 handicapped accessible) 1 Swimming area
1 Police boathouse 14 Tent campsites 1 Bathhouse with concessions/change room
1 Paddleboat rental area 6 Overlooks 1 Rangers residence
210 Paved parking spaces 5 Miles of trail 1 Maintenance facility
37 Picnic sites 1200 Feet of boardwalk for fishing 1 Entrance station
1 Playground 1 Entrance station  
1 Ranger residence    
14 Restroom units    
1 Picnic shelter    
6 Miles of nature trail    

Table 3.7-5
Summary of City Public Recreational Facilities

River Street Park Wind Jammer Beach Park Pitcarin Cove Park
2 boardwalks 7 picnic tables 6 picnic tables
9 park benches 1 sandy beach 1 boat ramp
3 grills 1 picnic shelter 1 picnic shelter
Playground 2 restrooms 2 restrooms
Covered picnic area 1 playground 1 playground
Two picnic tables Paved and gravel parking lot for 25 cars Paved parking lot for 15 cars

Existing Commercial and Private Recreational Access

In addition to the Duke Power-owned public access areas and the county and city parks, the public can gain access to Lake Wylie through both commercial non-residential and commercial residential marinas. Private access to Lake Wylie is through private marinas and private piers along the Lake Wylie shoreline. Table 3.7-6 summarizes the number and type of public and private commercial non-residential and commercial residential marina facilities. Table 3.7-7 summarizes the estimated number of private piers.

Table 3.7-6
Summary of Lake Wylie Commercial Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility Commercial
Non-Residential
Commercial Residential
Public Marinas 11 0
Private Marinas 11 15
Wet Slips 1,026 573
Dry Slips 400 0

Table 3.7-7
Summary of Lake Wylie Private Recreational Access Facilities

Type of Facility No. Private Facilities
Piers 3,108

Lake Wylie Recreational Use Assessment

Visitation figures at the public access areas on Lake Wylie 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 Wylie at these sites was 839,531 visits. Figure 3.7-2 shows the distribution of the visitation for each month at Lake Wylie 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 3.7-8 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 Wylie Duke Power-owned access areas, Ebenezer, Buster Boyd, and South Point were estimated to have the greatest amount of use at 32 percent, 23 percent, and 22 percent, respectively, of the total estimated use at the Lake Wylie 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 1.3 to 1. The estimated overall recreational visitation for Lake Wylie for the 1999 study period totaled 1,076,300 visits.

Lake Wylie 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 3.7-9) 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 0
5. Amount of facility and shoreline development 0
6. Crowding rating -
  Total -3

Table 3.7-9
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 3.7-10 summarizes the assessment of the optimum overall boat capacity based on the usable water surface acreage and the boating activity mix identified from surveys. Table 3.7-11 provides the assessment of the percent capacity of the boat use for Lake Wylie on the peak day during the 1999 study period. Lake Wylie during the weekday was estimated at 19 percent capacity, during the weekend at 36 percent capacity, and during the peak holiday period at 64 percent capacity for overall boating use.

Table 3.7-10
Lake Wylie Boat Carrying Capacity Assessment

Boat Activity Usable Acreage Use Factor Opt. No. Boats % Usage Boat Activity Mix Persons/ Boat Total Users
Fishing 12,859 8.0 1,607 23% 370 3.1 1,147
Canoe/Kayak 12,859 2.0 6,429 8% 514 3.3 1,696
Motor Boating 9,263 15.0 618 34% 208 3.9 812
Sailing 9,263 8.0 1,158 3% 38 3.4 127
Jet Skiing 9,263 8.0 1,158 13% 148 3.9 571
Water Skiing 9,263 17.0 545 19% 103 4.4 453
Total       100% 1,381   4,806

Table 3.7-11
Lake Wylie Estimated 1999 Study Period Boat Capacity

Peak Use Weekday % Capacity Weekend % Capacity Holiday % Capacity
No. Boats 264 19% 504 36% 879 64%

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 3.7-3 shows the location of boats during the peak use day for Lake Wylie. Figure 3.7-4 shows the boating density on Lake Wylie for the peak use day and areas with the greatest clustering of boating activity. Figure 3.7-5 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 3.7-11, there are no crowding problems on Lake Wylie. The highest capacity reached was 61% on a holiday weekend. The Peak Use Day Boat Density map, Figure 3.7-4 (for only one day), does show several areas where the boat density is higher than the rest of the lake. When averaging the four highest boat count days, Figure 3.7-5, there is only one area where boat density is higher than the rest of the lake, but the acres available per boat for are adequate for most boating activities. For all of the remaining times during the year the boat density levels are low to moderate.

Lake Wylie Estimated Future Recreational Demand

Table 3.7-12 provides the population projections for the counties within 50-60 miles of Lake Wylie. 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 3.7-12
Lake Wylie Estimated Population Projections for the Impact Zone

County 1999 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
Mecklenburg 583,475 648,305 776,521 909,800 1,099,403 1,328,519 1,605,383
Cabarrus 111,064 123,404 144,126 165,168 193,710 227,183 266,441
Lincoln 54,839 60,932 70,132 79,229 94,689 113,166 135,248
Gaston 164,090 182,322 186,268 189,339 198,875 208,891 219,412
Union 27,720 30,800 30,800 33,880 33,532 33,188 32,847
York 144,990 161,100 198,600 214,710 258,662 311,612 375,401
Cherokee 44,370 49,400 53,300 58,230 63,835 69,980 76,717
Chester 51,750 57,500 58,500 64,250 69,694 75,598 82,003
Lancaster 30,690 34,100 36,100 39,150 41,354 43,682 46,142
Total 1,212,987 1,347,863 1,554,347 1,753,756 2,053,754 2,411,819 2,839,594

Table 3.7-13 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 3.7-14 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 3.7-13. 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 3.7-15 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 Wylie. The acreage needs are then based on the Lake Wylie facility need multiplied by per unit acreage needs that are based on State SCORPS and FERC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation Facilities. For Lake Wylie, it is estimated that 146 acres are required to accommodate future recreational facilities demand through the year 2050. This includes 8 acres of beaches, 12 acres of picnic areas, 11 acres of campsites, and 115 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.

For Lake Wylie, the most frequently identified recreational facility needs mentioned were for more restrooms and boat ramps. Through the AAII, additional restrooms will be provided at some access areas upon the signing of a lease with the county agency. Duke power does not plan to provide additional boat ramps at this time because the existing ramps are not used to capacity, except on some weekends.

Table 3.7-13
Lake Wylie 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* 309,204 359,664 412,999 488,448 586,575 708,481
Boat Fishing* 348,715 432,904 519,643 629,858 741,397 855,035
Bank/Pier Fish 299,132 371,352 445,757 540,302 635,981 733,461
Lake Swimming 252,173 306,565 363,927 443,296 545,936 678,044
Canoeing* 48,182 57,880 67,429 82,538 104,738 137,860
Jet Skiing* 164,658 191,530 219,932 260,110 312,365 377,282
Kayaking* 9,833 11,438 13,132 15,527 18,786 23,174
Tailrace Fishing 26,460 32,848 39,429 47,792 56,256 64,878
Sailing* 26,847 31,228 35,859 42,410 50,930 61,515
Water Ski/Tubing* 168,860 196,417 225,544 266,747 320,336 386,909
Backpacking 1,967 2,696 3,590 4,820 6,298 8,132
Hunting 12,783 14,324 15,679 17,353 18,743 20,136
Tent/Vehicle Camp 17,699 24,755 33,533 45,658 61,203 80,996
Windsurfing 1,967 2,288 2,627 3,107 3,731 4,506
Bicycling 9,833 12,523 15,682 20,046 24,206 28,985
Picnicking 112,514 142,369 176,185 223,212 283,239 359,466
Sightseeing 90,375 117,733 149,109 191,135 244,625 310,981
Hiking 29,797 39,931 51,657 67,254 85,474 106,673
Wildlife Viewing 57,032 77,803 103,699 136,550 172,980 211,249
Using Playgrounds 10,816 13,698 16,848 21,115 26,567 33,497
Sub-total* 1,076,299 1,281,061 1,494,538 1,785,638 2,135,309 2,550,256
Total 1,998,846 2,440,037 2,912,260 3,547,278 4,297,366 5,191,260

* Boating activities

Table 3.7-14
Lake Wylie Estimated Absorption Percentages for Reservoir

Activity Estimated 1999 Participants Estimated 1999 Demand Absorption Percentage
Swimming 252,173 3,759,810 6.7%
Picnicking 112,514 2,336,698 4.8%
Camping 17,699 1,440,058 1.2%
Boating 1,076,299 3,002,142 35.9%

Table 3.7-15
Lake Wylie 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 Wylie Share Acreage
Swimming 2010 579,771 1 per 50,000 11.60 Beaches 0.78 4.27
  2020 654,151 1 per 50,000 13.08 Beaches 0.88 4.82
  2030 766,050 1 per 50,000 15.32 Beaches 1.03 5.65
  2040 883,467 1 per 50,000 17.67 Beaches 1.21 6.63
  2050 1,018,880 1 per 50,000 20.38 Beaches 1.42 7.81
Picnicking 2010 696,347 1 per 500 1,392.69 Tables 66.85 6.68
  2020 785,683 1 per 500 1,571.37 Tables 75.43 7.54
  2030 920,082 1 per 500 1,840.16 Tables 88.33 8.83
  2040 1,061,108 1 per 500 2,122.22 Tables 103.73 10.37
  2050 1,223,749 1 per 500 2,447.50 Tables 122.13 12.21
Camping 2010 348,174 6 per 1,000 2,089.04 Campsites 25.07 6.27
  2020 392,841 6 per 1,000 2,357.05 Campsites 28.28 7.07
  2030 460,041 6 per 1,000 2,760.25 Campsites 33.12 8.28
  2040 530,554 6 per 1,000 3,183.32 Campsites 38.90 9.72
  2050 611,875 6 per 1,000 3,671.25 Campsites 45.80 11.45
Boating 2010 699,456 1 per 4000 174.86 Boat ramps 62.78 62.78
  2020 789,190 1 per 4000 197.30 Boat ramps 70.83 70.83
  2030 924,189 1 per 4000 231.05 Boat ramps 82.95 82.95
  2040 1,065,845 1 per 4000 266.46 Boat ramps 97.41 97.41
  2050 1,229,212 1 per 4000 307.30 Boat ramps 114.68 114.68
          Total Acreage for 2050 146.15