Lake Lure Boat Management

Prepared for L.L.L.O.A.

6-10-06

Today’s Agenda

• Historical Overview of Lake Use & Management• Commercial Boating• Enforcement of Regulations • Professional Guidance• Question & Comments

Objectives

• Better understand the history and current status of boating management in Lake Lure

• Appreciate why we must improve our boating management procedures to address our continued growth

Our purpose for today’s discussion is to help you:

“Lake Lure is held in trust by the Town of Lake Lure

for the benefit of the citizens of Lake Lure".

Boating Issues at Lake Lure

• The population of potential lake users is increasing

• Crowding occurs now on some days

• The risk of boating accidents and other user conflicts is increasing

• Boat impacts on the lake are increasing

• The Town bears much liability in relation to the lake

Why Lake & Boating Management?

• Safety and Risk Mitigation• Protection of Natural Resource

• Protection of Values– Quality of Life

– Financial Investment

Growth, while generally positive and inevitable, will threaten all of these without responsible management.

TODAY

Developed lake Management Plan – 97-99

Boat Permit Rates Increased

Motorized Lake Use Exceeds Lake’s Safe Capacity Limits – Non Resident Impact

Motorized Permit Rates Increased – Resident / Non-Resident Split Created

Commercial Use of Lake Exceeds Lake’s Safe Capacity Limits

2001 Lake Survey Performed – All Property Owners

Town’s Lake Ownership & Reg. Authority Questioned Commercial Use of Lake Reaches High Impact Levels

Town Lake Ownership Confirmed – The Law of Lake Lure

Boat Permit Rates Increased for 2005 SeasonLake Commercial Impact Estimating Model Dev.

Lake Commercial Licensing – Capping max to 30%

Lake Consultants Sought – Advice non-commercial

Lake Consultants Hired Lake Workshop Held

Lake Usage & Management

1990’s 2005 200620042001 2003

1992

2002

- Historical Overview -

Lake Usage & Management - Analyzing Total Annual Motorized Permits -

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Total Annual Motorized Permits

Lake Usage & Management - Valuing Commercial Boating -

• Maximizes use and enjoyment of the lake…with fewer boats (e.g., tours, ski schools, fishing guides)

• Increases safety by reducing the number of visiting operators who may be inexperienced or unaware of lake regulations

• More stringent standards and requirements and accountability.

• 35% of survey respondents utilize the services of commercial boats

From a boating management perspective, commercial operations on Lake Lure bring several benefits…

Lake Usage & Management - Valuing Commercial Boating -

Lake management consultants are consistent in their recommendation that commercial operations are a critical tool for Lake Lure to manage the increased demand for time on the lake, even for residents (e.g., shared & managed boat fleets)

Lake Usage & Management - Managing Commercial Boating -

• Marine Commission cap on commercial usage: 30% of available lake capacity (measured in space and time…not # of boats). This was based on historical commercial usage patterns.

• Annual allocation of 30% of lake capacity among commercial applicants. Commercial licenses granted on the basis of the type of boating activity, usage patterns and seniority. When the capacity is full, additional applicants are denied.

• Commercial growth and management:– curtailing lake use by out-of-area youth camps

– expansion of local boats associated with rental homes

– prohibition of towing for rental boats

Lake Usage & Management - 2006 Lake Commercial Licenses -

Boating Activity # of Boats Approved

Motorized: 62

Rental over 10hp 30

Rental 10hp or under 15

Realtors 11

Tour Boats 8

Towed Activities 5

Service Boats 5

Fishing Guide 4

Non-Motorized 78

• These boats are operated by 44 lake commercial license holders

• Motorized commercial boats are 5% of the total population of annual motorized boat permits

Lake Usage & Management - LAC recommendations on Law Enforcement -

1. Increased on-water presence

2. Rapid response phone line; follow-up with callers

3. Positive relationship with boaters

4. Focus on awareness of regulations; safe operation

5. Safety equipment checks only when other violations noted

6. Consistency between Police, WRC (Fish & Game)

7. Detailed recordkeeping of observations, warnings & violations

8. LAC participation in officer training and patrols

Lake Usage & Management - Safe Boating Capacity -

• The lake has a finite capacity for safe boating…measured in acres over a period of time (acre/hours).

• Boats engaging in different activities "consume" acres of the lake when in use…at differing rates.

• What is the threshold where the number of boats on the lake no longer have enough room to safely operate in their desired activity?

• Our challenge is to manage the boating activity in the least invasive way…but in a way that ensures that that we don't exceed the safety threshold very often (or by very much). 

Lake Usage & Management - Professional Guidance -

The LAC is facilitating the work of consultants to guide the town & Marine Commission

– Preliminary Report– 2006 Lake Use Survey– Lake Use Public Forums– Boating Density Counts– Build consensus on best plan of action

Barbara Wiggins, CLM, WES Barbara Wiggins, CLM, WES Asheville, NCAsheville, NC

Ken Wagner, Ph.D., CLM, ENSR Ken Wagner, Ph.D., CLM, ENSR Willington, CTWillington, CT

QUESTIONS AND

COMMENTS?