EXHIBIT 03: CATAWBA RIVER

Undoubtedly, one of McDowell County’s greatest natural assets is the Catawba River. The headwaters begin on the mountainous slopes in the western half of the County just above Catawba Falls and flow 20 miles to Lake James while dropping approximately 1800 feet in elevation. The Catawba River meanders its way through the center of the County bordered by Rhododendron choked stream corridors and agricultural fields. Four public river launches within McDowell County ultimately provide access for paddlers and anglers to 82 miles of paddle trail and 29 other access points further downstream and along the Catawba River chain of lakes established in Burke, Caldwell, Alexander, and Catawba Counties.