3 minute read
EXHIBIT 16: PHILLIPS LANDING ENTRANCE SIGN
A.1.2 Phillips Landing Access Improvements
The Phillips Landing paddle access is located on privately owned land directly across from the existing Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway near the intersection of US Highway 70 and North Main Street (US 221 Business) in Marion. The access area features a gravel parking area and river access with concrete ramp. An entrance sign will direct visitors to the access area, and a formal land use agreement will secure long-term access.
ACTION ITEMS: • Formalize a land use agreement with the current property owner to secure long-term public use and access. • Develop and install an entrance sign on US 221 Business with UCRPT branding. • Improve the existing parking area with asphalt or permeable pavers, and install additional stormwater management BMPs to help protect water quality in the Catawba River.
Existing Conditions: Phillips Landing
A new entrance sign that incorporates Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail branding will be installed on US 221 Business to direct paddlers to the access area.
EXH 16
PHILLIPS LANDING ENTRANCE SIGN
Duke Energy owns a 42 acre tract of land near the mouth of the Catawba River at Lake James easily accessible from Yancey Road. It is a prime location for development of an UCRPT access area and Fonta Flora State Trail trailhead. Additional compelling outdoor recreation amenities like beginner mountain bike trails and a pump track could also be developed on the property.
ACTION ITEMS: • Encourage Duke Energy to consider developing the vacant tract for recreational use to include a variety of outdoor recreation amenities. • Participate in the planning, development, and construction of a paddle access area and trailhead for the UCRPT and FFST.
A.1.4 North Fork of the Catawba River Access Development
Approximately 38 acres of land off North Fork River Drive and Lake James Road near the inlet of the North Fork of the Catawba River on Lake James was recently secured by the Foothills Conservancy and transferred to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Future plans include developing an access area for paddlers and anglers.
ACTION ITEMS: • Work with the NCWRC to develop plans and construct an access area to be included on the
UCRPT.
Existing Conditions: Yancey Road
Existing Conditions: North Fork of the Catawba River
The existing Black Bear Boating Access Area is located off Lake James Road on Duke Energy property and is managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Duke Energy is planning additional development on the 164 acre tract beginning in Fall 2021. Key features include a picnic area, camping facilities, and a segment of the Fonta Flora State Trail.
ACTION ITEMS: • Support Duke Energy’s current recreational development plan for the area. • Incorporate the use of UCRPT, FFST, and
Overmountain Victory National Historic and State
Trail branding on entrance signs and trailhead kiosks.
A.1.6 Hidden Cove Access Improvements
The Hidden Cove Boating Access Area is strategically located near the Lake James Catawba dam on property owned by Duke Energy and managed by Lake James State Park. It offers users of the UCRPT easy access to the south side of Lake James from NC Highway 126. Additional signage at the access entrance and branding will increase public awareness of this site.
ACTION ITEMS: • Incorporate the use of UCRPT branding at the access entrance.
Existing Conditions: Black Bear
