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Draft Shoreline Management Plan for the Tillery
Hydroelectric Project The Lake Tillery Project in central North Carolina contains approximately 118 miles of shoreline. Progress Energy (formerly known as Carolina Power & Light Company) manages the shoreline to accommodate the variety of uses that take place within the Lake Tillery Project boundary. Through its lease program, dock permitting program, and "Guidelines for the Use of Leased Properties at Lake Tillery," Progress Energy has actively managed shoreline activities at Lake Tillery. To further advance and document its shoreline management planning, as well as responding to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order, Progress Energy has developed this Shoreline Management Plan. It is Progress Energy's goal to provide a mechanism to assist in the protection and enhancement of the environmental, scenic, and recreational values provided by Lake Tillery and the project lands, while ensuring the continued safe and reliable production of hydroelectric power at the project. Specifically, this shoreline management plan should assist in the protection of endangered species, wetlands, aquatic emergent vegetation, naturally vegetated buffers, and other important fish and wildlife habitats within the project boundary. To best manage the lands within the projec;t boundary, Progress Energy has undertaken a number of activities in regard to the Lake Tillery Project Shoreline. Progress Energy documented and mapped the current uses of the shoreline through aerial photography and on-site observations. The shoreline of the Lake Tillery Project was classified into one of eight current land use categories. Currently, 2 miles of the shoreline are classified as Commercial, 64 miles are Residential, 5 miles are Agricultural, 1 mile is Project Operations, 1 mile is Public Infrastructure, 1 mile is Developed Public Recreation, 12 miles are Undeveloped Public Recreation, and 32 miles are Undeveloped. To base its shoreline management decisions on the best available biological and ecological data, Progress Energy undertook a habitat mapping study to identify, map, and document locations for six different shoreline aquatic habitat types within the Lake Tillery Project boundary. Progress Energy met with resource agencies during Spring, 2000 to discuss and receive comments in regard to the study plan. During the summer of 2000, Progress Energy mapped 655 individual habitat units at Lake Tillery. This information, along with Progress Energy management review, was used to develop future land use designations for all undeveloped lands on Lake Tillery. The future use categories are (1) Environmental/Natural and; (2) Potential Development Areas; (a.) Impact Minimization Zone and (b.) Other Potential Development Areas. Of the lands that were classified into Future Use Categories there are 17 miles of Environmental/Natural land, 14 miles of Impact Minimization Zone, and 11 miles of Other Potential Development Areas. In preparation for the Shoreline Management Plan, Progress Energy also contacted the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program to determine the locations of any state and federally-listed rare species, high quality natural communities, and significant natural heritage areas that have been identified in the vicinity of the Lake Tillery Project. In addition, Progress Energy has documented opportunities for recreation and access that are located throughout the Lake Tillery Project, including marinas, boat ramps, designated bank and pier fishing facilities, private recreation facilities, National Forest lands, and a state park. Progress Energy contacted the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to determine the locations of known cultural sites within the one-quarter mile of the Lake Tillery Project boundary. There are a total of 102 known cultural resource sites. There are 91 archaeological sites and 11 architectural sites. The majority (80 of 91) of the archaeological sites are adjacent to the northern portion of the Lake Tillery Project, within Morrow Mountain State Park and the Uwharrie National Forest. Progress Energy will keep the information about the locations of all of the sites on file. If a lease application is submitted that may affect any of the known archaeological sites, Progress Energy will direct the applicant to the SHPO. The applicant must seek concurrence on the measures needed to protect the site and provide a copy of the concurrence to Progress Energy. Progress Energy shall file for Commission approval any lease application submitted to it that affects cultural resources for which concurrence has not been obtained. This shoreline management plan includes a description of project operations and license requirements, as they affect the management of the shoreline of the Lake Tillery Project. Progress Energy has developed long-term management goals for the protection and development of its lands. Progress Energy's goal in managing its lands and planning for the long-term use of its lands within the project boundary is to balance the competing interests that are vying for the resources offered by the Lake Tillery Project and its shoreline. Progress Energy's Lake Manager monitors the Lake Tillery Project. Included in this monitoring is a separate shoreline cruise for the spring, summer, and fall seasons of each year. This is performed to ensure compliance by all leaseholders with all of the permits that have been issued and the "Guidelines for the Use of Leased Properties at Lake Tillery," and to discover any encroachments within the Lake Tillery Project boundary. Progress Energy has a lease program in place for the reasonable and responsible development of project lands. Progress Energy meets with resource agencies annually to discuss any of the issues that may be arising at any of its projects. Progress Energy's management team addresses any of the issues that arise in regard to the Lake Tillery Project. Progress Energy, also, has the opportunity to review any of the comments that are received in regard to any development requiring a United States Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit. Progress Energy is able to educate many of the leaseholders on the Lake Tillery Project through the publication of its annual newsletter. Progress Energy solicits the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for relevant information to include in the newsletter. For example, a recent issue of the newsletter addressed the use of native vegetation within the Lake Tillery Project Area. The draft Shoreline Management Plan was provided to resource agencies, leaseholders and county officials for review and comment. Comments and Progress Energy's response to comments are included as Appendix E. The full text of the Shoreline Management Plan is available to all members of the public at Progress Energy's Lake Tillery office, Progress Energy's website, and county offices.
The Lake Tillery Project (FERC No. 2206) is located on the Pee Dee River in Stanly and Montgomery counties in central North Carolina. Lake Tillery is owned and operated by Progress Energy. The Lake Tillery Project began operation in 1928 and is located at approximately mile 219 on the Pee Dee River in the North Carolina Piedmont region. The reservoir has a normal pool elevation of 278.2 feet above mean sea level. Total generating capacity of the hydroelectric plant is 86 MW. The Lake Tillery Project contains approximately 118 linear miles of shoreline (Table 1.1). Table 1.1 Summary of the Lake Tillery Project Characteristics
The purpose of the Lake Tillery Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is to:
This SMP contains specific information regarding the history of shoreline management and the development of this plan for the Lake Tillery Project. The plan specifically addresses the requirements of the FERC Order. Section 1.3 outlines the history of the Shoreline Management Plan and provides the requirements of the FERC Order. Section 2 describes the characteristics of the shoreline, including land use classifications and specific recreational, cultural, and environmental sites contained within the project boundary. Existing project operations and license requirements that relate to shoreline management are described in Section 3. Section 4 contains Progress Energy's long-term management goals for shoreline management. Measures and guidelines for meeting those goals are described in Section 5. Progress Energy's monitoring and enforcement measures for the plan are described in Section 6. The proposed SMP review and update process is contained in Section 7. Finally, provisions for providing information and education to property owners and the public are described in Section 8.
Progress Energy manages the shoreline to accommodate the variety of uses that take place within the Lake Tillery Project boundary. Through its lease program, dock permitting program and "Guidelines", Progress Energy has actively managed shoreline activities at Lake Tillery. To further advance and document its shoreline management planning, as well as to respond to the FERC Order, Progress Energy has developed this SMP. The SMP includes, as ordered: 1) a detailed description of the types and locations of existing land and water uses, fish and wildlife resources, and significant features or resources within the project's Tillery development; 2) a description of existing project operations and license requirements that relate to the management of the Lake Tillery project including adjoining shoreline property; 3) a description of the licensee's efforts to obtain input from resource agencies, property owners, and the public on the development of the proposed shoreline management plan; 4) a description of long-term management goals established for shoreline property and associated project resources; 5) a description of measures and general guidelines to be implemented at the Lake Tillery Project to achieve stated management goals, such as land use classifications, identification of permitted and prohibited shoreline uses, general development standards, and specific measures to protect environmentally sensitive areas; 6) a description of monitoring and enforcement measures to be implemented at the Lake Tillery development to ensure effective implementation of the shoreline management plan; 7) provisions to periodically review and update the proposed shoreline management plan, including periodic consultation with resource agencies and other interested parties; and 8) provisions to provide information and education to property owners and the public of the goals and requirements of the proposed shoreline management plan.
As part of developing the SMP, Progress Energy provided resource agencies with the opportunity to meet and comment on the methods used in developing aspects of the Plan. Progress Energy met with resource agencies on April 19, 2000 to keep them appraised of the progression of the SMP. During this meeting, resource agencies were given an opportunity to comment on the methods for fieldwork conducted during July and August, 2000. Agencies that were represented at the meeting included the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Progress Energy held a field meeting on June 26, 2000. Attendees included the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During the meeting the participants visited many areas throughout the reservoir. Comments on the draft SMP were solicited from resource agencies, county officials, adjacent property owners, and the general public. The draft SMP was distributed to resource agencies and continues to be available to members of the general public. Progress Energy distributed the draft SMP to resource agencies on November 10, 2000. Progress Energy met with agency representatives on December 19, 2000 to address any concerns they had in regard to the SMP. The comment period for resource agencies extended until Wednesday, January 31 at 5 p.m. During the agency meeting, it was discovered that an incorrect version of the "Guidelines for Leased Properties on Lake Tillery." Subsequently, Progress Energy distributed the correct version of the "Guidelines" and extended the comment period until February 15, 2001. Progress Energy met with county commissioners and economic development directors from Stanly and Montgomery counties on December 13, 2000. The Executive Summary of the SMP was provided to the county economic development offices in January and February. Progress Energy sent a letter dated July 5, 2001 to leaseholders informing them of the basic provisions of the SMP and requesting comments by July 25, 2001. Copies of the full Draft SMP have been made available to the public via Progress Energy's website since July 1, 2001. The website offers an online version of the SMP and a "printer friendly" version of the SMP for individuals to make hard copies. The deadline for comments from the general public was changed to August 31, 2001. However, Progress Energy continued to receive and address comments from the public through November 30, 2001. Copies of all correspondence and Progress Energy responses to comments are included as Appendix E.
As part of this shoreline management plan, Progress
Energy has classified all of the land within the project boundary according
to land use. Using aerial photographs and on-site observations, as well
as information about Progress Energy leased lands, Progress Energy classified
the shoreline land use of the reservoir into seven categories. The definitions
of the categories follow:
Shoreline maps with the current use classifications
indicated for the shoreline of the Lake Tillery Project are included
as Figures 2.1 and 2.2.
Linear shoreline totals for each of the land classification types are listed in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 Current Shoreline Land Use Classification Totals
During July and August, 2000, Progress Energy undertook a shoreline mapping study to classify aquatic habitat types within the project boundary (Appendix A). For the purposes of identifying aquatic habitat, Progress Energy mapped a total of 654 individual habitat units. This mapping included an assessment of island shoreline. The focus of the project was to identify and map all of the shoreline that could be classified into one of five aquatic habitat types. During the mapping a sixth habitat type was assigned, based on field reconnaissance and discussions with resource agency personnel. The methodology used in this study was developed after discussions during the June 26, 2000 site visit with biologists from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The six habitat types follow: As a part of the field work for the habitat mapping study, Progress Energy staff also documented the plant and animal species that were observed at each of the habitat locations at the time they were mapped. The results of the habitat mapping study are presented in Appendix A.
In developing the SMP, Progress Energy contacted the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). The NCNHP provided information about rare species, high quality natural communities, state park and recreation areas and Significant Natural Heritage Areas in the vicinity of The Lake Tillery Project. Information was received from the NCNHP in regard to the area within a 1-mile radius of the shoreline. For the purposes of this SMP, only the plant and animal species and habitats that occur within the Lake Tillery Project Boundary will be discussed. The NCNHP has designated the entire river as Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) forage habitat. Bald Eagle, a federally listed threatened species, feed on fish that live in Lake Tillery. It is expected that the SMP will not have an effect on the fish populations and thus the quality of the Bald Eagle forage habitat will not be affected. Development of the shoreline of the Lake Tillery Project and associated clearing could affect the availability of nesting or perch trees in the area. Due to this potential effect, Progress Energy has conducted a nesting survey for Bald Eagle (Watts, 2001). Two Bald Eagle nests have been found to occur around Lake Tillery. The first is located within the boundary of Morrow Mountain State Park. This active and productive nest produced a single chick in the spring of 2001. The nest can be seen from a cove adjacent to its location. The land around the nest is undeveloped and provides a large buffer. The current and future land use of this area is classified as undeveloped public recreation. The second nest is located on the west side of the river downstream of Norwood Dam. The nest is active and productive. Two chicks were observed in the nest in the spring of 2001. The nest is not visible from the water or roadway. Based on this new information, Progress Energy is in the process of assessing how it can best address the protection of bald eagle nesting sites. Progress Energy is considering the use of policy and guideline changes that would address potential disturbances. During the Bald Eagle Survey, a Great Blue Heron colony was observed downstream of Norwood Dam, within the Lake Tillery Project Boundary. The colony is estimated to contain approximately 30 pairs of Herons. Based upon the early stage of the colony, it is likely that additional pairs of Herons will arrive. Based on this newly available information, Progress Energy is currently evaluating options for protecting the nesting areas of colonial waterbirds. The furthest upstream reach of the Lake Tillery Project is home to a number of natural communities and rare plants. The NCNHP includes in its assessment of "rare" species, all species that are state and federally endangered, threatened, species of concern, or candidates for listing. The farthest northeastern portion of the reservoir contains three natural communities. They are Basic Oak-Hickory Forest, Dry Oak-Hickory Forest, and Piedmont Mafic Cliff. The rare plants in this area are the Carolina thistle (Cirsium carolinianum) (candidate for state-listing), Little sneezeweed (Helenium brevifolium) (state-listed, endangered), Piedmont indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii) (state-listed, significantly rare), Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) (state and federally-listed, endangered), the Yadkin River goldenrod (Solidago plumosa) (state-listed, endangered and federally-listed, species of concern). This area falls within an undeveloped portion of the shoreline. Two other locations of rare plant species are known to exist along the shoreline of the Lake Tillery Project. The Piedmont indigo-bush is a state-listed significantly rare species that is found on the west side of the reservoir south of the Highway 24/27 bridge. This area is a developed residential area. The Georgia aster (Aster georgianus) is a state-listed threatened species and federally-listed species of special concern. It is found on the east side of the reservoir south of the highway 24/27 bridge. Progress Energy is in the process developing management plans for rare plant species found in areas that are located in land classified as residential, commercial, agricultural, project operations, or public infrastructure. Progress Energy anticipates that comprehensive surveys of the shoreline will be a part of the relicensing process. The fish community of the lake was characterized by Progress Energy during 1992 and 2000 (Progress Energy 1993, 2000 unpublished data) and by on going fishery management assessments by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The lake currently supports a healthy sport fishery consisting of largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, white bass, white perch, channel catfish, and blue catfish, and several panfish species (Lepomis species or bream). Fishery assessments conducted by Progress Energy in 1992, and most recently in 2000, showed the lake to be dominated by bluegill, other sunfish species, largemouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, threadfin shad, gizzard shad, white catfish, and channel catfish. The total fish weight or biomass per surface area was comparable to other warmwater southeastern United States reservoirs. The NCWRC is responsible for managing the sport fishery in Lake Tillery and has periodically stocked several species of sport fish in the lake since the 1950s to enhance the sport fishery. Species that have been stocked in the lake and currently have viable populations are channel catfish, striped bass, white bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass. Prey species, threadfin shad and blueback herring, have also been stocked in the Yadkin River basin by the NCWRC. These two species have viable populations in Lake Tillery. The NCWRC has maintained a striped bass fingerling program at the lake since the mid-1970s, and a put-and-take sport fishery for this species has developed in the lake. In 2000, the NCWRC stocked 27,000 fingerling striped bass into Lake Tillery, which equates to about 5 fish/acre (NCWRC 2000). The NCWRC has also installed and maintained artificial fish attractors at several sites within Lake Tillery to provide additional protective cover for fish and to provide identified angling areas for public use and enjoyment.
Lake Tillery is a warm-water, moderately productive reservoir, with moderate amounts of nutrients and ions. Water clarity of the lake is periodically influenced by precipitation-related events associated with tributary input and upstream contributions of sediment from the Yadkin River (Progress Energy, 1993). The N.C. Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) characterized Lake Tillery as mesotrophic in biological productivity according to a 1999 water quality assessment (NCDWQ, 2000). The lake was also classified by the NCDWQ as "fully supporting" its designated primary uses of recreation, swimming, and water supply (NCDWQ, 2000). Lake waters are currently classified as WS-IV, B CA by the NCDWQ, which is suitable for drinking water supplies and other consumptive uses and primary and secondary recreation. The lake currently provides drinking water supplies for Montgomery County and the City of Norwood.
There are a variety of opportunities for recreation throughout the Lake Tillery Project. In addition to formally designated sites, there are a number of informal unmarked areas that offer opportunities for a rustic recreation experience. Formal facilities exist in the form of marinas, public boat ramps, designated bank fishing facilities, private recreation facilities, and a state park. Informal opportunities exist at unmarked sites throughout the project where wildlife observation and fishing occur as well as other areas used informally for water or shoreline access. Marinas Four marinas are located on the Lake Tillery Project; Ken's Marina, Family Boat Center, Cook's Marina, and Dock-N-Shop. Services provided by the marina's include boat storage, fuel sales, boat repair, and boat and jet ski rentals. Two of the marinas, Cook's Marina and Dock-n-Shop, are located near NCWRC public boat ramps. Dock-n-Shop is currently not in operation, but is still under lease. The locations of the marinas are as follows. Ken's Marina is located in Stanly county on the southwest section of the reservoir approximately 0.75 miles upstream of the dam. Family Boat Center is located in Stanly county on the west side of the reservoir. Cook's Marina is in Stanly County in the central portion of the western side of the reservoir. Dock-n-Shop is in Montgomery County on the Lower Richland Creek tributary on the southeastern side of Lake Tillery. Public Boat Ramps There are five public boat ramps on Lake Tillery, four of which are maintained by the NCWRC on Progress Energy lands that have been leased to them. Morrow Mountain State Park operates the fifth area, which is also on Progress Energy lands that have been leased to them. The four boat ramps operated by the NCWRC area are the Norwood Access Area, the Stony Mountain Access Area, Swift Island Access Area, and the Lilly's Bridge Access Area. Morrow Mountain State Park operates the Morrow Mountain Access Area. Developed Fishing Area The Lilly's Bridge fishing pier is located directly across from the Lilly's Bridge Access Area. It includes two bank fishing piers, one of which is handicapped accessible. The area is maintained by the NCWRC. Private Recreation Facilities Several private recreation facilities are located at major subdivisions on the Lake Tillery Project. These private facilities include areas at Woodrun, Holiday Shores, Sugar Loaf Shores, Carolina Forest, and Twin Harbor. Developers of these projects and, subsequently, the homeowner associations operate and maintain recreation facilities including boat ramps, dock facilities, swimming/beach areas, and boat storage. State Park Morrow Mountain State Park is located in Stanly County on the upper northwestern section of the Lake Tillery Project. The park, which is the third oldest state park in North Carolina, was built in the Depression Era. The park boundary encompasses approximately 5,000 acres. Water-related recreation facilities at the park include a one-lane boat ramp, two docks, parking for about 35 vehicles, and boat and canoe rentals. Other recreation facilities at the park include primitive camping, cabins, a swimming pool, hiking and equestrian trails, picnic areas, a natural history museum, and an outdoor amphitheater. Informal Recreation Areas Informal unmarked recreation opportunities are scattered around the lake and frequently occur on Progress Energy land. The major undesignated recreation areas at the reservoir include: the Tillery Dam tailrace; the Progress Energy lands leased to NCWRC on the west side of the reservoir above the dam; the Progress Energy lands adjacent to the Stony Mountain Access Area; and the Progress Energy lands on Cedar Creek Bay near the intersection of State Road 1740 and State Road 1745. The predominant activity at these sites is bank fishing.
Progress Energy monitors recreational use of Lake Tillery through the FERC Form 80 process. This process involves a six-year cycle for reporting recreational use levels for all facilities within the project boundary. In preparation for the most recent Form 80 reporting, Progress Energy documented recreation visitation for the period of May 1995 through April 1996. Progress Energy estimated recreational use through surveys of visitors and adjacent landowners, aerial counts, and spot counts. Progress Energy estimated total recreational use at Lake Tillery to be 621,295 recreation days, with a peak weekend average of 17,881 recreation days. Progress Energy separated the total use into resident and non-resident use. To obtain these estimates, Progress Energy counted the number of boat trailers located at the boat ramps during aerial flyovers. By subtracting this number from the total number of boats on the water, the number of residential boats was estimated. Progress Energy estimates that total annual use of Lake Tillery by residents is 371,353 recreation days (59.8% of the use) and the total recreational use by individuals using public boat ramps to be 249,942 recreation days. As a part of the recreation monitoring, Progress Energy examined issues of carrying capacity. The carrying capacity for Lake Tillery is estimated at 503 boats, based on "Guidelines for Understanding Optimum Recreation Carrying Capacity" (BOR, 1977). Progress Energy calculated this estimate by dividing the 4,529 acres of usable water by the base requirement of 9 acres per boat. To determine usable acres, Progress Energy subtracted areas that are inaccessible by boat from the area of the Lake at full pool. The 9 acres per boat standard is the listed standard for unlimited power boating. Progress Energy used this standard to ensure that the carrying capacity would not be overestimated. The peak day for boating in 1995 was July 4. Progress Energy estimates that there were 689 boats on the water on that date, exceeding the estimated carrying capacity. However, this is an extremely rare occurrence. For each of the other two summer holidays, Progress Energy counted totals of 207 and 205 boats. For the 3 main summer holidays, Lake Tillery was at 41%, 137%, and 42% capacity. Overall, on peak holidays Progress Energy estimates the lake averages 73% capacity. This number is deceiving, since the July 4 holiday skews results higher than is the case on most days. On non-holidays, the Lake falls well below this level of use. These numbers indicate that, generally, the amount of use that occurs on Lake Tillery is below the estimated carrying capacity. Progress Energy will continue to work with NCWRC to find solutions to times of overcrowding on the Lake. The amount of public parking that is available can have an impact on the number of visitors and the location of recreation. According to 1995 observations, 62 percent of the 422 public parking spaces are utilized during peak periods. This indicates that, overall, the number of parking spaces is adequate. However, the amount of use across all of the sites is not equal. When specific sites were examined, some parking shortages were found to exist. Progress Energy will continue to work with the NCWRC to examine specific options for distributing use away from overused facilities and areas. Progress Energy will also continue monitoring recreation and will work with NCWRC on any issues that arise during the course of such monitoring. A recreation study update is being considered for 2002.
Progress Energy contacted the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to determine the extent of the cultural resources that are found within one-quarter mile of the shoreline of the Lake Tillery Project. Progress Energy, through the use of the SHPO files, documented the known archaeological and architectural sites. The total number of cultural sites is 91 archaeological sites and 11 architectural resources. Due to the sensitive nature of these sites and their locations, the specifics of the sites will not be discussed here. The Lake Tillery Project encompasses part of one of the largest quarries in eastern North America. A quarry is a location from which prehistoric groups excavated raw materials for making stone tools. The quarry complex contains archeological sites from the Middle Archaic phase of history (approximately 5,000 - 9,000 years before present). The majority of the archaeological sites (approximately 80 of 91) are associated with this quarry. The sites also correspond with the Morrow Mountain State Park and the Uwharrie National Forest. Progress Energy will keep this information on file and monitor permit applications and construction to ensure that sensitive areas are avoided in terms of any planned development or permits for construction. If a lease application is submitted that may affect any of the known archaeological sites, Progress Energy will direct the applicant to the SHPO. The applicant must seek concurrence on the measures needed to protect the site and provide a copy of the concurrence to Progress Energy. Progress Energy shall file for Commission approval any lease application submitted to it that affects cultural resources for which concurrence has not been obtained. There are few (11) historic architectural sites within one-quarter mile of the project boundary. The sites identified by the SHPO records include Norwood Dam at the southern end of the impoundment, as well as a number of sites located in the Morrow Mountain Quad north of Cedar Creek. Specific architectural sites include the Eli Hamilton House, the G. Russell House, the J.R. Snuggs House, the Randall House, the Randall Slave Cabin, and the Simpson Chase House. Information has not been gathered as to the eligibility of these sites for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Progress Energy will be working with the SHPO to develop materials for the Progress Energy Lake Management newsletter. The materials will be developed to educate and inform adjacent landowners as to the importance of protecting known archaeological sites and reporting any potential sites that are discovered.
The license issued for the Lake Tillery Project allows Progress Energy to draw the lake down up to 22 feet. Progress Energy currently operates the Project within a 4 foot range under "normal" circumstances and the vast majority of the time operates within a 2 foot range. However, there are situations in which it becomes necessary to draw down lake levels. These situations are generally dependent upon inflow from Falls Lake. Such events are infrequent and occur only when absolutely necessary for the operation of the facility. Progress Energy has an agreement with the NCWRC to hold the elevation of the Lake Tillery reservoir as constant as practicable during the largemouth bass spawning season (April 15 - May 15). Additional efforts are made by Progress Energy staff during this period to keep the reservoir operating within one foot. Fluctuation of lake levels beyond 4 feet is considered abnormal. The fluctuation of the reservoir under "normal" circumstances does not cause large scale impacts and is not considered to have an affect on adjoining shoreline property. There are no other items in the project operations, original license, or amendments that affect management of the shoreline.
Progress Energy's goal in managing its lands and planning for the long-term use of its lands within the project boundary is to balance the competing interests that are vying for the resources offered by the Lake Tillery Project and its shoreline. Progress Energy manages these lands to serve the greater public interest, providing for recreational access, development of residential and commercial areas, preservation of important wildlife habitat, production of power needs, protection of cultural resources contained within the project boundary, and consideration of the aesthetic resources of the Lake Tillery Project. This balance is maintained through the enforcement of Progress Energy's "Guidelines for the Use of Leased Properties at Lake Tillery" (Guidelines), consultation with interested parties, and the continued work of Progress Energy to identify important areas within the project boundary. The specific goal in regard to the development of this SMP is to provide a mechanism to assist in the protection and enhancement of the environmental, scenic, and recreational values provided by Lake Tillery and the project lands, while ensuring the continued safe and reliable production of hydroelectric power at the project. Specifically, this shoreline management plan should assist in the protection of endangered species, wetlands, aquatic emergent vegetation, naturally vegetated buffers, and other important fish and wildlife habitats within the project boundary.
Progress Energy developed the "Guidelines for Use of Leased Properties at Lake Tillery" to better manage development impacts around the lake shore. (The most recent revision of the Guidelines is included as Appendix B in this Shoreline Management Plan. Consistent with Commission policy, the Guidelines are reviewable by FERC. However, Progress Energy has the delegated authority to change its Guidelines and permit program from time to time without seeking Commission approval. In response to resource agency comments, Progress Energy has agreed to consult with the resource agencies and provide their comments on the Guidelines to FERC. Agency and public comments will be considered in future efforts to revise the Guidelines. Ultimately, Progress Energy has the comprehensive responsibility to ensure all activities on project lands and waters are undertaken in a manner consistent with the purposes of protecting and enhancing the scenic, recreational, and other environmental values of the project. This responsibility may translate to a need for Progress Energy to make changes in the Guidelines.) Progress Energy has classified all existing Undeveloped lands into future use categories. In addition to the undeveloped lands, there are certain agricultural and residential lands that Progress Energy management feels deserve additional levels of protection than those provided by the Guidelines. These lands have been included in the future land use classifications as Impact Minimization Zone (IMZ) or Environmental/Natural based upon additional field reconnaissance to ensure the proper level of protection is afforded to these important areas and to reduce any future impacts to these areas. Progress Energy developed the future use categories to provide guidance for protecting important areas within the project boundary, as well as indicating areas that are available for potential development. The future use categories follow: Environmental/Natural - Areas of importance such as wildlife habitat or areas that have characteristics (i.e. shallow water, important cultural resource areas or important terrestrial habitat areas) that make development inside the project boundary undesirable from a lake management standpoint. No development will be allowed to take place in these areas. All lands that are currently undeveloped and are identified in the Habitat Mapping Study as Type 1 (See section 2.1.1) are classified as environmental/natural. Potential Development Areas
The linear shoreline miles that are the result of the future land use classification of undeveloped and agricultural land follow in Table 5.1. The future use shoreline classification maps for the Lake Tillery Project are included as Figures 5.1 and 5.2. These maps show all future land use classifications for all of the shoreline of the Lake Tillery Project that is currently classified as undeveloped or agricultural.
NA - Not Applicable
Progress Energy manages the project in accordance with the terms of its license and the applicable rules and regulations of the FERC. This responsibility includes providing adequate public access and public recreation facilities, and protecting important natural, environmental, and scenic resources. Along the shoreline, Progress Energy lands are both managed by Progress Energy and leased to private entities. For the leased lands Progress Energy has developed a publication entitled "Guidelines for the Use of Leased Properties at Lake Tillery" (Appendix B). Further, Progress Energy has developed Impact Minimization Zone Guidelines (Appendix C) to regulate development of these important areas. Progress Energy allows public access to Project lands and waters, so far as it is consistent with the proper operation of the Project, for purposes of navigation and recreation. Progress Energy's Lake Manager monitors the Lake Tillery Project. Included in this monitoring is a separate shoreline cruise for the spring, summer, and fall seasons each year. This is performed to ensure compliance by all leaseholders with all of the provisions of applicable permits and Progress Energy's Guidelines. Any use of or change in the features or vegetation on Project lands and waters without specific authorization from Progress Energy is prohibited and considered an encroachment. Such activities requiring specific authorization from Progress Energy include, but are not limited to, the following:
Under its FERC license, Progress Energy has the authority
to permit limited development activities around the shoreline of the
Lake Tillery Project and to convey certain interests in Project lands
and waters, however, Progress Energy must ensure the protection of public
recreation opportunities, aesthetic beauty, environmental features,
and power production capability at the project. For those purposes,
Progress Energy has the continuing responsibility to supervise and control
the uses and Progress Energy may authorize certain activities to be carried out in the Project boundary by issuing a construction or activity permit. Other than public recreational use of the Project through public access areas, any non-Project uses or activities on Project lands or waters requires a written permit from Progress Energy and may not commence until the permit is written. Progress Energy has information on file in regard to the cultural resources within the project boundary. Progress Energy will monitor permit applications and construction to be sure that sensitive areas are avoided. If a permit application is submitted that affects any of the archaeological sites, Progress Energy will direct the applicant to consult with the North Carolina SHPO. Some of the activities for which permits are most often requested are summarized below. Progress Energy reserves the right to refuse to grant an activity permit in the event that the applicant has not complied with any of the Guidelines. Ownership of a lot on the reservoir or lease of property from Progress Energy does not guarantee the property owner or lessee the right to make alterations to Progress Energy lands, including the cutting of vegetation, dredging and filling, or construction of any structure without specific written authorization from Progress Energy. All applications for permission will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If a construction or activity permit is issued, all work must be done in compliance with the terms of the permit, the Guidelines, and other Progress Energy policies, procedures, and requirements. The applicant is responsible for correcting or removing any unauthorized activity or structures. Permits are of limited duration and are terminable by Progress Energy in accordance with their terms. Changing conditions or other factors may lead Progress Energy to refuse to renew an activity permit or to terminate an activity permit. The following activities always require a written permit from Progress Energy:
Removal of floating debris and shoreline litter (that poses an imminent threat to life or property), such as floating logs, paper, plastic, and other unnatural forms of garbage or debris, does not require Progress Energy approval as long as the method of removal complies with the other requirements of the Guidelines. In addition, Progress Energy continually monitors its shoreline including all leased lands.
The Shoreline Management Plan will be updated as follows:
Progress Energy proposes to revise and update the overall SMP every 10 years. Progress Energy will be undertaking a number of studies in relation to relicensing of the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant. The results of these studies will be very useful to Progress Energy in development of an SMP update. The update will include consultation with resource agencies, leaseholders, and the general public. Further, the update will incorporate any revisions that are deemed necessary in order to protect the public recreation opportunities, aesthetic beauty, environmental features, and power production capability at the project.
Progress Energy meets with resource agencies annually to discuss any of the issues that may be arising at any of its projects. Progress Energy's management team addresses any of the issues that arise in regard to the Lake Tillery Project. Progress Energy, also, has the opportunity to review any of the comments that are received in regard to any development requiring a United States Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit. Progress Energy is able to educate many of the leaseholders on the Lake Tillery Project through the publication of its annual newsletter. Progress Energy solicits the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for relevant information to include in the newsletter. The "Lake Tillery Newsletter" is generally published once per year and is sent to all leaseholders. Recent issues of the newsletter have provided information about land issues at Lake Tillery, policies for tree removal on Progress Energy property, trees and plants that can be used for lake landscaping, safe boating tips, the Guidelines, historic sites, Morrow Mountain State Park, and the Uwharrie National Forest. Progress Energy will continue to publish the newsletter as an educational and informational tool. Progress Energy has also produced a document entitled "Landscaping with Native Plants in a Riparian Buffer Area" (Appendix D). This document is distributed to lessees of land within the Lake Tillery Project Boundary. Progress Energy uses the document to educate these individuals about the advantages of using native plants to vegetate the area around the lake. Progress Energy encourages its lease holders to landscape using naturally occurring vegetation. In addition, Progress Energy uses the document to explain the benefits to wildlife of using native plants to landscape. In order to keep property owners appraised of the goals and requirements of the proposed SMP, Progress Energy will devote an issue of its newsletter to the SMP. The issue will include the Executive Summary of the SMP and will provide information about where the full text of the SMP is on display. The newsletter is distributed to a variety of interested individuals as well as all the shoreline leaseholders. This SMP was also developed in consultation with the appropriate resource agencies and county officials. References Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. 1977. Guidelines for Understanding Optimum Recreation Carrying Capacity. CP&L. 1993. Tillery Hydroelectric Plant. 1992 Environmental Monitoring Report. CP&L. New Hill, NC. NCDWQ. 2000. Water quality progress in North Carolina. 1998-1999 305(b) report. North Carolina Division of Water Quality. Raleigh, NC. NCWRC. 2000. District 6 warmwater stocking schedule. Internet web page http://www.wildlife.state.nc.us/fs_index_03_fishing.htm. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Watts, 2001 Bald Eagle Study for Lake Tillery. Unpublished report
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