Public Boat Access at Lake James will likely Close

RALEIGH --The Canal Bridge boat access at Lake James State Park will likely close within a few days due to anticipated low water levels, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Canal bridge is the only public boat access that remains open on the Lake in Burke and McDowell counties.

'We are unsure exactly when the Canal Bridge boat ramp will close, but are confident that it will close,' said Park Superintendent Sean McElhone. 'Boat owners should make arrangements to remove their boats from the lake as soon as possible.'

The low water levels are a direct result of drought conditions. McElhone said that Duke Energy, which monitors and manages lake levels, has advised the park that the level is likely to begin dropping about four inches per day. As lake levels drop, boat ramps become unsafe to use.

Lake James boat ramps at Hidden Cove and the Linville River Access were closed at the end of August, and the Black Bear Access was closed at the beginning of October. For more information, call the park office at (828) 652-5047.