(Image courtesy of Duke Energy)

Duke Energy will conduct a Recreation Use and Needs Study (RUNS) along the 11 lakes of the Catawba-Wateree River basin in which the company operates.

The study allows the public to provide feedback about the Duke Energy owned recreational and water access opportunities along the lakes and rivers. 

The study, which is required every 10 years, will run through Oct. 30. The next study will take place in 2035.

"At Duke Energy, we want to be a good neighbor. A part of doing that is providing opportunities to enjoy our shared water resource. With dozens of opportunities along the Catawba-Wateree, we want to hear from the public about what they enjoy and where there may be opportunities for improvement," said Christy Churchill, recreation manager for Duke Energy's Hydro and Lake Services team.

Included in the study are all Duke Energy-owned public recreation sites at Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Hickory, Lookout Shoals Lake, Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Great Falls Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir and Lake Wateree.

As a part of the study, Duke Energy installed traffic and trail counters at each site as well as posted clerks on certain key days to interview visitors regarding their experiences while using Duke Energy access areas.

"We want the public to engage with us so we want to make this easy. QR codes to online surveys have been posted at each access area to allow users to participate," Churchill said. "Duke Energy values your feedback and encourages all users to provide input during the study."

The study results will be made available to the public and filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2026.