RALEIGH, N.C. —The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is holding a public hearing on April 4 to take comments on no-wake zone rules in Beaufort, Burke and McDowell counties.

The hearing, which begins at 10 a.m., will be held on the 5th floor of the Commission's headquarters, located at 1751 Varsity Drive in Raleigh. Comments also may be submitted in writing through 5 p.m., on May 15, 2017, to betsy.haywood@ncwildlife.org or to Betsy Haywood, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1701.

Burke County has submitted an application for a no-wake zone on Lake James in the waters of Sherman's Hollow Cove shore to shore, and contiguous with the waters within 50 yards of Linville Point. Sherman's Hollow Cove is narrow with obstructed views, and heavy boat traffic poses dangers to swimmers and kayakers along Linville Point.

McDowell County has submitted an application for amendments to water safety rules on Lake James. An extension of the no-wake zone in the vicinity of the Marion Moose Club property will mitigate hazards to boater and angler safety in the narrow congested channel. Additionally, a no-wake zone is proposed within 50 yards of the peninsula at Waterglyn Cove Subdivision.

Other proposed changes include a technical amendment to clarify the parameters of the existing no-wake zone within Plantation Point Cove and to codify the no-wake zone that is within 50 yards of the Hidden Cove Boating Access Area.

The WRC proposes to remove two amendments within the McDowell County rule that are no longer necessary because boater safety hazards do not exist there. A no-wake zone at Goodman's Campground, which no longer exists, and at Deerfield Campground which is located on water that is not navigable, will be removed.

Beaufort County has submitted a no-wake zone application for the waters of Little Creek, a tributary of Blounts Creek. Little Creek is a short and narrow creek with approximately 15 docks that create hazards to boater safety.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.