Second Public Hearing Set for White Lake Boat Rule

File photo

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) will hold a virtual second public hearing Sept. 18 to review rules about changes for boaters at White Lake.

At its July business meeting the WRC adopted an emergency, temporary rule to require motorboats at White Lake to travel perpendicular to the shore and at no wake speed within the restricted area at the lake. (proposed rule text for 15A NCAC 10F .0304.)

Since the recent revisions to the amendment for the restricted area at White Lake, there have been multiple concerns from the public that lake goers who swim or operate non-motorized vessels in the restricted area would be subjected “to severe hazards” to boating and swimming safety if motorized vessels no longer are required to travel perpendicular to the shoreline while exiting or entering the restricted area, the WRC said in a press release.

Due to concerns with technological glitches during the Aug. 20 virtual public hearing, the agency is holding a second hearing on Sept. 18 from 6-8 p.m. using Zoom. Pre-registration is required. Click here to register and receive information on how to join the call.

Comments can also be submitted online through the NCWRC’s Comment Portal or by email to regulations@ncwildlife.org (please include name, county, and state of residence) or in writing by mail to NCWRC, Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C 27699-1701.  Deadline for comments is Sept. 23.

For additional rulemaking information, visit the Wildlife Commission’s proposed regulations page.

About Jefferson Weaver 2611 Articles
Jefferson Weaver is the Managing Editor of Columbus County News and he can be reached at (910) 914-6056, (910) 632-4965, or by email at jeffersonweaver@ColumbusCountyNews.com.