March 7, 2008 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PARK AND RECREATION’S LAKE WYLIE BOAT RAMPS REOPENED AS WATER RISES AT COPPERHEAD ISLAND 

Charlotte, NC—Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation announces that its four boat ramps on Lake Wylie have reopened for the first time since August 2007.  These ramps are located on McDowell Nature Preserve's Copperhead Island 15200 Soldier Road Charlotte, NC 28278.   

The ramps were closed when the Lake Wylie water levels fell below 94.0 feet during the recent drought.  The official recorded lake level on LakeWylie March 6 was 96.8 feet, or 3.2 feet below full pond.  Park and Recreation officials say the ramps should be able to launch any reasonable size, trailered boat, just as they did before the drought. 

The General Manager of McDowell Nature Preserve, Michael Campbell, confirms that the ramps are now launching boats. Campbell can be reached for comment/interviews at 980-722-2083. 

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Media Contact:

Mike Cozza at 704-336-7693 (office) 980-722-2365 (cell) or michael.cozza@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

February 19, 2008 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PARK AND RECREATION'S LAKE NORMAN BOAT RAMPS REOPENED AS WATER RISES AT BLYTHE LANDING AND RAMSEY CREEK PARK 

Charlotte, NC—Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation announces that its ten boat ramps on Lake Norman re-opened today for the first time since September 1, 2007.  These ramps include six at Blythe Landing, 15901 NC Highway 73 in Huntersville plus four at Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road in Cornelius.  

The ramps were closed when the Lake Norman water level hit 94.1 feet in the severe drought last fall.  This afternoon's level on Lake Norman was 95.1 feet, a full foot higher. Park and Recreation officials say the ramps should be able to launch any reasonable size, trailered boat, just as they did before the drought. 

The General Manager of Park and Recreation's North Park District, Stephanie Frisbee, confirms that the ramps began launching boats this morning, although traffic has been light because of heavy winds on the lake.  She said this is a good condition for wind-surfing, however, and there were several wind-surfers on the lake this afternoon.  Ms. Frisbee can be reached for comment and interviews at 980 722-2341. 

Media Contact: Mike Cozza at 704-336-7693 (office) 980-722-2365 (cell) or michael.cozza@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov