Sutton Lake access area reopens with many improvements

New ramps, dock, piers and parking area highlight renovation

NCWRC Photo

Sutton Lake's revamped access area includes two new boat ramps and a floating dock between them.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has completed renovations to the Sutton Lake Boating Access Area, and it is now open to the public.

The refurbished site, off US 421 in New Hanover County, has two new concrete ramps. It also has an 80-foot by 12-foot floating fishing pier with a handicapped-accessible walkway. An improved, ADA-compliant parking area accommodates 33 trailered vehicles and 19 single vehicles. The site also has new solar lighting.

The Commission also installed a new floating boat dock with handicapped-accessible handrails to help people get on and off boats.

“There is so much at this site for our citizens to enjoy,” said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services and Land Management. “It offers something for everyone — boaters, anglers and wildlife watchers. We are so grateful for our partnership with Duke Energy that allows the public to access Sutton Lake.”

 

The renovations were funded using Sportfish Restoration Grant Funds and license sales funds. A $500 grant from the N.C. Public Access Foundation also helped for the renovations.

 

Duke Energy owns the access area, and the Commission maintains it through a joint partnership.

“We value the cooperative partnership that exists between Duke Energy and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to provide quality recreation facilities for the boating public,” said John Crutchfield, Duke Energy’s director of public safety and recreation strategy planning services. “These renovations will provide the public with better fishing access to Sutton Lake.”