Mission Statement
To promote public policies and support regulations for the preservation of Lake Wylie and its wildlife and for the education and safety of the citizens who use this beautiful natural resource.
The Commission seeks to act in the best interest of the citizens and lake property owners, while considering all matters in accordance with its goals. We protect, preserve and promote Lake Wylie as a clean and safe recreational waterway.
About Us
The Lake Wylie Marine Commission is a governing board overseeing health and safety concerns on Lake Wylie.
Established in 1987 by North and South Carolina General Assemblies and by subsequent joint actions by local counties, the commission promotes public policies, provides oversight and supports regulations to –
- Protect and preserve the lake and the shoreline
- Promote safe recreation on the lake
- Safeguard the lake’s water quality, environment and habitat
- Inform the citizens of the regulatory, environmental, & safety issues that impact Lake Wylie
The commission’s authority includes all matters relating to or affecting the use of Lake Wylie and its shoreline area within all three counties up to 1,000 feet from the full pond level of 575 feet. This also includes all islands and peninsulas extending into the waters of Lake Wylie. This authority is limited and is subject to all provisions of law and may not conflict with special acts or regulations in state or federal government agencies.
Appointments to the commission are made by Gaston and Mecklenburg Boards of Commissioners and York County Council; three commissioners from each county serve a three-year term. Officers of the commission serve one-year terms including Chairman, Vice-Chairman and a Secretary/Treasurer. Each county provides equal funding for the commission’s work.
State Legislation
South Carolina:
S.C. Code of Laws, Title 49, Chapter 27, Lake Wylie Marine Commission
North Carolina:
N.C Code of Laws, Chapter 77, Article 4, Lake Wylie Marine Commission
(after navigating to this page, please refer to the section on Article 4)
What We Do
The commission organizes and manages lake initiatives and programs throughout the year:
- Water Quality – monitoring with monthly reports from the Mecklenburg County and Belmont City officials.
- Riversweep – partnering with Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation to organize the annual volunteer cleanup of mile trash and debris along the 325-mile Lake Wylie shoreline.
- Safe Navigation – maintaining the proper positioning of No-Wake buoys” in North Carolina. As necessary, the commission initiates installation requests to the respective state agencies for “No-Wake” and “Danger” buoys. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources handles all buoys in South Carolina.
- Safe Boating and Swimmer Safety initiatives – publicizing local boater safety education courses and life jacket use regardless of age.
- Clean Marinas – working with inspectors from SC to help marinas meet accepted standards for safety and for environmental protection. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission administers the Clean Marina Program in North Carolina.
- Hydrilla Control – coordinating the annual release of sterile grass carp to feed on and control this invasive aquatic weed to ensure safe navigation.
