The grand opening ceremony, which begins at 10:30 a.m., is open to the public and highlights the numerous improvements the City of Rockingham and the Commission have made to Hinson Lake and the 216 acres that surround the lake, according to a press release from the N. C. Wildlife and Resources Commission.
"For those who have not seen Hinson Lake, they will be awed at the sheer beauty of the lake and its surroundings," McLaurin said.
Among the improvements are a 300-foot wooden bridge that connects more than 2.5 miles of scenic walking trails; a lodge with a meeting room, kitchen facilities, covered deck, picnic tables and outdoor patio with gas grill; a universally accessible fishing pier and solar-powered fish feeders to attract fish.
The improvements at Hinson Lake are part of a cooperative effort between the City of Rockingham and the Wildlife Resources Commission to develop the site into a wildlife conservation area. Named for Nona Lee "Pitt" Hinson Cohen, the conservation area will provide opportunities for the public to fish, canoe, hike, picnic and observe wildlife.
"We have several nature trails that vary from just under a mile up to two miles," McLaurin said. "There are interpretative educational signs posted along the trails as well as picnic tables with shelters and also canoes and kayaks available to rent for those who wish to experience nature from the vantage point of the lake."
Prior to stocking the lake, Commission biologists sampled the 60-acre impoundment to determine what fish were present and assess the overall condition of Hinson Lake. They found several largemouth bass larger than 12 inches, harvestable-size chain pickerel and a healthy sunfish population that included fliers, bluegill, redbreast sunfish and warmouth.
"The fishery in Hinson Lake is diverse and typical for lakes found in this region," said Lawrence Dorsey, district biologist with the Commission. "Given that the lake has been refilled only since October 2005, it is likely that these fish populations are still increasing."
While the fishery appears to be in decent shape, the City of Rockingham wants to provide as many quality fishing opportunities as it can for its citizens, which is why it joined the Commission's Community Fishing Program.
As part of the program, Hinson Lake received 1,000 catchable-sized channel catfish on June 1. Beginning in 2007, Hinson Lake will receive monthly stockings of channel catfish from April through September every year.
To complement the catfish stocking and provide anglers with fishing equipment, the city also joined the Commission's Tackle Loaner Program, which will provide a limited number of loaner rods and reels free of charge to anglers of all ages, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
This program lends rods and reels just as a library lends books. Anglers register at the Hinson Lake office to receive a tackle loaner ID card, which allows them to check out a rod and reel for the day.
While the program is geared toward children under 16, anyone interested in fishing may participate. Anglers under 16 years must have a parent or guardian complete the registration form.
"Everyone's schedule is so busy today, it is hard to pack up the family and the fishing gear and head to a fishing spot which might be miles away," McLaurin said. "With the development of Hinson Lake, you have a convenient, safe location, and the opportunity to actually borrow the free fishing tackle on-site."
