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.