Once upon a time, long long ago, a western prince and princess were spending a summer day on the sparkling waters of Lake James. In the words of the prince himself, “It all began with the sighting of a bald eagle sailing majestically over our heads, as we set out for a summertime family paddle and picnic on Lake James. My wife and I looked at each other in utter disbelief at this never-before-seen sight – a bald eagle on Lake James! I knew right then something had to be done to protect this beautiful and special place.”
This prince, known locally as Paul Braun, founded “Citizens to Save Lake James”. He and others worked together to obtain more than 7000 signatures calling for both protection and public access to the undeveloped shoreline of the lake.
Fast forward from 1998 through discussions, meetings, hearings, legislation and appropriations. Like the Prince, friends, strangers, legislators, towns, cities, non-profits, Foothills Conservancy and Duke Energy/Crescent Resources fell under the spell of Lake James. Governor Perdue played a pivotal, leading role in putting the spotlight on the project, resulting in collaborative and successful efforts to create the park. Eventually, all worked together to preserve the beauty of Lake James and then expand a small state park by almost 3,000 acres and 30 miles of public shoreline.
Recently the Paddy’s Creek portion of Lake James State Park, including a new public beach, was completed, calling for a celebration. I attended on behalf of Governor Perdue. In the photo, Paul (in the middle) was joined at the ribbon-cutting by Representative Mitch Gillespie, Park Director Sean McElhone, Senator Joe Sam Queen, Judge Bob Hunter, Foothills Conservancy Director Susie Hamrick Jones, Representative Hugh Blackwell, and State Park Director Lewis Ledford.
If you would like to join Prince Paul Braun for a family paddle and picnic, please visit beautiful Lake James State Park in person and at the website, http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/main.php.
