SALISBURY — Rowan County commissioners have decided to withdraw a resolution for an application to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for a “no wake zone” at Panther Creek on High Rock Lake, according to Chairman Greg Edds.

“There’s been a lot of confusion with this,” Edds said. “The process got out of order, out of steps. It became evident it wasn’t moving in the direction where everyone was included in the whole process.”

Rowan County commissioners voted on Feb. 3 to apply for the “no wake zone” from state officials following a request from the Emerald Bay Homeowners Association. After a public hearing, which consisted of half a dozen residents expressing concerns for safety and property damage, the board voted to suggest all of Panther Creek be included in the application.

Edds was sick and not present at the Feb. 3 public hearing.

Some residents of Panther Point banded together on Facebook and with an online change.org petition to express their opposition to the measure. They have primarily said placing the whole creek in the zone was unnecessary and would take away from its recreational value.

If the Emerald Bay Homeowners Association wants to continue pursuing a “no wake zone,” Edds said it’s best to make sure all interested parties are in agreement before moving forward. He said the other commissioners agreed with the decision to withdraw the application for now.

Mark Scott, president of the Emerald Bay Homeowners Association, said he was surprised to hear the measure was being withdrawn. And he would welcome the opportunity for more discussion of valid safety concerns, along with any additional public input so a more informed decision could be made.

Contact reporter Natalie Anderson at 704-797-4246.