Located in the Catawba River Basin watershed, with shoreline touching Gaston, Lincoln and Mecklenburg Counties, Mountain Island Lake has been a well-kept secret of sorts — more laid-back than its flashier cousin Lake Norman — with lake access and coves perfect for kayaking, hiking, biking and picnicking. The North Carolina Forest Service is in the process of creating the Mountain Island Educational State Forest, which will feature classes and exhibits designed to educate the general public about the importance of the state’s forest health. On the other end of the preservation spectrum, developer Crescent Resources is now clearing lots and building “dream homes” within “heavily wooded homesites” near “thoughtful green space.” Not that we’re anxious about it.