The years 1943-45 witnessed considerable debate and discussion in the Washington and Region Four office regarding the planning issues facing Crater Lake National Park. As a result of such discussions, several decisions were rendered during this period by NPS Director Newton B. Drury and Regional Director O.A. Tomlinson. The decisions were made, however, with the understanding that park problems were “normally fluid and should remain so, usually, until final action is necessary.” Responding to the question of whether a trail, elevator, or tunnel should be built to provide easy access to the shores of Crater Lake, Drury stated on January 13, 1944:
Long established policy which limits physical development of park areas to a minimum necessary for protecting park values and for reasonable access, and reasonable safety and comfort of visitors, definitely rules out the tunnel proposal. Likewise, since the existing trail from the rim to the lake affords accessibility, is reasonably safe, and is as easy to negotiate as are average mountain trails, there seems no need for consideration of a trail relocation such as has been proposed from time to time, or for trail improvements which involve additional construction nearby. This reasoning also rules out consideration of mechanical lifts or similar surface contrivances for reaching the shores without physical effort.
Nearly two weeks later, on January 26, 1944, Drury addressed the twin issues of whether the park should be operated on a seasonal or year-round basis and whether park headquarters should remain at its existing site or be relocated to the south entrance. In regard to these issues he concluded:
that the conservation of the park and its use, as contemplated when it was established, will be accomplished if winter use of the area is not promoted by snow removal or other means as was the case before the war. It is contemplated that winter operations in the park shall continue as at present after the war. . . . it will be desirable to continue the park headquarters at the Government Camp location, and make only such improvements or changes in the buildings as may be necessary for summer operations. . . .
On February 1, 1944, Drury addressed the issue of whether the Rim Campground should be retained and expanded or abandoned and relocated. He indicated his agreement with the studies that had recommended its abandonment.
Later on September 16 the director responded to recommendations that the existing road between park headquarters and the rim be improved and relocated. For the present the road was to remain in its existing alignment “with such widening and resurfacing as is necessary to provide for satisfactory summer travel.
Other issues facing the park related to development of concessioner facilities and the need for a visitor center/museum building. These questions were addressed in January 1945 by Tomlinson. As to whether the lodge should be permitted to remain at its existing site or be moved farther back from the rim, he observed:
It is very much doubted that the Service would require the operator to move the present building. Rather a relocation, if such were desirable, would occur only in the future when and if a new lodge is erected. The question should not and cannot be answered at this time although consideration is desirable.
He stated further that cabin development would be determined on the basis of postwar visitor needs and use. The location of a more suitable utility area for the concessioner and a gasoline station in the rim area required further study. A park visitor center/museum building on the rim was a high priority item for new construction. [45]
During the remainder of 1945 further discussions ensued concerning the status of these issues, particularly in view of the decision that Crater Lake would be operated as an all-year park. Accordingly, Drury reversed earlier policy statements by issuing directives in late 1945 and early 1946 that new all-year park headquarters be established “just within the boundary of the south entrance to the Park.” The existing park headquarters and utility area had been constructed for summer operation only and was not laid out for economical and efficient operation during the winter months, nor were any of the buildings constructed for year-round use. This area would “become the principal urban area within the Park, serving for its all-year operation, with the thought that other developed areas will be kept to a minimum, and will lead to the closing of most of the utility areas in Medford and the ultimate sale of those properties.” Accordingly, he initiated discussions with the U.S. Forest Service to acquire a tract of land from the Rogue River National Forest on which to build the new headquarters. At the same time Drury indicated his support for the reduction and ultimate elimination of camping in the rim area and enlarging camping facilities at Annie Spring. He also endorsed reconstruction and realignment of the road between park headquarters and the rim area and in the vicinity of Annie Spring. [46]
