Summer
A bacteriological survey of ground water inflow into Crater Lake shows nitrate and fecal coliform of measurable levels. The study indicates there may be low levels of sewage entering the Lake.
The leach fields in the Rim Village area are suspected of Lake contamination
A U.S.G.S. study finds a high level of lead concentrated in the water around Cleetwood Cove. The lead undoubtedly stems from the tour boat operation.
A major project begun to preserve, duplicate and properly store the 17 volumes of the Steel Scrapbooks.
A cougar is sighted near the Watchman.
One “garbage “bear is euthanized near the Park boundary. A bear cub carcass is found near Rim Drive.
June
The position of Assistant Superintendent is reestablished after being vacant for 20 years.
June 17
The North Entrance Road opens, following a record snow year.
June 20
A 26 acre prescribed burn is set south of the Ponderosa Pine Picnic Area. The same unit was burned in 1976.
July 8
Steve Jonas, 29, of Moscow, Idaho, seasonal maintenance employee for the past 5 years, mysteriously disappears after being seen walking along Annie Creek Canyon. A Park visitor reported to the Annie Spring Entrance Station seeing a car precariously perched on the ledge of the canyon, at the “Ole Van” turnout, with a man of Jonas’s description standing nearby. When a ranger patrol arrives about 15 minutes later, Jonas had disappeared. A massive search was mounted with a helicopter crew, search dog teams, and 25 volunteer searchers, but no trace of Jonas has ever been found. On his way out of the Park, Steve had stopped for gas and had mumbled something about wanting to kill himself, but nobody took it seriously because he had a history of mental illness and depression, ever since returning from the Service.
July 15
Mazama Campground opens. Snow remains in the campground until August.
July 27
Rim Drive is opened.
July 7
Superintendent James Rouse, 54, completes his second Crater Lake Marathon.
Crater Lake Rim Run Results:
Marathon Richard Stewart 2:53.35
Georgette Cooper 4:09.51
13.1 miles Ric Sayre 1:13.35
Nina Putzar 1:37.27
6.7 miles Tom Ansberry 32:38
Maria Gonzales 42:55
August
Kent Schwarzkope conducts a study of the “Feeding of Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels” by Park visitors in Rim Village. The study found that a sign stressing the danger to humans of Bubonic Plague was twice as effective in deterring squirrel feeding as one emphasizing the welfare of the squirrels. Studies further showed that the Rim area supports 23 squirrels per acre, while only 5 squirrels per acre survive in the wilds of the Park. With no sign, between 10% to 20% of Park visitors fed the ground squirrels. Schwarzkope concludes that die-hard squirrel feeders are not affected by attempts to deter them, not even threats of monetary fines.
November
The 17 foot Boston Whaler purchased for use in winter water sampling of the Lake and a floating boathouse are damaged and then destroyed in a violent wind storm along with the summer research boat.
Season 1983
13,630 visitors take the boat tours.
The Park Service employs 55 seasonal employees. The Mazama Campground Concession grosses $62,000 for the Lodge Company after the camping fee in increased to $6.00 per night.
It is estimated that 18,000 cross country skiers visit Crater Lake each winter.
Season 1983 Visitation: 429,586
Fiscal Year 1983 – 1984
The Park’s budget, not including rehab and restoration programs, reaches $1,883,000.
