Purpose of and Need for the Plan

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PLANNING ISSUES

INTRODUCTION

The general public, NPS staff, and other agencies and organizations identified issues and concerns during scoping for this General Management Plan (see “Scoping Issues” in the “Purpose, Need, and Scoping” section). Resource protection, visitor expectations, tolerance for greater crowding, the amount of park resources devoted to snowplowing, and the current limitations on staff and budget to provide interpretive presentations and outreach activities were the starting point of issues for this General Management Plan. Comments received during scoping demonstrated that snowmobile use, boundary enlargement, impacts on surrounding communities and the region, and use were important to visitors, organization, and other agencies.

This General Management Plan provides a framework or strategy for addressing the issues within the context of Crater National Park’s mission, purpose, and significance goals; it also proposes resource conditions for summer and winter use on the land within the park boundary and desired visitor experiences.

ISSUES

A variety of issues that the National Park Service currently faces were identified. The issues were identified and refined through discussions with park staff, interested agencies and organizations, and the general public.

Some of the issues, such as modifying fees, are outside the scope of this plan. Some concerns identified during the planning process are already prescribed by law, regulation, or policy and were addressed in the preceding section, “Servicewide Laws and Policies.” The key issues addressed in this plan are identified below along with the underlying questions and concerns identified during scoping.

Resource Protection: To what extent can visitor uses and visitor, administrative, and support facilities be provided while protecting natural and cultural resources?

• Should historic structures in the park be adapted for administrative use or educational or interpretive purposes?

• Is the park adequately addressing the potential resource protection concerns associated with visitor use (e.g., disturbance to wildlife; trampling of soils and vegetation; the effects of vehicle emissions on air and water quality), including winter use within the park?

• To what extent can visitor opportunities be provided without adverse impacts to resources?

Interpretation, Education, and Recreation: What is the appropriate balance between interpretation, education, and recreation within the park? What types of access are needed to support the appropriate mix of visitor experiences?

• Should the park expand its educational program and educational outreach? In what ways should this be done?

• Is the park providing an adequate range of visitor information services?

• Is the park currently providing an appropriate range of visitor experiences? Should the park consider increased bicycle, hiking, stock use, camping, and pedestrian access? Should any of these activities be decreased?

• Should alternative means of transportation be considered for visitor access at Crater Lake? If so, what type? Should parts of Rim Drive be closed to vehicular access to improve bicycle and pedestrian access?

• What types of winter access and use should be accommodated within the park? Should winter lake- viewing be limited? Expanded?

Partnerships: To what extent should the park partner with and support other agencies, organizations, and researchers to further common needs and fulfill the NPS mission?

• The clear waters of Crater Lake and the pristine surrounding forest areas in the park offer unique opportunities for scientific research and education. As a part of its mission, the park promotes and encourages research. Should the park emphasize and encourage research activities and partnerships that facilitate research and learning?

• Staff and budget levels limit onsite interpretive presentations and outreach activities. Should the park develop and expand its partnerships with other agencies or commercial operators to enhance orientation and education opportunities?

Park Operations: To what extent should park facilities and operations be maintained, expanded, or relocated to provide for park operational needs and efficiencies?

• Existing facilities have inadequate space for administrative and support functions. They lack adequate employee workspace and collections storage. Should these functions remain in the park or be relocated outside the park?

• A substantial portion of park resources is devoted to plowing the road to the Rim Village each winter. Are there other ways to accommodate winter lake- viewing?