INTRODUCTION

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PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION

The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to rehabilitate Highway 62 West, realign two switchback curves, and improve Whitehorse Crossing within Crater Lake National Park, Klamath County, Oregon. This approximately 7.7-mile (approximately 12.5 kilometers [km]) road segment begins at the western boundary of the park to its terminus near Annie Springs Junction, the turn off for Annie Springs (south) entrance station (figures 1 and 2). This action is needed because the road segment is reaching the end of its 25-year design life, the pavement is cracking and potholing, and has inadequate surface and subsurface drainage. Additionally, the two switchback curves have operational design deficiencies impeding snow removal, and Whitehorse Crossing contains a blind curve creating a driving hazard.

An environmental assessment analyzes the proposed action and alternatives and their potential impacts on the environment. This environmental assessment has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 as amended (NEPA), regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1508.9), and the National Park Service Director’s Order – 12: Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision-making.