Draft Winter Use Plan, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, 1994

 Chapter 5. Environmental Assessment

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES

Four alternative winter use scenarios were developed. The alternatives describe varying levels of use for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and overnight camping. A description of the alternatives follows:

Alternative 1 – Winter Use Plan (Preferred Alternative)

Snowmobiling

Under this alternative, the current snowmobile/snowcoach route within the park will remain between the north entrance and North Junction. No changes to existing snowmobile routes will occur.

Cross-Country Skiing

Under this alternative, ungroomed cross-country skiing opportunities within the park will remain unchanged. The existing marked trail system will be maintained, and unrestricted cross-country skiing will continue throughout the park.

Snowshoeing

Guided interpretive snowshoe walks will continue. However, the number and frequency of snowshoe walks could change based on funding and public demand.

Overnight Camping – Frontcountry

Winter frontcountry camping will be prohibited in the park. Those visitors wanting to camp overnight will be referred to year-round private facilities outside park boundaries.

Overnight Camping – Backcountry

Winter backcountry camping will continue based on the current permit system.

Alternative 2 – Reduced Winter Use Opportunities

Snowmobiling

Under this alternative, all use of mechanized snow machines (snowmobiles and snowcoaches) within the park would be phased out; however, use of snowmobiles within the park for winter search-and-rescue activities would be allowed.

Cross-Country Skiing

Same as in Alternative 1.

Snowshoeing

Same as in Alternative 1.

Overnight Camping – Frontcountry

Same as in Alternative 1.