Preliminary Draft Environmental Assessment for

Crater Lake Master Plan

 I. Statement of the Problem

Among the issues to be addressed in the assessment are the following:

I. Boat Operations

Private boats are prohibited on Crater Lake. A concessioner currently operates four tour boats (total capacity of 240 persons) on the lake, which is the upper limit presently imposed by park management. The tour boats are docked in Cleetwood Cove, which is accessible from the rim via a 1-mile trail. Five 2-hour launch trips are offered daily from Cleetwood Cove, which is accessible from the rim via a 1-mile trail. Five 2-hour launch trips are offered daily from Cleetwood Cove around the shore of Crater Lake and to Wizard Island. Park rangers provide interpretation on the geology of the lake en route. A shorter trip, from Cleetwood Cove directly to Wizard Island, is scheduled in the afternoon.

Present facilities for boat maintenance, storage, and overall operations are housed on Wizard Island. Docking facilities are provided at Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island.

Some conflict results from the presence of boats and facilities on a lake otherwise visually unencumbered by the works of man and the undisputedly fine experience gained by the 1 to 2 percent of visitors who take advantage of the boat tours.

Standards must be established to prevent contamination of the water as well as to preserve the pristine scenic qualities for which Crater Lake is renowned.

 

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