ill., maps, plans; Shipping list no.: 88-547-P; NPS D-143A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The National Park Service (NPS) is in the process of implementing a Development Concept Plan, which was approved in 1988, that would more fully protect Crater Lake and provide quality, year-round visitor facilities. Rehabilitation is now underway on the historic Crater Lake Lodge, which is scheduled to reopen to the public in summer 1995. Other elements of the approved plan for improving Rim Village call for (1) constructing an activity center and a 60-room hotel, (2) removing approximately 450 parking spaces on the rim, building a three-level parking structure off the rim (with two levels underground), and establishing a shuttle system, and (3) developing a central support facility. In addition, the park is facing a critical shortage of housing for both permanent and seasonal employees, making it difficult to hire and retain qualified personnel. In response to the House-Senate Appropriations Conference Committee Agreement, the National Park Service has reviewed appropriate winter use activities at Crater Lake, the availability of lodging outside the park, additional park costs for winter operations envisioned with the 60-room hotel, and alternatives for lodging and support facility operations. This report presents the following conclusions: 1. Existing winter activities are appropriate for both the enjoyment and protection of the resource; any major change in use will occur only through approval of a winter use plan that will be prepared with public input. 2. With the exception of Diamond Lake Resort, lodging facilities outside the park cannot be relied on by the public to provide winter accommodations. A study conducted by the National Park Service indicates that except for Diamond Lake it is not likely that existing facilities will be improved or new facilities developed until year-round lodging has been provided in the park to act as an attraction for visitors. Land for development within a one-hour's drive of the park is extremely scarce due to federal ownership or restrictions on development. 3. Additional annual operating costs to the park for winter operations associated with the construction of a 60-room hotel would be approximately $350,000. These costs are primarily for snow removal to maintain 24-hour access and additional personnel costs. 4. In addition to the present plan two alternatives have been considered to address the issues of year-round lodging and the size and location of a central support facility. All alternatives include an activity center in Rim Village to provide significantly improved interpretive facilities and other visitor services. These alternatives are summarized in the following table. The National Park Service supports alternative B, which proposes an activity center in Rim Village and year-round lodging and support facilities in Mazama Village. This approach accomplishes the objectives of the 1988 Development Concept Plan. in
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The National Park Service (NPS) is in the process of implementing a Development Concept Plan, which was approved in 1988, that would more fully protect Crater Lake and provide quality, year-round visitor facilities. Rehabilitation is now underway on the historic Crater Lake Lodge, which is scheduled to reopen to the public in summer 1995. Other elements of the approved plan for improving Rim Village call for (1) constructing an activity center and a 60-room hotel, (2) removing approximately 450 parking spaces on the rim, building a three-level parking structure off the rim (with two levels underground), and establishing a shuttle system, and (3) developing a central support facility. In addition, the park is facing a critical shortage of housing for both permanent and seasonal employees, making it difficult to hire and retain qualified personnel. In response to the House-Senate Appropriations Conference Committee Agreement, the National Park Service has reviewed appropriate winter use activities at Crater Lake, the availability of lodging outside the park, additional park costs for winter operations envisioned with the 60-room hotel, and alternatives for lodging and support facility operations. This report presents the following conclusions: 1. Existing winter activities are appropriate for both the enjoyment and protection of the resource; any major change in use will occur only through approval of a winter use plan that will be prepared with public input. 2. With the exception of Diamond Lake Resort, lodging facilities outside the park cannot be relied on by the public to provide winter accommodations. A study conducted by the National Park Service indicates that except for Diamond Lake it is not likely that existing facilities will be improved or new facilities developed until year-round lodging has been provided in the park to act as an attraction for visitors. Land for development within a one-hour's drive of the park is extremely scarce due to federal ownership or restrictions on development. 3. Additional annual operating costs to the park for winter operations associated with the construction of a 60-room hotel would be approximately $350,000. These costs are primarily for snow removal to maintain 24-hour access and additional personnel costs. 4. In addition to the present plan two alternatives have been considered to address the issues of year-round lodging and the size and location of a central support facility. All alternatives include an activity center in Rim Village to provide significantly improved interpretive facilities and other visitor services. These alternatives are summarized in the following table. The National Park Service supports alternative B, which proposes an activity center in Rim Village and year-round lodging and support facilities in Mazama Village. This approach accomplishes the objectives of the 1988 Development Concept Plan. in