Under Doerr’s leadership planning was initiated in 1936 for a “complete museum development.” Plans were tentatively formulated for a new central museum building, trailside and roadside exhibits, nature trails, and view finders. The Community House remained in unstable condition, and Superintendent Canfield observed that “anticipation” for a new central museum building was growing, “nourishing a hope that it will come into existence before the Community House falls down from old age and burden of heavy snow in winter.” [23]
The interpretive program at Crater Lake continued to expand in 1938 under the leadership of Doerr. The two objectives of the program were “to render a superior quality of interpretive service to the public, and to carry on careful scientific research which would add to the knowledge of the natural features of the park.” The public contact activities of Doerr and his staff of seven temporary ranger-naturalists included from 4 to 10 lectures daily at the Sinnott Memorial, Community House, and lodge as well as occasional lectures at CCC camps and area service clubs. Other daily activities included three to five guided trips, the launch trip around the lake, and information service at three points in the rim area. One new auto caravan trip along the west rim and the fire lookout station on the summit of the Watchman were commenced, emphasizing scenic and scientific values and forest protection. Another new guided trip initiated during the summer was a camera tour conducted by Ranger-Naturalist Elmer C. Aldrich. In July the interior room and exhibits at the Sinnott Memorial were finally opened to the public.
All told the naturalist staff contacted 136,320 persons in 1938, which was approximately two-thirds of the total park visitation. These contacts constituted an increase of more than 20,000 over the number for the previous year.
The expanded park research program in 1938 included botanical, zoological, limnological, geological, historical, museum, and photographic studies. Applegate continued his botanical studies and increased the park’s check list of species to 570. Dr. R.R. Huestis, ranger-naturalist, conducted systematic studies of Peromysous and mammals on Wizard Island and made additions and corrections to the park’s check list of birds. Limnological research was conducted by Dr. Arthur D. Hasler with the objective of establishing “a sound fish planting policy” which would ” assure good fishing in the lake.” Geological research continued under the direction of Dr. Howel Williams. Historical research on the park was conducted by Doerr, preparing notes on the history of the lake from its discovery in 1853 to its establishment as a national park for use on an “America’s Hours of Destiny” radio program on the history of the park. In addition Doerr took a two-month trip, visiting museums in large eastern and midwestern cities and discussing with artists and scientists methods of interpreting scenic beauty. Photographic studies were begun with the purpose of examining the interpretation of scenic beauty. In commenting on recent research in the park Doerr observed:
Recent research accomplished and in progress has been and is being done by the naturalist staff, consisting of a permanent naturalist and seven temporary naturalists employed during the summer months; a wildlife ranger; various technicians of the National Park Service; and Dr. Howel Williams of the University of California. The research activities have been almost entirely of a field nature, there being no facilities for laboratory work other than mere office equipment, and some laboratory apparatus borrowed from various institutions. A number of the men carrying on summer field work have had during winter months the use of laboratories and other facilities at various universities and institutions, thus they have been and are continuing to carry on laboratory work in connection with problems at Crater Lake. [24]
When Lava Beds and Oregon Caves were placed under the administration of Crater Lake in 1939 the duties of the park naturalist and his staff of seven summer ranger-naturalists were greatly expanded. The park’s annual report for that year indicated that public contact activities at Crater Lake by the naturalist staff included two to ten lectures daily; guided trips, and information service from June 1 to October 15. During the winter months the park naturalist’s office was in Medford “from where he made numerous public contacts with school groups, service clubs, carried on field studies and planning of developments in the three areas, handled publicity, carried on research, and assisted the superintendent in the preparation of numerous reports.” The “outstanding aspect” of the interpretive activities, according to Superintendent Leavitt, was “the expansion of the program emphasizing Crater Lake as a blend of scenic and scientific values.” A new art exhibit at the Sinnott Memorial had contributed to this emphasis.[25]
