to so develop and staff these priceless possessions of the American people as to permit their wisest possible use; maximum enjoyment for those who use them; and maximum protection of the scenic, scientific, wilderness, and historic resources that give them distinction.
NPS officials went on to explain the goals and objectives of the program:
Construction is an important element of the program. Modern roads, well planned trails, utilities, camp and picnic grounds, and many kinds of structures needed for public use or administration, to meet the requirements of an expected 80 million visitors in 1966, are necessary; but they are simply one means by which “enjoyment-without-impairment” is to be provided.
Under this program, outmoded and inadequate facilities will be replaced with physical improvements adequate for expected demands but so designed and located as to reduce the impact of public use on valuable and destructible features. It will provide both facilities and personnel for visitor services of the quality and quantity that the public is entitled to expect in its National Park System. It is intended to assure the fullest possible degree of protection, both to visitors and resources.
By 1966, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service, the program was to be completed. [52]
Thus, the Mission 66 program for Crater Lake National Park was designed to bring park facilities, services, and staffing up to appropriate National Park Service standards. Park Service officials succinctly described the problems facing the park as follows:
Developments for the safety, comfort and education of the park visitor have increased and improved over the years, but not in pace with the increased use. In fact, due to curtailed funds during World War II, park facilities deteriorated to a degree from which they have not yet recovered. In 1940, roads, trails, campgrounds and lodges, as well as personnel, were considered adequate for the 252,482 visitors. No significant additions to the operating plant have been made since 1940, yet in 1955 those same facilities, worn and depleted, were forced to serve 343,839 people. Consider the national economic picture: increased earnings, more leisure time, improved highways, faster and more comfortable transportation, and the westward population shift. It is not unreasonable to assume a travel count of 600,000 by 1966 if facilities can be provided for them. It is safe to assume that by 1966 the current inadequacy in all departments will be greatly aggravated, if public facilities are not expanded and improved. Already it has overreached the point of safety. Over-use is damaging the area.
As projected in 1956 the Mission 66 program for Crater Lake was designed to include improvements and upgrading of roads and trails, interpretive programs, camping and picnicking facilities, concession services, employee housing, maintenance buildings, and staffing. The program contemplated moving the Medford office and facilities to Munson Valley where year-round park administrative headquarters would be established.
