2003 Revised Admin History – Vol 2 Chapter Sixteen Interpretation at Crater Lake

The aforementioned interpretive prospectus was revised and updated by a new document prepared by the Harpers Ferry Center in May 1980. The objective of the new plan was to provide “a quality experience for short stay day users while providing some in-depth experiences for those with more time.” The revised prospectus identified two levels of interpretive involvement which should be available to park visitors:

. . . At the primary level is the purely sensory response to the size and beauty of the lake and its setting. To contribute to the atmosphere and mood, the landscape should be as natural and free of man-made facilities as possible. At this level, information and orientation is necessary, with easy access provided to various viewing points.

At the secondary level, interpretation will be provided for those visitors who become inquisitive about the lake’s creation. At the conceptual level, the interconnection, evolution, and protection of natural systems is the underlying theme of all interpretive programs.

With these objectives in mind the prospectus recommended updated proposals for interpretation at Rim Village and along Rim Drive and to a lesser extent at Cleetwood Cove, the Watchman, and park headquarters in Munson Valley. [53]

Since early 1987 a new interpretive facility has been operated in the rehabilitated Ranger Dormitory now named the Steel Center. Current park planning contemplates development of a new interpretive facility at the rim plus an alternative for developing exhibits on park history on the second floor of the lodge.

APPENDIX A:
Organization Of The Nature Guide Service, Crater Lake National Park, Season 1929


(1) Staff:

Mr. Earl U. Homuth, Acting Park Naturalist.
Mr. Dale Leslie, Ranger-Naturalist.
Mr. F. Lyle Wynd, Assistant.
Miss Mabel Hibbard, Volunteer Assistant.

(2) Duties of the Guide Service:

a. Conduct field trips daily (except Monday).
b. Deliver lectures each evening except Sunday in both the Community House and Lodge.
c. Establish and maintain a museum exhibit in the Community House.
d. Gather and prepare materials for the museum.
e. Maintain an observation station on the Rim, or patrol the Rim for contacts with the public.
f. Develop a nature trail westward along the Rim (to the proposed site of the observation station).
g. Maintain a wild ftower exhibit or wild flower garden.
h. Prepare, edit and distribute Nature Notes, monthly.
i. Gather data, and write materials for the Manual of Information.

(3) Assignment of duties for the staff.

a. Earl U. Homuth, Acting Park Naturalist.

  1. Supervise and carry on the educational activities under the administrative direction of the Superintendent, and the technical supervision of the Chief Naturalist.
  2. Alternate with the Ranger-Naturalist in delivery of lectures and conducting field trips.
  3. Supervise and assist in maintaining the museum and gathering and preparing material.
  4. Selecting and preparing nature trails.
  5. Editing and distributing Nature Notes.
  6. Assist in preparation of materials for the Manual of Information.
  7. Contacts with the public.
  8. Prepare notices to post in campgrounds announcing educational service, lectures, etc.
  9. Prepare Field Trip notes for use of Nature Guide staff, Park staff, and general public.

b. Dale Leslie, Ranger-Naturalist.

  1. Conduct field trips daily (or alternate with Acting Park Naturalists).
  2. Deliver a lecture each evening in the Lodge or Community House.
  3. Patrol Rim for contacts with the public for general information.
  4. Prepare two articles for each issue of Nature Notes.
  5. Gather and prepare specimens for the Museum (especially geologic material).
  6. Prepare trail signs and other mechanical devices for nature trails, etc.

c. F. Lyle Wynd, Assistant.

  1. Research in preparing materials for the Manual of Information.
  2. Preparation of exhibits for the Museum.
  3. Prepare articles for each issue of Nature Notes.
  4. Deliver lectures, conduct field trips, and make general contacts with the public as directed by the Acting Park Naturalist.

d. Miss Mabel Hibbard, Volunteer Assistant.

  1. In active charge of the museum.
  2. Maintain cut flower collection.
  3. Maintain information bureau in Community House.
  4. Sale and distribution of Park publications.
  5. Write nature notes.
  6. Conduct special field trips.