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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]

The park interpretive program continued to be active prior to World War II. In August 1940 Doerr was transferred to Rocky Mountain National Park as assistant superintendent. He was replaced by George C. Ruhle who would direct the interpretive program at Crater Lake until 1953. Thus, the park naturalist staff for 1940 and 1941 consisted of one permanent and eight part-time positions. During those years research sponsored by Dr. John C. Merriam with cooperation from the staff of the University of Oregon was conducted in the park, involving studies in archeology, geology, biology, climatology, and nature appreciation. The research was designed to “eventually become a part of the naturalist program.” [26]

Statistical breakdowns of the interpretive program for 1940 and 1941 indicate that more than half of the park visitors were contacted by the naturalist staff. In 1940 there were 133,315 total contacts out of a total visitation of 236,999. The following year the comparative figures were 129,610 and 254,754, respectively. The statistics for interpretive services were:

In June 1941 an Advisory Committee on Educational Problems of Parks in Oregon was organized at the University of Oregon under the joint sponsorship of Dr. John C. Merriam and the State Board of Higher Education. The committee consisted of a number of distinguished men from the academic community:

Honorary Chairman: Dr. John C. Merriam
Chairman: Dr. R.W. Leighton, Dean, School of Physical Education, University of Oregon
Dr. Ira S. Allison, Oregon State College
Dr. John P. Buwalda, California Institute of Technology
Dr. L.S. Cressman, Chairman, Anthropology Department, University of Oregon
Dr. E.L. Packard, Chairman, Geology Department, Oregon State College, and Director, Research for the System
Dr. George C. Ruhle, Naturalist, Crater Lake National Park
Dr. Warren D. Smith, Chairman, Geography and Geology Departments, University of Oregon
Dr. Howel Williams, University of California

The purpose of the committee was to promote continuing scientific study of Crater Lake, emphasizing geological, climatological, archeological, and paleontological contributions. The results of the research would be used for park interpretive programs and be published for the information of the public. [28]

Before wartime cutbacks virtually brought the park interpretive program to a standstill, the first ranger-naturalist school was held in July 1942. The three-day program included training in the purposes, activities, and methods of the park naturalist/interpretive program, care and use of government property, research, museum plans, forest and building fire protection, law enforcement, and civilian defense. In the postwar years annual naturalist training would be combined with the regular ranger school. [29]