Under Alternative 4, the use of snow machines would continue along the north entrance road; however, snowmobile access would also be permitted along the Pinnacles road from the former east entrance to the Phantom Ship overlook at Kerr Notch. The cross-country ski network would continue to be maintained; however, the NPS would explore development of groomed trails along portions of Rim Drive. Snowshoe walks and frontcountry camping would be the same as in Alternative 3. Backcountry camping would continue under the existing permit system; however, the NPS would explore development of a hut-to-hut system within the park.
WINTER USE PLAN
Based on park staff and consultant analysis and public comment regarding the alternative winter use scenarios, the winter use plan is based on Alternative 1. Park staff and the public seem most satisfied with maintaining existing types and levels of winter use within Crater Lake National Park. Snow machine access will continue along the north entrance road from Highway 138 to North Junction (see Figure 3-1 in Chapter 3). The existing ungroomed cross-country ski network (see Figure; 3-2 in Chapter 3) will be maintained. Guided interpretive snowshoe walks will continue to be offered from the Rim Village activity center. Backcountry camping will continue based on the existing permit system. No groomed trail or hut-to-hut system will be developed. Safety concerns have prompted park staff to prohibit overnight frontcountry camping in the Rim Village area. All overnight frontcountry campers will be referred to year-round overnight facilities outside the park.
The concept of developing a 40-unit, year-round lodge in the Mazama Village area has been approved by the NPS. However, under the preferred alternative, winter use activities will not be encouraged in Mazama Village; only existing levels and types of use, with the exception of frontcountry camping, will be maintained. Although winter use activities in Mazama Village are not considered under the preferred alternative, the issue of year-round lodging will be reexamined in 3 to 5 years.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
There is no evidence indicating that existing winter use activities adversely affect the environment. Therefore, because the winter use plan will not change the types of activities permitted in the park or the location of existing activities, plan implementation is not anticipated to cause significant adverse environmental impacts.
The least potential for environmental impact would occur under Alternative 2. Reduced winter use would eliminate the potential for petroleum products to enter surface water resources. Noise impacts on wildlife caused by snowmobiles and overnight backcountry use would be reduced. However, reduced winter use would adversely affect recreation opportunities within the park.
Under Alternative 3, noise levels from the use of mechanized trail grooming equipment in Mazama Village would increase, possibly affecting wildlife. Increased noise levels would affect the backcountry wilderness experience in this area. Recreational opportunities would increase with greater winter use in the Mazama Village area. Other environmental impacts would likely be as described for the winter use plan.
Under Alternative 4, increased snowmobile access along the Pinnacles road would increase noise levels in this area, affecting the quiet and solitude of the backcountry experience. In addition, snowmobile exhaust could affect cross-country skiers traveling in the area. Under this alternative, there would be an increase in the likelihood that petroleum-based exhaust emissions could enter Wheeler Creek or other surface water resources. Recreation opportunities for snowmobilers would increase.
No significant cumulative impacts associated with implementation of this plan are anticipated. Impacts associated with development in the Mazama Village area will be addressed in the environmental impact statement being prepared for the Development Concept Plan.
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