Winter – 15 Chapter 5. Environmental Assessment – PURPOSE AND NEED

Overnight Camping – Backcountry

Winter backcountry camping will continue based on the current permit system.

Alternative 2 – Reduced Winter Use Opportunities

Snowmobiling

Under this alternative, all use of mechanized snow machines (snowmobiles and snowcoaches) within the park would be phased out; however, use of snowmobiles within the park for winter search-and-rescue activities would be allowed.

Cross-Country Skiing

Same as in Alternative 1.

Snowshoeing

Same as in Alternative 1.

Overnight Camping – Frontcountry

Same as in Alternative 1.

Overnight Camping – Backcountry

Under this alternative, no overnight winter backcountry camping would be allowed in the park. All backcountry activities would be restricted to day use.

Alternative 3 – Expanded Cross-County Skiing

Snowmobiling

Same as in Alternative 1.

Cross-Country Skiing

Under this alternative, the existing ungroomed trail network would be maintained. Unrestricted cross-country ski use would continue to be allowed throughout the park. A groomed trail system would be created at Mazama Village within existing campground roadways. The purpose of this trail system would be to provide a more sheltered location for beginning cross-country skiers. The visitor experience could be enhanced by including an interpretive component designed to educate users about the Mazama Village area and surrounding ecosystem. Cross-country ski instruction could be provided if sufficient demand existed. Instruction would not be provided by the NPS. Year-round lodging, food service, and equipment rental at Mazama Village could be supported under this alternative, because greater winter visitor use in this area would increase demand for lodging and other services.

Snowshoeing

Same as in Alternative 1, with the option for additional snowshoe walks from Mazama Village.

Overnight Camping – Frontcountry

Overnight recreational vehicle parking and camping would be prohibited in Rim Village and Munson Valley. Facilities or spaces for overnight recreational vehicle and car camping would be provided in Mazama Village.