Alternative 3 – Expanded Cross-Country Skiing
Water Resources
Impacts on water resources would be similar to those described for Alternative 1. The impacts on water resources (e.g., Annie Creek) from development in Mazama Village would be addressed in the EIS being prepared for the DCP.
Wildlife
Under this alternative, impacts on wildlife resources would be similar to those described for the winter use plan, with the exception that intermittent disturbances could occur in Mazama Village with expanded use of this area. It is unlikely that increased crosscountry skiing opportunities in the rim area would affect wildlife, because those few species active during the winter months are accustomed to intermittent human activity.
Air Quality
Impacts would be similar to those described for Alternative 1.
Soils and Vegetation
No impacts on soils and vegetation would occur under this alternative.
Threatened and Endangered Species
Impacts on threatened and endangered species would be similar to those described for Alternative 1. If Mazama Village were to be developed, impacts on threatened and endangered species in the Mazama area would be evaluated in the DCP EIS.
Cultural Resources
Impacts on cultural resources would be the same as those described for Alternative 1. However, if Mazama Village were to be developed, impacts on cultural resources in this area would be addressed in the DCP EIS.
Noise
Noise impacts associated with this alternative would be similar to those described for Alternative 1. It is not anticipated that noise impacts under this alternative would affect the quiet and solitude experienced in Crater Lake National Park’s backcountry since crosscountry skiing is not an activity that generates a high level of noise.
Recreation
No impacts on recreation would occur under this alternative. Development of the Mazama Village area would increase recreation opportunities in the park. The presence of support facilities would further increase park visitation.
Alternative 4 – Expanded Snowinobiling and Cross-Country Skiing
Water Resources
Increased use of mechanized snow machines in the park would increase the potential for impacts on water resources. An incremental increase in the release of pollutants such as petroleum products would be anticipated under this alternative. Use of snow machines and trail grooming equipment on the Pinnacles road would increase the potential for impacts on Wheeler Creek. Cross-country ski trail grooming equipment would also increase the potential for impacts downslope of groomed trail areas.
