Draft Winter Use Plan, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, 1994
Chapter 5. Environmental Assessment
DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES
Four alternative winter use scenarios were developed. The alternatives describe varying levels of use for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and overnight camping. A description of the alternatives follows:
Alternative 1 – Winter Use Plan (Preferred Alternative)
Snowmobiling
Under this alternative, the current snowmobile/snowcoach route within the park will remain between the north entrance and North Junction. No changes to existing snowmobile routes will occur.
Cross-Country Skiing
Under this alternative, ungroomed cross-country skiing opportunities within the park will remain unchanged. The existing marked trail system will be maintained, and unrestricted cross-country skiing will continue throughout the park.
Snowshoeing
Guided interpretive snowshoe walks will continue. However, the number and frequency of snowshoe walks could change based on funding and public demand.
Overnight Camping – Frontcountry
Winter frontcountry camping will be prohibited in the park. Those visitors wanting to camp overnight will be referred to year-round private facilities outside park boundaries.
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.
