Crater Lake National Park
Natural World
Crater Lake National Park is an area of 249 square miles dedicated to the preservation of its natural resources. For many years, park managers have looked at this task as a job to be accomplished only for the enjoyment of its human visitors. As important as this goal remains to be, park personnel now take a more comprehensive view of the ecosystems and interactions within the environment we call Crater Lake National Park.
Enabling legislation for Crater Lake National Park, set forth in 1902, mandates that this area be "dedicated and set apart forever as a public (park) or pleasure ground for the benefit of the people of the United States." (32 Stat. 202) This important law allows for the unfettered access to this unique area. In subsequent legislation, including the Organic Act which established the National Park Service, emphasis was placed on the management of natural areas in order to provide for preservation and protection. This law allows park resources to be managed so that they may remain unimpaired and in a natural state for future generations.
While Crater Lake is considered the primary scenic wonder at Crater Lake National Park, management of all the natural resources of the park is given equal weight. As no forest is independent from the streams that run through it or the geologic history which has given rise to its different kinds of soil, ecosystems are dynamic parts of the whole which function according to their inputs and outputs. For example, if down wood is removed from park streams, a major source of habitat for insects has been taken away. In turn, fish will suffer from the loss of a significant food source. In the end, it is not only the fisherman who will ache for their catch of yesteryear, but the bear, eagle, and other fish-catching animals will suffer even more.
Crater Lake In Depth
News from the Parks
National Mall Reflects Magnificence and Neglect
January 8, 2009 - 4:55pm
Millions will cram shoulder to shoulder to watch Barack Obama take the oath of office this month as the nation's 44th president, another indelible snapshot of American democracy in full display on the National Mall.
January 8, 2009 - 4:55pm
Millions will cram shoulder to shoulder to watch Barack Obama take the oath of office this month as the nation's 44th president, another indelible snapshot of American democracy in full display on the National Mall.
State Pushing its Plan to Thin Federal Elk Herd
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Northwestern Hawaiian Isles Might Met U.N. Designation
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Full Slate of Activities this Month at Saguaro National Park
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
Park Service Rolls Out Bike Sharing
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
