Environmental Factors

Crater Lake National Park’s environment is healthy in many ways, yet land features, plants, animals, water sources, and air can be affected by environmental issues. Some issues are global in scope, some are unknowingly introduced to the park, while others may originate within the park. Some effects of environmental factors may be recognized immediately, while others may accumulate and not be seen for years.

Air Quality

In summer and fall of most years, air quality is adversely affected by smoke from fires ignited within the park, surrounding areas, and even hundreds of miles away. When smoke is present, air quality can go from good to hazardous within hours depending on fire activity and wind. Decreased air quality poses a range of serious health issues and produces poor visibility. Click the link above for current air quality and recent trends.

Invasive Species

One of the biggest threats to national parks and other natural areas is the invasion of non-native plant species, also known as invasives and exotics. Exotic invasive plants cover approximately 1.4 million acres of NPS lands and waters. While Crater Lake National Park is threatened by invasive plants, there are areas in the park that are still composed entirely of native plant species. The park’s high elevation and copious snowfall assist in minimizing human and natural disturbances that may introduce invasive plants with negative long-term impacts.Responding quickly to new invasions and controlling existing infestations of invasive plants are important functions of Crater Lake National Park’s Invasive Vegetation Management (IVM) program.Click the title for more details on invasive plants in the park. Click here to learn more about invasive species in national parks and public lands.

Wildland Wildfires

Data accumulated from 1999 to 2018 reveals that an average of 16 wildfires occur per year within Crater Lake National Park. Most wildland fires are ignited by lightning but every year an average of two fires are human-caused. Most plant communities show signs of fire dependence or tolerance and can handle the return of fires. Burned forests remain part of a fully functioning ecosystem but can also invite and harbor invasive species. Click the link above for info about the park's wildland fire management.