Park on the Edge

FUNDING SHORTFALLS AT OLYMPIC NATIONAL

1 Kayaker explores newly free-flowing Elwha River. © John Gussman

ON THE COVER: Pacific Coast trails in disrepair at OIympic . © Braeden van Deynze/ NPCA

ON THE BACK COVER: Rocks along ’s coast. © Loren Klein

Table of Contents

4 Executive Summary 6 Introduction 10 Findings 12 Case Studies 14 Elwha River 20 Wilderness Coast Dedication: To the employees of the 24 , their partners, Hoh and their volunteers who strive to 28 provide the best visitor experience and Hurricane Ridge resource protection possible for our national , “America’s best idea.” 32 Conclusion

2 3 Executive Summary

lympic National Park, • Along the Elwha River, assuring restoration of the most visited National historic fish passage for native salmon under Park in the Northwest, is unpredicted drought conditions requires addi- undeniably the key driver tional rock and debris removal; the revegetation for the Olympic Penin- of a dry lakebed left behind by a $325 million sula’s already significant dam removal project will run out of funding recreation and tourism eight years short of the time it is projected to economy. Each year, 3.2 become self-sustaining. million recreational visits • Trails along the weather-beaten Wilderness generate $264 million in spending in gateway Coast go without repair for years as an under- communities, such as Port Angeles, Forks, and staffed trails crew reaches less than 75 percent Sequim, contributing to over 3,600 jobs. The of its projects annually. park’s popularity continues to grow, with June visits up 40 percent in 2015 over the same month • The recently renovated Hoh Rainforest Visitor the previous year. Center remains staffed with only one ranger most of the year and without any new exhibits, Insufficient funding across the National Park despite being one of the most popular and iconic System have strongly impacted the visitor expe- regions of the park. rience and, in turn, the park’s ability to drive • The road to the winter recreation area atop economic activity. Hurricane Ridge is only plowed and opened three days a week, greatly diminishing oppor- Of the estimated $13.3 million tunities for visitors to enjoy the most popular required to fully maintain and scenic vista in the park and the ability of local businesses to generate more consistent traffic operate the park in 2014, only during the off-season. $7.8 million was appropriated, As the Centennial of the National Park Service leaving the park 42 percent approaches in 2016, Congress has an opportu- underfunded. nity to reverse years of fiscal neglect of America’s favorite places. Olympic National Park’s struggles are representative of similar challenges faced This chronic underfunding leads to yearly throughout the country in the National Park increases to Olympic National Park’s $133 million System. Filling the $5.5 million funding gap at maintenance accumulated backlog. Olympic National Park and providing additional funding to address deferred projects will ensure Creek rapids at Olympic The effects of operations funding shortfalls and that the park’s natural treasures are protected for National Park. © Scott Kirkwood/NPCA the growing maintenance backlog can be observed future generations while allowing local communi- throughout the park: ties to grow a sustainable recreation economy. 4 Roosevelt elk at Olym- OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK pic National Park. © Natalia Bratslavsky/ istockphoto.com The most visited National Park in the Northwest, with 3.2 million annual recreational visits generating $264 million in spending in gateway commu- Introduction nities, such as Port Angeles, Forks, and Sequim, contributing

S

S Victoria E Neah T to over 3,600 jobs. R A T Bay J A D U A I T A Olympic National Park is one of the most popular parks in the National Park System and A T 20 N O N S

F y A

D r C provides vital protection for our country’s natural wonders while generating economic E D F E U T

C Fer I activity in a developing region. Despite its clear value, Olympic National Park, like other A N U Port national parks across the country, remains chronically underfunded. This report will Townsend Ferry 5 Port Angeles P examine the ways that operating on a critically small budget has undermined Olympic U STUDY AREA MAP 101 101 G National Park’s ability to provide a quality visitor experience and generate economic value for Sequim E

Elwha S T North gateway communities. Forks S Victoria E Neah T A R T Bay J A D U A 104 S I T HurricaneA A Hoh T 20 N O RidgeN S O Ferry

F y A

D Rain r C E D Olympic National Park is one of decade, Olympic National Park has as a tourist destination and U F E U T

C Fer I the largest and most diverse units averaged the fifth highest visitor protecting its natural resources is Wilderness A N N OLYMPICU Coast Port of the National Park System. The count among all National Parks, vital to supporting the Olympic NATIONAL PARK Townsend Fer ry D 5 Port Angeles P L value of protecting the natural and the highest in the Pacific Peninsula’s residents and busi- A 101 U N 3 state of the Northwest. Recent years have nesses. Despite steady employ- 101 G A Ferry Sequim 90 is recognized internationally; the shown upward trends in visita- ment and income growth over the C E

Forks Elwha T national park is both an Interna- tion mirroring increases observed last four decades, the Peninsula D tional Biosphere Reserve and a throughout the park system. In has experienced volatility as O 16 PACIFIC Hurricane 104 S Hoh O World Heritage Site. Within the June 2015, Olympic National Park timber-related sectors declined Ridge O Ferry Sea-Tac Rain Hoodsport H park, visitors can enjoy a wide was visited over 550,000 times, an due to market conditions, global- U OCEAN Forest Airport range of distinct ecosystems. increase of almost 40 percent from ization, overcutting, and mecha- Wilderness N Seattle 101 OLYMPIC Coast 101 the same month the previous year. nization. During the most recent D NATIONAL PARK L

Proclaimed as a national monu- Olympic National Park’s popu- recession of 2007-2009, job losses A Tacoma ment in 1909 by President Theo- larity translates to economic value were almost entirely in timber-re- N 3 A Ferry 90 dore Roosevelt, the area was for nearby communities such as lated sectors. C 108 5 named a national park by Congress the towns of Port Angeles and D Aberdeen 8 in 1938 and today encompasses Forks. Visitors spent $264 million Real estate, lodging, food service, 12 O Olympia16 PACIFIC 922,000 acres of mountains, in gateway communities around entertainment, and recreation were O Sea-Tac , and rugged ocean coast- Olympic National Park in 2014, among leaders in job growth over Hoodsport H OCEAN Airport line. With such diverse natural supporting over 3,600 jobs. Hotels, the last decade, even through the 101 offerings, Olympic National Park guides, restaurants, and grocers all national recession. The tourism 101 is understandably one of the most benefit from the park’s ability to sector now employs double the Tacoma popular parks in the National Park draw visitors from nearby Seattle, share of employees that the System. In 2014, over 3.2 million throughout the , and timber sector does on the Penin- 108 visitors explored the trails, stayed even internationally. sula, accounting for 19 percent of 5 8 at the campgrounds, and stopped total employment. Continuing to Aberdeen Olympia 0 10 Kilometers 12 by the visitor centers at Olympic Maintaining and expanding support Olympic National Park is National Park. Over the last Olympic National Park’s status vital to ensuring that the region’s 0 10 Miles

National Park Service/NPCA 6 7

0 10 Kilometers

0 10 Miles INTRODUCTION Clockwise from top left: The wilderness coast of Olympic National Park; Trail to the coast; Park trail crew working to repair trails; Road work needed in Olympic National Park. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA Funding sources

$2.9 million $4.9 million $5.5 million at Olympic National Park

$0 million $4 million $7 million $11 million $14 million

economy can remain strong and the National Park Service base sustainable. budget, and was able to acquire $4.9 million in supplemental funding Although it constitutes only 1/15th from concessionaires, donations, and of one percent of the federal budget, grants from other federal agencies. the National Park Service has suffered from inadequate funding in This leaves Olympic National Park recent years. Since 2010, the agen- $5.5 million short. Olympic National cy’s operating budget has declined Park’s base operations budget is by 7 percent, a $178 million loss in only 59 percent of what would be today’s dollars. Its budget for new necessary to prevent roads, trails, 1/15th construction and renovations has campgrounds, and visitor centers declined by $230 million in today’s from falling further into disrepair. dollars over the last decade, a 62 If Olympic National Park is unable Fraction of one percent of percent cut. In addition to poor to fill this sizable funding gap, its the total federal budget transportation funding, the National $133 million maintenance backlog Park System’s total maintenance will balloon. Of that $133 million, devoted to the National backlog has reached $11.5 billion $25 million is needed for projects to and will surely take years to reduce address the most critical non-trans- Park Service to an acceptable level. Each year that portation needs – an achievable price the National Park Service remains for a vital economic and conservation underfunded, this maintenance need. If the backlog continues to go backlog will continue to grow: the unaddressed, the visitor experience Park Service receives only 58 cents will very likely begin to noticeably of every dollar that would be needed decline. to simply keep the backlog at its current level. “Olympic National Park is vital to the economic well-being for the community of The effects of insufficient funding Port Angeles. We estimate nearly 300,000 can be seen at Olympic National people stay in our lodging each year, and Park. For 2014, park managers it is safe to say that the majority of these estimated that $13.3 million would guests are here because of the draw caused be necessary to operate and main- by Olympic National Park.” – Russ tain existing assets at an acceptable Veenema, Executive Director of level. The park was granted $2.9 the Port Angeles Regional Chamber million in operations funding from of Commerce

8 9 Clockwise from top: A park ranger assesses trail bridge damage; Road closure in Elwha Valley; Scenic views along the wilder- ness coast. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA

Findings

Insufficient funding for Olympic National Park’s • Inconsistencies now exist in trail and facility annual budget over the years have resulted in quality throughout the park and between major reductions to two crucial elements of program scheduling throughout seasons. park operations. Inconsistent visitor experiences reduce the ability of local businesses to market the park 1. Reductions in available payroll have forced as a tourist destination. the elimination of ranger and maintenance • Without guaranteed long-term funding for positions by 12 percent over the last five programs, park staff cannot effectively make years, a reduction of 24 full-time equivalent plans for the perpetual restoration, moni- positions. toring, and protection of park resources. 2. Construction and maintenance shortfalls • Reductions in total staff force remaining have caused the maintenance backlog to rangers to take on duties previously handled grow to over $133 million. by others, stretching them thin, reducing job satisfaction, and preventing the development These funding gaps have had numerous nega- of new programs. tive effects on the park’s ability to protect its • The freeze on new hiring makes it difficult resources and provide for visitor experience. for young people to gain experience within The consequences of funding shortfalls have the park system. An aging workforce makes it also damaged the potential for park visitation increasingly difficult for the park to engage a and maintenance as an economic driver in younger audience. gateway communities:

10 11 1 Elwha River

2 Wilderness Coast

3 Hoh Rainforest Case 4 Hurricane Ridge Studies

he effects ofinsufficient funding have been felt throughout Olympic National Park. 1 2 Every department, from interpretation to T maintenance to resource , has been forced to make sacrifices, the effects of which can be clearly observed by visitors.

To demonstrate how funding shortfalls can harm the park experience, conservation efforts, and economic development, four case studies have been prepared, each focusing on a different iconic region frequented 3 4 by visitors. These case studies are based on publicly available data, news reports, and conversations with National Park Service officials, park visitors, and local business associations.

It is important to note that these case studies are examples NPCA has selected to illustrate the types of funding needs throughout a park with a wide variety of resources and visitor opportuni- ties. They are not meant to be exhaustive, indicate funding priorities, or suggest management direction. Instead, they are meant to bring awareness of overall park funding needs to the general public by using tangible examples at some of the most visited loca- tions at Olympic National Park and demonstrate why funding for our national parks needs to be restored.

Elwha River. © John Gussman; Wilderness Coast. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA; Hoh Rainforest. © Mirekdeml/ Dreamstime.com; Hurricane Ridge. © Douglas Scott/Exotichikes

12 13 ELWHA RIVER: COMPLETING THE EPIC JOURNEY

SUMMARY

The Park Service has an obligation to monitor fish recovery for salmon and other species through 2022, projected at $1.1 million;

CASE STUDY #1 additional costs of restoring effective fish passage for all native salmon species past the two former dam sites is yet to be deter- mined under current low-water conditions. $3 million in additional funding through 2024 would allow the Park Service to monitor Elwha River: and execute the revegetation plan to the scientific standards commonly used for projects, ensuring salmon recovery, clean water, and increased recreational opportunities. Completing the $108,000 in additional funding annually would allow the park to fund its own vegetation management crew which could identify and Epic Journey eliminate harmful exotic species before they gain a foothold on bare ground in the newly exposed Elwha River Basin and in other areas throughout the park.

With the completion of the removal Park Service ecologists have had for Port Angeles, and this project of the final dam on the Elwha great initial successes, continued is complete. The remainder was River in the summer of 2014, many funding will be vital to ensuring committed to the longer term celebrated the event as a victory the revival of historically vibrant recovery effort based on expected for conservation and social justice salmon spawning grounds. The river conditions following removal in Olympic National Park. The project helps America honor our of both dams. removal of both the Glines Canyon commitment to the tribe while also and Elwha dams was funded by a expanding recreational opportuni- 2015 was a very low water year for $325 million act of Congress after ties and protecting water quality for the Elwha and other streams on the years of negotiation between the residents and visitors in nearby Port Olympic Peninsula. This followed Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, the Angeles. a record low snowfall and rain City of Port Angeles, the National pattern over the winter and wide- Park Service, and the local timber The largest share of the initial spread regional drought conditions industry. But the work of restoring funding was dedicated to a new during the summer. This has been a the unique and complex river water treatment plant to safe- setback for salmon recovery because Salmon in the Elwha River. ecosystem is just beginning. While guard drinking water supplies water temperatures have increased © John Gussman

14 15 ELWHA RIVER: COMPLETING THE EPIC JOURNEY

From left: A replanted former Lake Mills; Park staff with new plant starts; Park greenhouse and soil for native plantings. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA “The long-term success of the revegetation project is vital to ensuring our business can offer consistent and quality service to tourists.”

and the rivers are much more diffi- in recent years, can move remaining benefits both within and beyond the Finally, many members of the Lower which is quickly beginning to look through the valley. As it shifts from cult for fish passage due to lack of debris and create new channels. park boundaries. As estab- Elwha Klallam tribe rely upon less like a drained lakebed and more year to year, park staff are prevented water. The lack of normal seasonal Additional rock and debris removal lish complex root systems, they salmon harvests for their well-being. like a young forest. from planting in areas that may be floods from rainfall and snow melt will soon be beyond the current provide stability along the riverbed, The success of the salmon resto- washed away should the river shift. has not done the expected work project budget, but is essential for preventing erosion and allowing the ration depends on revegetation to After five years of operation, the The earliest revegetation activities of clearing river debris and silt for assuring the success of the Elwha river to establish a fixed path. Vegeta- stabilize the riverbanks, shade the nursery has found great success. started in 2011 as work on dam effective fish passage and successful River restoration as measured by tion will also shade the river, providing water to keep temperatures cool, Exotic plants have been kept at bay, removal was just beginning. With reproductive conditions. The park recovery of all five species of native vital habitat for cold-water fish. and provide vital nutrients through and salmon populations, which rely funding for revegetation set to expire has responded by continuing to salmon and steelhead. falling leaves and insect hatches. on insects and debris from native in 2017, the greenhouse and its staff restore river gradients and clearing A number of local stakeholders Continuing the revegetation project riverside plants for nutrients, have will be decommissioned just as the the last dam construction remains Another key element of the resto- are relying upon the success of the will directly affect the livelihoods of more than doubled according to new habitat is beginning to take from key areas around the dams, but ration project is the revegetation revegetation as well. Local recreation many of the tribal fishermen. fisheries specialists. Additionally, shape. Commercial stan- even this relies on future natural program, the largest of its kind businesses rely upon a stable river to the nursery has provided an oppor- dards suggest that restoration sites high water events to create channels ever attempted. When the dams provide consistent launch sites for The bustling restoration nursery is a tunity for more than 150 volunteers be maintained and monitored for suitable for fish migration. If regional were removed, an 800-acre valley their guided trips. Without foliage to testament to Park Service efficiency. to interact with the park in a unique 15 years before they are considered drought conditions and mild winters covered in sediment was left behind keep the river in place, launch sites The greenhouse itself was built for and meaningful way. self-sustaining. The current budget continue as predicted, salmon as the lake drained into the ocean. are regularly washed away, forcing $400,000 using local contractors. for the Elwha revegetation allows recovery cycles will be delayed. In order to create suitable habitat the company to cancel reserva- The rest of the nursery complex, However, river restoration is a for only seven years of restorative for salmon recovery, $5 million tions as they seek out new routes. including two cold shelters, a soil dynamic process, and since this activity, less than half the time that To monitor fish passage, repro- from the dam removal project was bin, a potting shed, and a large project is the first of its size ever experts typically suggest. duction and recovery, the park allocated to revegetate the land. Meanwhile, the City of Port Angeles shade structure for protecting young attempted, Park Service staff are needs funding for river surveys These funds were used to build and relies upon the Elwha for clean plants, was built for under $10,000 adapting to new challenges as they The Elwha Valley could be left with and removal of blockages, but the staff a state-of-the-art nursery to drinking water. If the riverbanks using primarily salvaged materials arise. First, drought-like conditions only the limited permanent resources extent of this is unknown. This is raise some 400,000 plant starts and begin eroding into the water, the and volunteer labor. The annual cost have made widespread planting the park has available to protect it. dependent upon the degree to which produce over 5,000 pounds of seed city’s treatment plants could be to keep the facility running is under more difficult than expected over The park has no permanent, on-site seasonal flooding events, which have for planting out in the valley. severely damaged, forcing the city to $15,000. Each year, volunteers plant the last two years. Second, the river greenhouse and will have to import been at less volume than expected The revegetation will provide rely on expensive well water instead. 80,000 new starts out in the valley, has yet to establish a consistent path seed and starts from outside sources,

16 17 ELWHA RIVER: COMPLETING THE EPIC JOURNEY

risking the genetic integrity of the “The final Elwha River Ecosystem Resto- and forcing us to cancel reservations. valley and the ultimate success of ration Act states that ‘the Department of The long-term success of the revegetation the restoration project. Olympic Interior therefore finds there is a need to project is vital to ensuring our business can National Park also shares a single return this river and the ecosystem to its offer consistent and quality service to tour- exotic vegetation management crew natural, self-regulating state, and proposes ists.” – Morgan Colonel, Owner and with the entire Northwest region, removing both dams to accomplish this Manager of Olympic Raft and Kayak meaning response will be slow to purpose and fulfill the congressional sightings of destructive invasive mandate.’ The areas in the Elwha River “The Elwha restoration project has grasses and weeds. where both dams were located still have provided students at Peninsula College stretches with much higher gradients than and Western University’s Unless operations funding increases, before the dams were built. This will cause Huxley on the Peninsulas with meaningful Olympic National Park will be problems for returning salmon and need undergraduate research opportunities that unable to fund these programs vital to be restored to the pre-dam gradient to contribute to our broader understanding to guaranteeing the Elwha River’s facilitate fish passage. Until this is done, of large-scale ecological restoration. It long term success and the successful the river will not be restored to its natural provides students with the opportunity to completion of a $325 million self-regulating state. With drought condi- work directly with professional ecologists, project. Project leaders estimate that tions on the Olympic Peninsula this year, managers, and researchers. Continued extending the program through 2024 it is even more important to restore these support for the project will hopefully would cost around $3 million total. areas to their original state. The Lower encourage other aspiring ecologists, not This funding would provide salaries Elwha Klallam Tribe’s position is that this only from our region but from across the for ecologists and botanists, wages needs to be done as quickly as possible.” – country, to seek out our programs because for seasonal staff to monitor planting Robert Elofson, Elwha River Resto- of our unique collaboration with the activities, and supplies for continued ration Director of the Lower Elwha Olympic National Park restoration ecol- nursery operation. For an additional Klallam Tribe ogists and other researchers, and because $108,000 annually, the park could of our close proximity to the Elwha River employ a crew of dedicated vegeta- “The removal of the Elwha dams has project itself.” – Barbara Blackie, tion managers to keep invasive exotic opened up countless new recreation Professor of at Western species at bay and monitor popula- opportunities for our customers, from Washington University’s Huxley tions of rare native plants park wide. more advanced rafting routes to guided College and Peninsula College Restored funding for the Park Service snorkeling tours among Chinook salmon. operations budget would allow for However, just last season one of our Clockwise from top left: these extensions of an important and primary boat launch points was washed The Elwha flowing free unique natural resources program. away by the river’s changing course, below former Glines delaying the start of our rafting season Canyon Dam; Life returns to the new river banks. © Braeden van Deynze/ NPCA; A restoring Elwha River delta with new sediments from the former 18 reservoirs. © John Gussman; WILDERNESS COAST: ERODING FUNDS AND TRAILS

CASE STUDY #2

SUMMARY

Wilderness $500,000 in allocated construction funds would allow the park trails crew to restore the severely eroded Taylor Point trails to acceptable condition. An additional $200,000 annually in opera- Coast: Eroding tions funding would allow the trails crew to reach the remaining 25 percent of trails that do not see routine maintenance along a sceni- cally spectacular and accessible section of the park that draws visitors Funds and Trails year round.

In addition to the temperate and the glacial trails are highly trafficked by backpackers: over 40,000 highlands, the rocky western coast is one of the icons of backcountry permits were issued last year. Ideally, every not just Olympic National Park, but of Washington State mile of trail would receive annual routine maintenance, itself. Stretching from the Queets River in the south including brushing away overgrown foliage, clearing to Shi Shi Beach in the north, the Olympic Wilderness blown down snags, and replacing rotting boardwalk Coast stretches over 70 miles of continuous, undevel- planks. The majority of the materials are created from oped coastline, making it one of the longest stretches blowdowns and gravel found near the trails, which both in the . In order to preserve eliminates the need to haul materials along the trails its wilderness character, the majority of the coastline is and maintains the natural character of the environment. inaccessible by road and can only be reached by trails designed and maintained by National Park Service and Along the isolated Wilderness Coast, trail crews face partner crews. a variety of unique challenges. The coast line receives 140-180 inches of rain annually, turning trails into The trail maintenance program at Olympic National Park muddy streams, washing out gravel, and rotting wooden is responsible for maintaining over 600 miles of trails boardwalks and bridges. Locally sourced cedar wears through a wide variety of environments. Many of those much faster than the sturdier spruce found further trails run through remote regions, though even those inland and sandy coastlines are not conducive to gath- The wild Olympic coast. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA

20 21 WILDERNESS COAST: ERODING FUNDS AND TRAILS Clockwise from top: Fre- quent trail washouts need maintenance; Sand ladder in disrepair; Trail rope on the wilderness coast. © Braeden TRAIL INDEED VS. van Deynze/NPCA; TRAIL IN NEED

Left: Well maintained trail to Sand Point on Ozette Loop. © Bryan Bell, NPS;

Right: Crumbling ‘sand ladder’ on Taylor Point in Olympic National Park. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA;

ering gravel for repairs. As a result, coordinator, but she must split her Point trail. New stairs, board- much of the materials used in time between multiple divisions. walks, and improved sand landers construction must be airlifted into would replace the muddy trails and these isolated locations. This adds Resource restrictions force the trail eroded climbing routes, creating another unique expense, alongside crew to make tough tradeoffs when an environment safer for children other materials, tools, and wages it comes to how to spend their time. and the elderly. With an addi- and lodging for crews. Each year, the crew gets to approx- tional $200,000 annually, the crew imately 75 percent of the trails that could hire enough new seasonal At Olympic National Park, the trail need work. Some parts of the coast employees to cover the remaining funding has not kept pace with cannot be regularly maintained trails it currently cannot reach each increases in traffic and changing under current funding conditions. year. Such a reinvestment in trail conditions. The trail crew receives For instance, the well-used trail programs is vital to ensure that visi- around $500,000 annually in base over Taylor Point cuts through tors can experience the parks safely funding, down from $600,000 seven thick coastal rainforest, connecting while preserving their condition for years ago. This funding supports a two sandy beaches with views of future generations. mere 29 full-time crew members the Giants Graveyard collection of who work alongside 18 AmeriCorps seastacks and sites for backcountry “Olympic National Park’s 70-plus mile volunteers who are responsible camping. This trail climbs almost wilderness coast a geologically unstable for over 600 miles of trail. The vertically from the beaches over the region where the geological plates collide. Park Service must rely on privately point, requiring the use of ropes Stunning visually with a kaleidoscope contracted helicopters to airlift and “sand ladders” installed by the of sea stacks, islets, and wildly config- materials to remote trails, which trail crew years ago. Maintenance ured rock, it also offers world-class can cost up to $200,000 per job. of these sand ladders has been ocean backpacking routes and numerous neglected over the last few years, sublime shoreline hikes. Imagine trying to The trail crew has done its best to resulting in many snapped cords maintain hiking routes in a zone pounded maintain popular trails with what and broken rungs that pose a danger relentlessly by the sea and storms, contin- little resources they have available. to hikers and, through erosion, to ually crumbling and collapsing tectoni- “Olympic National Decreased staffing means relying the trailside environment. cally. Unfortunately, Olympic National more on volunteers, who contribute Park has been short of maintenance Park has been short of more than 12,000 hours annually Additional funding is necessary if funding for more than 20 years and can’t maintenance funding to trail projects. Volunteers are not the trail crew is to keep trails up hope to keep up. We see it in crumbling free, however; time and effort must to the standards needed by visitors boardwalks and missing sand ladders for more than 20 years go into recruiting, coordinating, as traffic increases in the coming over headlands.” -Greg Johnston, and can’t hope to keep training, and supervising them centennial year of the Park Service. Author of “Washington’s Pacific to ensure that trails projects are For approximately $500,000, crews Coast; A Guide to Hiking, Camping, up. We see it in crum- completed properly. The park has of park staff and volunteers could Fishing & Other Adventures” recently hired a volunteer outreach rehabilitate the three-mile Taylor bling boardwalks and missing sand ladders

22 over headlands.” 23 HOH RAINFOREST: A VISITOR CENTER WITHOUT RANGERS?

CASE STUDY #3

SUMMARY Hoh Rainforest: $50,000 in additional salary each year would allow for the hiring of two more half-time interpretive rangers, who could develop new educational programs, offer more frequent guided hikes, and staff A Visitor the visitor center when it would otherwise be closed during the winter months.

One of the few remaining temperate Olympic National Park for a $1.1 and cultural topics are now only Center without rainforests in the country, and million renovation of the visitor offered five nights a week. As a one of the most spectacular in the center, the first renovation since result, fewer visitors are being world, the Hoh Rainforest is one of its construction 60 years ago. But reached with information which the Olympic National Park’s most as funding dries up for hiring new would help them enjoy and appre- popular destinations. Near constant interpretive staff, the new visitor ciate the park. Rangers? rainfall during the winter months center’s exhibits may be delayed supports a wide variety of flora, and hours may be reduced, limiting The staffing cuts have damaging creating a lush, dense forest covered the center’s potential to serve and effects on the quality of interpretive in eerie mosses. educate visitors. services beyond frequency. There is now only a single year-round ranger The Hoh is understandably popular Recent funding shortfalls have at the Hoh visitor center. When this among visitors, and traffic is made finding rangers at many ranger is furloughed or takes time increasing. During the summer visitor centers increasingly difficult. off, the center is closed entirely, vacation season, visitation reaches At the Hoh Visitor Center, staffing leaving visitors without a guide to over 3,500 a day at the Hoh Rain- levels have been halved over the last the region and sacrificing revenue forest Visitor Center, a 66 percent decade. As a result, programming from the bookstore. increase from a decade ago. As of has suffered, even while demand June 2015, the Hoh trailhead had has skyrocketed. Ranger-guided Cuts to maintenance and enforce- already seen a 22 percent bump hikes are now only available once ment staff have led to an expan- in visits to date over last year. In daily, down from twice daily ten sion of interpretive rangers’ roles, response to increased visitation, years ago. Once nightly campfire cutting into the time they can spend Hoh Rainforest. federal funds were granted to presentations on wildlife, history, with visitors and developing new © Mirekdeml/Dreamstime

24 25 HOH RAINFOREST: A VISITOR CENTER WITHOUT RANGERS? Clockwise from top: Fallen log in the Hoh Rainforest. © Loren Klein; Packed parking lot at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA; Fungus in the Hoh Rainforest. © Loren Klein; The Hoh River. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA programs. In addition to former digital visitors to gain a deeper But without related increases in duties, they are now expected understanding of the Hoh’s complex funding for supplemental interpre- to assist in other duties such as ecosystem, experience the rainfor- tive staff’s salaries and lodging, visi- security, parking enforcement, and est’s unique soundscapes, and allow tors will continue to struggle to find restroom maintenance. The inter- future visitors to know what to look rangers and the opportunity for the pretive staff no longer have time to for when they arrive. However, staff park’s educational message to reach maintain and update exhibits and simply do not have the time to learn more young people will be missed. displays; over 80% of the park’s the technical skills to develop or exhibits are considered seriously maintain such a website, and hiring “The Hoh is unique among all other dated. As staff are stretched thin, a full time programmer is impossible UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the quality of visitors’ experiences is under current budgetary restraints. Biosphere Reserves located within the significantly impacted. United States because it is sonically the To bring the ranger staff in the Hoh most diverse and also the least polluted by With fewer positions available, the region up to acceptable levels, Park mechanical noise. This double honor makes Park Service has trouble bringing in Service staff have looked into hiring the Hoh a world class destination for younger staff. Institutional knowl- two more rangers to split a full-time urban dwellers to reconnect with nature edge and protocols well understood equivalent position. This hire would through listening. by more experienced staff are now allow the current staff to share lost upon retirement. As the park best practices before they move on “Wildlife are as busy communicating as staff ages, the park service begins to and give the park an opportunity we, but what are they saying? And can lose touch with younger audiences. to hire younger staff to prepare their messages help us answer questions for the future, while ensuring the about global climate change or other Reduced staff funding also restricts visitor center remains open during emerging environmental challenges? the interpretive staff’s ability furloughs and vacations. These to develop new and innovative positions would cost approximately “Interpretive exhibits and talks are programs. At nearby North Cascades $50,000 a year in salary and benefits. urgently needed to help park visitors National Park, interpretive staff unlock this invisible world at the United have collaborated with a non-profit In addition to salary, providing States’ preeminent place of natural educational institution to provide adequate lodging poses another listening.” – Gordon Hempton, “The rangers always point ranger-led backpacking trips for challenge to hiring more interpretive Acoustic Ecologist and Author of youth leaders through the park. rangers. Olympic National Park is “One Square Inch of Silence” out something fascinating While rangers have expressed faced with a $1.5 million housing that we never forget, like the interest in developing similar maintenance backlog, coupled “After driving the long road into the Hoh programs along the Hoh River, the with a $2.7 million water treat- Rainforest it’s so refreshing to step into the huge amount of water that is team simply cannot afford to lose a ment backlog. If these maintenance calm of the visitor center and let the kids soaked up by the forest.” ranger to develop and run this kind backlogs are not addressed, visitor stretch out a little while looking, touching, of program. centers like the one at the Hoh reading -- learning good bits and pieces Rainforest will not have the capacity about where we’ve come. The rangers Interpretive rangers at the Hoh have to support newly hired staff with always point out something fascinating expressed interest in embracing lodging or clean water. that we never forget, like the huge amount social media and other online tools of water that is soaked up by the forest.” to expand their reach beyond the The completion of the Hoh Rain- – Ann Soule, Resident of Sequim, WA park. A new website would allow forest Visitor Center renovations is a victory for National Park funding.

27 HURRICANE RIDGE: SNOWED UNDER BY UNDERFUNDING

CASE STUDY #4

SUMMARY

Hurricane Ridge: A $325,000 increase in annual operations funding would allow the park to clear the road to a popular winter recreation area and staff the visitor center, supporting the Port Angeles recreation Snowed Under economy through the winter months and generating an estimated additional $750,000 in annual visitor spending.

Hurricane Ridge is one of the the reduction of weekday access Road, which must be frequently by Underfunding most popular sites for park visitors to Hurricane Ridge during recent snowplowed from December throughout the summer. Visitors winters. through March. Plowing is expen- can enjoy panoramic views of sive, and in 2011 the Park Service the from the Hurricane Ridge has the infrastruc- chose to discontinue the service ridge’s trails, which are accessible ture and attractions to be a premier from Monday through Thursday in from a trailhead and visitor center winter alpine attraction within a light of significant shortfalls to the only an hour from nearby Port National Park. For decades, the parks operations budget. Angeles. Because of its popularity visitor center has provided downhill and proximity, many Port Angeles skis, cross country skis, and snow- As a result, Hurricane Ridge has businesses rely on traffic to and shoes for rental. Two rope tows become a far less attractive destina- from Hurricane Ridge. and a T-bar lift provide access to a tion for winter tourism. Businesses number of groomed and ungroomed complain that without consistent A problem many businesses in runs at a concessionaire ski area road access, they cannot properly Port Angeles have been facing in run by a local ski club. Popular market Olympic National Park as a recent years is seasonality. Because ranger-guided snowshoe hikes are winter destination. Dozens of local of weather and school schedules, offered daily. recreation shops have signed peti- traffic to the park peaks during the tions lobbying park management summer vacation seasons and drops While these amenities have been to offer road clearing on additional Overlooking the lodge at off during the winter months. This available for decades, they are only days, but doing so simply is not Hurricane Ridge. challenge has been exacerbated by accessible by the Hurricane Ridge possible under current funding © Douglas Scott/ Exotichikes conditions.

28 29 HURRICANE RIDGE: SNOWED UNDER BY UNDERFUNDING Snow brings winter visitors and recreation on Hurricane Ridge. © Douglas Scott/ Exotichikes Even on days that the road is open, a week, over 9,000 visitors made proper transportation services are the drive up to Hurricane Ridge not provided. The parking lot at on weekdays. If the same number the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center were to return, they would spend a is frequently overloaded during projected $750,000 at local businesses. winter weekends, forcing rangers to close the road at the park gate. To Investing in the National Parks alleviate similar parking problems, allows for features like Hurricane many National Parks, including Ridge to achieve their full poten- nearby Mount Rainer National tial for visitor experience with Park, run free or discounted shuttle local economic benefits. Shortfalls services from nearby towns in part- to Olympic National Park’s oper- nership with public transit or local ation budget restricts its ability charter companies. to stay open year-round, putting pressure on local businesses and One Port Angeles charter company, struggling gateway economies that All Points Tours and Charters, rely on National Parks to draw in proposed to run a shuttle from customers. Downtown Port Angeles to the top of the ridge for as little as $10,000 “Winter in Olympic National Park is for the winter. This service would enjoyed by very few due to the extreme support a local entrepreneur while limited access, and the Port Angeles generating increased business in Visitor Center has hundreds of disap- Port Angeles and alleviating traffic pointed guests when they are told issues within the park. However, Hurricane Ridge and other access points even this has become beyond the are closed for the season.” – Russ park’s budget, with the result being Veenema, Executive Director of the traffic jams and reduced access to Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Hurricane Ridge. Commerce

Keeping the road open seven days “Our business is negatively impacted in a week would require $325,000 the winter seasons due to the perception annually in additional operations that the park closes from September funding. These funds would pay through May. This is mainly due to the for snow plow maintenance and fact that visitor centers operate only fuel and an additional ranger to seasonally with inconsistent hours. In patrol the area. Local businesses the winter, our guests love ranger-led are willing to contribute as well; in snowshoe hikes and wish they were the winter of 2015 a local campaign offered more regularly. Some winters, the “Some winters the raised over $20,000 to keep the inn has closed because of the perception visitor center open on Thursdays that no one would come during the winter inn has closed when plowing was not necessary. because of perceived lack of access to the park.” – Stephan Fofanoff, Innkeeper because of the But additional federal funding is of Domaine Madeleine Bed and perception that no necessary if these businesses are Breakfast in Port Angeles, WA to generate repeat customers and one would come create long-term growth for the during the winter region. In 2011, the last winter that the road was cleared seven days because of perceived lack of access to 30 the park.” 31 Conclusion

early a century ago, the National Park Service was founded with the purpose of conserving parks like Olympic National Park for the enjoyment of future generations. NSince then, rangers have worked valiantly to protect our natural treasures and interpret and present them proudly to the world.

But as observed throughout Olympic National Park, inadequate funding in recent years have impaired the Park Service’s ability to maintain the parks. Restoration projects such as the revegetation of the Elwha River may not have the resources to ensure sustained success. Trails along the dynamic coastline go years without attention, creating hazardous conditions for backpackers. The brand new Hoh Visitor Center is understaffed and without quality exhibits. Popular attractions such as Hurricane Ridge remain inaccessible for long stretches of the year, limiting economic growth in nearby towns and visitor enjoyment of the park.

As the Centennial of the National Park Service approaches, Congress has an opportunity to renew its commitment to restoring Olympic National Park and other parks like it for future generations. By increasing funding to suffi- cient levels and ensuring continued, multi-year support, Congress can restore the National Parks for their next century of service to Amer- ican families while ensuring robust economic Along the Olympic National Park coastline. development in surrounding communities. © Braeden van Deynze/NPCA 33 Hiker in Olympic National Park. © Bryan Donahue/ istockphoto.com Take Action

The number of visitors who expe- The National Park Service is respon- rience Olympic National Park each sible for managing gems like Olympic year and the ten-fold return on every on our behalf — but they need our federal dollar of funding from our collective voices to speak up for national parks make them one of these special places. We all must do the smartest investments our our part to protect and support our Congressional leaders can make. national parks. Please join National More importantly, investing in Parks Conservation Association, our our national parks represents a partners and our supporters in urging commitment to future generations. Congress to restore funding to our national parks, often called “the best idea our country ever had.”

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Braeden Van Willie Nelson/All Points Ben Greuel/The Wilderness Deynze, lead report writer, Charters and Tours; Stephen Society; Jeff Duda/U.S. Geolog- along with Madelaine Spiering Fofanoff/Domaine Madeleine ical Survey; Andrea Imler/ and the many NPCA staff who Bed and Breakfast; Barbara Washington Trails Association; contributed to its development. Blackie/Huxley College on the John Bower/Western Wash- Peninsula; David Allen, Josh ington University NPCA acknowledges and Chenoweth, Sarah Creachbaum, thanks the following individuals Larry Lack, Barb Maynes, NPCA also extends a special who provided information or Jon Preston, Lisa Turecek, thanks to Robert Elofson suggestions during the develop- Brian Winter/Olympic National and the Lower Elwha Klallam ment of this report. However, Park; Tim McNulty/Olympic Tribe. Without their work and the contents and opinions Park Associates; Morgan leadership, the Elwha River expressed are solely those of Colonel/Olympic Raft and would not be the great shared NPCA and do not necessarily Kayak; Charlie Comstock, resource it is today. represent those of anyone listed Russ Veenema/Port Angeles here outside of our organization. Chamber of Commerce; Gordon Special thanks for support from Hempton/SoundTracker; Kathy the Martin Foundation. Fox/The Mountaineers;

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