Conservation groups write letter of protest over proposed Crater Lake scenic flights

Oregon Wild and others warn FAA and NPS that helicopter flights are likely illegal.

Several conservation groups today sent a letter to federal officials warning that a proposal to allow helicopter tours of Crater Lake National Park could be illegal.

Noise from the helicopters would shatter the peaceful beauty of Oregon's only national park, and could further disturb nesting areas of endangered spotted owls, the group says.

"Oregon needs to do a better job of protecting our natural treasures," said Erik Fernandez, wilderness coordinator with Oregon Wild, which joined with Umpqua Watersheds and the Crater Lake Instititue in submitting the letter to the National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The federal agencies are considering a permit request by Bend-based Leading Edge Aviation to fly 300 tours yearly within 1,000 feet of the crater rim.

The permit request quickly came under fire.

Sen. Ron Wyden grilled Jonathan Jarvis, nominee to lead the National Park Service, over the proposed helicopter tours during confirmation hearings last month.

Fernandez and Oregon Wild want Wyden to propose a wilderness designation for the park and surrounding land to protect it from low-flying tour flights, as well as logging. The proposed designation would link existing wilderness on the Rogue-Umpqua Divide, Mount Thielsen and Sky Lakes.

--Abby Haight; abbyhaight@news.oregonian.com