Crowds, illegal gear threaten Oregon's pristine Crater Lake

BEND, Ore. (AP) — The clean, clear waters of Crater Lake National Park are being threatened by contamination brought in by visitors after the coronavirus pandemic spurred sharp cutbacks in park staffing.

Crater Lake Superintendent Craig Ackerman says he's concerned visitors are ignoring signs prohibiting the use of gear that could result in invasive species being introduced into the lake.

The Bulletin reports rangers are attempting to turn back people with illegal items but can't be there 24 hours a day.

The 1,943-feet deep lake is one of the most pristine large water bodies in the world, formed when a volcanic eruption collapsed a peak and left a crater that filled with water.