To fight invasive species, Crater Lake NP suspends scuba diving until 2013; new regulations planned
Scuba divers wanting to explore the strange peat moss formations, tunnels and steep crater walls beneath the crystalline waters of Crater Lake National Park will have to wait, park officials said.
The lake--centerpiece of Oregon’s only national park and at 1,943 feet the deepest and clearest lake in the U.S.-- was temporarily closed to diving Wednesday while park ecologists develop a plan to keep out invasive species. The lake won’t reopen to diving until 2013 and will likely require a permit and adherence to rigorous protocols.