This year was notable with the successful completion of the complex project to replace the park's potable water supply from surface sources (springs) to a new well and delivery system. Work was completed on the Draft Monument Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which at the end of the year was awaiting approval for printing and release to the public. After 25 years as the very accomplished Chief of Interpretation, David Clark retired. Dave was presented with the Sequoia Award, a national award recognizing his remarkable achievements providing visitors with quality interpretation and education products during his tenure at Craters of the Moon.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

The attached charts display the park operational and project budget and staffing for fiscal year 2003.

PUBLIC USE

Visitation: Annual visitation was 178,823, down 2.5% from calendar year 2002.

Visitor Survey: For the sixth consecutive year we surveyed a sampling of park visitors.

• 99% indicated an overall satisfaction with facilities and services
• 96% reflected and understanding of the significance of the resources of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve following their visit.

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

• Initiated first year operations of the Northern Rocky Mountain Exotic Plant Management Team's Craters based crew. Plant Ecologist Wolken supervised the program and SCA seasonal staff served as crew members. Accomplishments included field visits to all of the five parks served by the Craters crew, purchase of major supplies and equipment, hiring of Dan Kohring as a permanent subject-to-furlough crew leader. The crew completed treatment of all noxious weeds on road corridors in the northern portion of the Monument (Hwy. 93, 20/26).
• Developed and initiated task agreements with Cooperative Ecosystem Study Units at Boise State University (Assessment of Habitat for Sage Dependent Birds, 1-year, $25K), Idaho State University (Survey of Kipukas, 2 years, $75K), and University of Oregon (Archeological Overview and Assessment, 1 year, $20K).
• Cooperated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in establishing a long-term climate monitoring site at Craters of the Moon as part of the national Climate Reference Network Program.

• Completed environmental assessments and cultural resource compliance (Section 106 consultation) on the Visitor Center Expansion and Water System Rehabilitation projects. Documented categorical exclusions and Section 106 consultations (including one Memorandum of Agreement with the SHPO) were completed for six additional projects.
• Information for the Natural Resources Management Assessment Program (NRMAP) database was complied and submitted to the Regional Office.
• In cooperation with the Northern Semi-Arid Network's Inventory and Monitoring Program, mammal and bird inventories were completed for Craters of the Moon.
• NPSpecies data input for the mammal, bird, reptile/amphibian, and vascular plant inventories were initiated. NPSpecies data includes records of voucher specimens in museums, observation records and literature citations.

INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION

• As stated earlier, Dave Clark retired as chief of the division. Ted Stout entered on duty in late November as the new division chief. Ted was previously working at Mount Rainier National Park.
• Over 3,000 school children visited the park and were provided informational/safety orientations.
• Entered into an agreement with the Sawtooth Science Institute to provide educational seminars in the park, and conducted two seminars during the year.
• Produced a new guide to the geology of Craters of the Moon.

CRATERS OF THE MOON NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION

• Revenue from sales of publications and convenience items in the bookstores at Craters of the Moon and at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument remained similar to last year.
• Support to the NPS included funding for reprinting of two site bulletins, the Caves Trail Guide, and free visitor informational bulletins as well as ongoing assistance with operation of the Visitor Center and support for ongoing interpretation and resources management programs at Craters of the Moon and Hagerman.

VISITOR AND RESOURCES PROTECTION

• Park Ranger Tammie Henderson served two "Homeland Security" details helping provide enhanced security to other NPS sites.
• Completed the second year of operations under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Land Management whereby BLM and NPS rangers closely coordinate and assist one-another within the exterior boundaries of the monument and preserve.

FACILITY DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

• Completed improvements on the park's potable water system. By end of year the system was online and working. Improvements include permanent installation of two production wells; a solar powered well pump; completion of an instrument control building; replaced waterline and control vaults; and a telemetry system for monitoring the system.
• Replaced roof on the apartment building with a metal roof that matches other residential buildings in appearance and provides insulation.
• Installed rock barriers to replace deteriorating wood barriers in parking areas and where needed for resource protection.
• Successfully implemented the new Facility Management Software System (FMSS), and served as a prototype park for testing the asset condition assessment component of the FMSS.
• Initiated planning with Denver Service Center for completing the reconstruction of the remaining spur roads and parking lots not reconstructed in 1996.
• Completed final construction drawings and specifications for the expansion and rehabilitation of the visitor center/administrative building.
• Replaced several waysides and signs throughout the monument and preserve.

FY 2003 Craters of the Moon Permanent, Seasonal and NHA Staffing