NATIONAL PARK - Mt St Helens

Question 1

Give some facts about Mt St Helens national park.

Answer 1

• Located in the Cascade Mountain Range.
• By the end of 1989, hosted 1.5 million visitors.

Question 2

Why do people visit the area?

Answer 2

• Mt St Helens stratovolcano and geology
  
  • Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire that contains over 160 active volcanoes
  • Mt St Helens is active
  • Famous for its eruption May 18th 1980.
  • Famous due to Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument.
  • Harry R. Truman a famous figure.
  • Studied scientifically - rocks 40,000 years old. David A. Johnston Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver is the place where it is studied.
• The area
  
  • Spirit Lake at front. Beauty spot.
  • Fishing site.
  • Climbing site - permits available since 1987.

Question 3

What conflict does this bring?

Answer 3

• Native Americans:
  
  • The volcano is important to the Cowlitz people and Klickitat.
  • Influx of tourists causes disturbance.
  • Litter harms livestock.
  • Worries about the commercialisation of their culture.
• Wildlife:
  
  • Litter damages wildlife.
  • Noise pollution and congestion.
• Management
  
  • Costs £1,759,713 every year for the council to clean up litter.
  • Environmental Wardens Service.

Question 4

What benefits does this bring?

Answer 4

• Litter:
  
  • Fines have been imposed - up to $500.
  • Love Mt St Helens, Loathe Litter campaign.
  • Well-managed.
• Jobs:
  
  • Provides locals with tourism-related jobs.
  • Also benefits indirectly services such as catering and accommodation.
  • 48 jobs currently available in Mt St Helens.
• Awareness:
  
  • Environmental education.
  • Knowledge of seismic activity.
  • Mainly youth-aimed.