Crater Lake National Park is cracking down on illegal off-road vehicles with fines and citations.
Evan Metz of Grants Pass caused over $60,000 in damages after driving his vehicle more than 3 miles in the Pumice Desert, significantly damaging soil and vegetation, according to the National Parks Service.
Metz drove in circles around the desert, disturbing the soil and destroying at least 15 species of plants, while a friend took pictures in July 2018. Metz created ruts 12 inches deep with his vehicle.
Law enforcement cited Metz and fined him $200, based on his insurance carrier paying for the damage, assessed at more than $60,000.
Crater Lake National Park, which is Oregon's only national park, has experienced seven cases of illegal off-road driving so far this year. The park issued citations in five of those.
Most of the off-road violations occur in the Pumice Desert area of the park or other pumice fields. Park officials say driving over this fragile soil can cause damage that can linger for many years and that restoration efforts are costly.
Parks officials say the Pumice Desert is designated a Research Natural Area because of the sensitivity and research value of the location.
Driving off-road is banned in all national parks unless otherwise posted. Violators face a criminal offense with a penalty of up to $2,000 or six months in federal prison, and can also face civil charges for damage to park resources and the costs of rehabilitation.
Copyright 2019 Oregon Public Broadcasting
