Threats go both ways in the management of volcanic protected areas

Volcanoes are true wonders of the planet. Managers volcanic protected areas face dual challenge protecting landscape from overuse and damage, visitors local residents range geophysical risks presented by activity. Without clear recognition how volcano works, there is potential that risk hazardous conditions (e.g., eruptions, gas emissions, fumarolic activity, landslides, seismic other hazards) may not be adequately addressed in site’s management plan. Two examples illustrate current best practice response to this challenge. at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument a decision on what civil engineering measures take large lake formed debris avalanche during 1980 eruption poses catastrophic flood flow more than 50,000 downstream residents. Hawai‘i Park faced imminent threats island eruptions Kīlauea 2018 2020, which also destroyed research observatory park visitor facilities. The was fully close area near vent move center city Hilo, 30 miles northeast summit.