Credit Love Cross / KLCC Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission has voted to designate Crater Lake and Waldo Lake as Outstanding Resource Waters. The special recognition provides state protections by preventing activities that could potentially harm water quality at either lake. The commission, which oversees the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, voted 4-0 Thursday for the new designations. In announcing the recognition, Oregon DEQ Director Richard Whitman said “Crater Lake and Waldo Lake are unique and invaluable treasures for Oregonians and the world. Their crystal clear clean waters represent the best of Oregon’s natural beauty. By designating the lakes as Outstanding Resource Waters, Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission is assuring that these special places will remain unspoiled for present and future generations.”