For Immediate Release:
July 30, 2013
Contact:
Timothy Fisher, Yaquina Head Manager
(541) 574-3142
Trish Hogervorst, Salem Public Affairs
(503) 375-5657
Lighting the Way Since 1873:
Yaquina Head Lighthouse Celebrates 140 Years!
Newport, Ore. – The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile
into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse
has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light
was first lit on August 20, 1873 – 140 years ago! In honor of this momentous occasion, the Bureau of Land
Management will be offering a number of events throughout the month, including:
August 7:
Lighthouse Living Mapping demonstration. August 14: Maritime History and Lighthouses,
August 21: Restoration Efforts of Lighthouses, and August 28: Yaquina Head History.
August 10:
At 8:00 a.m., the Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, a nonprofit supporting restoration of the
lighthouse, and the Newport’s Coast Hills Running Club will host a Lighthouse Dash following a 5kilometer route through the 100-acre site. The run is open to runners of all ages as well as dogs on leashes.
Included in the cost is entry to the park, a 140th anniversary t-shirt, refreshments, and entertainment at the
finish line. All proceeds from the fun run will help restoration efforts. Pre-registration for the event is
online at: http://www.yaquinalights.org/events.html
August 17:
The Yaquina Wheels Bicycle Club is holding a Century Ride, starting and finishing at the
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Interpretive Center. Riders can choose a 100, 68 or 27 mile route.
Proceeds go towards restoration efforts. Registration is available at: www.yaquinawheels.org
August 20:
At 11:30 a.m., the Yaquina Head Lighthouse will celebrate its 140th birthday with a
performance by the Coastal Aires barbershop group. "Music Along the Way" will acquaint listeners with
period music through the history of the lighthouse. That same day, twilight lighthouse tours will be offered
at 7:00 and 7:45 p.m.
Each Wednesday in August visitors to the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area will also be treated to
puppet shows depicting the rich history of the area (11:30 a.m.) and a series of guest speakers discussing the
importance of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse (12:30 p.m.)
On several Saturdays in August (3rd, 24th, and 31st) at 8:00 a.m., the BLM will offer guided nature walks
looking at the birds and wildlife while recounting stories told by earlier keepers of their wildlife sightings
and experiences.
To find out more about all these exciting 140th anniversary events call (541) 574-3100, or visit the web at:
www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/yaquina
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About the BLM: The BLM manages more land – 245 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known
as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a
budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The
BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present
and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing,
mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public
lands