2007 Lighthouse News

Response to an ABC News story presented January 20, 2007:

Bill Redeker's report created a firestorm of interest in Oregon lighthouses, in turn filling our email box with numerous requests for information on how to obtain one.  Unfortunately important details were left out of his report.  At this time there are no opportunities for private individuals to obtain an Oregon Lighthouse.

Oregon is truly on the cutting edge of preserving our lighthouse heritage.  Nine of the original ten coastal beacons remain, with Tillamook Rock the only lighthouse in private hands.  Restoration of Oregon’s lighthouses are guided by government agencies and associated non-profit groups associated with them.  Millions of dollars have already been spent to restore these isolated structures so that we can visit and appreciate the hardships of the keepers that kept the lights lit.

Today's Lighthouse Keepers:

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is a privately owned Columbarium: Eternity by the Sea.

Cape Meares Lighthouse is central to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and operated by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department assisted by volunteers from the Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge, Inc.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is part of Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area operated by the Bureau of Land Management.  Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses is a non-profit group associated with both Yaquina Head and Yaquina Bay.

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse commands its ocean view from Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, operated by Oregon State Parks and Recreation.  Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses is a non-profit group associated with both Yaquina Bay and Yaquina Head.

Heceta Head Lighthouse is part of Heceta Head Lighthouse Scenic Viewpoint, which includes Devils Elbow State Park.  Heceta Lighthouse is operated by Oregon State Parks and Recreation.  The nearby Heceta House is operated as a private Bed and Breakfast under contract with the United States Forest Service.

Umpqua River Lighthouse overlooking the Umpqua River is operated by Douglas County Parks.

Cape Arago: The United States Coast Guard recently extinguished Cape Arago Lighthouse. Disposition of Arago is through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 giving other government or non-profit agencies first rights.  National Parks will determine who the best owners will be and it is very unlikely that Cape Arago will fall into private hands.  Chief Dempsey, filmed and interviewed at Cape Arago, noted that you could probably obtain one free; that is incorrect.  Private individuals would have to pay fair market value and comply with rules and regulations defined in the NHPL Act, including keeping the light lit and open to the public.   For more information regarding the NHPL Act visit the National Park Service website.

Coquille River Lighthouse, currently next on the list for restoration, is operated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as part of Bullards Beach State Park.  If you would like to support restoration please visit www.OregonParksTrust.org and mail a donation earmarked Coquille.  Restoration estimates target $750,000 as required for repairs and restoration.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse is open to the public through an agreement between the United States Coast Guard and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  Cooperative management between BLM (Cape Blanco), Oregon Parks and Recreation (Cape Blanco Management Unit), Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Coquille Indian Tribe, Curry County and the Friends of Cape Blanco provides for day-to-day operation of this historic beacon.