DOINews: BLM Oregon: Glasnost — BLM Style

While Newport, Ore., is 6,262 miles from the winter games in Sochi, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, Justyna Kottke, international trade specialist, from the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, and 16 delegates and tourism marketing professionals, representing various Republics of the former Soviet Union, got a little bit of international goodwill from their visit to the BLM's Yaquina Head.

The Salem District proved, once again, that there is something for every visitor at Oregon's tallest lighthouse — Yaquina Head. 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.

In addition, to giving the visitors from the Republics of the former Soviet Union a little history of the area, the Yaquina Head International Welcoming Committee© (AKA: the BLM Salem District) took the visitors to the tide pools, the lighthouse, and the ever-popular Interpretive Center. In addition the delegation participated in a round table discussion hosted by the Oregon Coast Visitors Association "Exploring Coastal Tourism Trends for Public Lands and Resources." The well-attended meeting was held at the Interpretive Center and had coastal representatives from a number of federal, state, city and port officials.

Learn more about the lighthouse: http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/yaquina/index.php

By: BLM-Oregon

Feb. 14, 2014