Cascade Head Scenic Research Area marks 50 years

As the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area (CHSRA) approaches its 50th anniversary, the surrounding coastal community prepares to celebrate five decades of environmental stewardship and sensitive human use. Established on Dec. 22, 1974, by President Gerald Ford, CHSRA has stood as a beacon of environmental protection and scientific exploration on Oregon’s north central coast.

To commemorate this milestone, people are invited to join in a celebration at the Cascade Head Experimental Forest Headquarters on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The headquarters is located at 1912 N Old Scenic Highway 101, 2.5 miles north of Otis. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The event will feature speakers, a short film, music, and food, with many opportunities to learn more about CHSRA’s legacy of balancing cultural, environmental, scientific, and recreational activities.

Spanning 9,670 acres of pristine landscapes, CHSRA was the first non-wilderness land in the United States designated by Congress for its scenic, ecological, and scientific values. Over the years, it has served as a model for similar protected areas across the nation, including the Mono Basin and the Columbia River Gorge. Home to diverse ecosystems, including meadows, estuaries, and forests, CHSRA provides critical habitat for native flora and fauna, including the rare Oregon Silverspot butterfly. Its significance as a research site for Sitka spruce and Western hemlock forests is internationally recognized.