Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Coast Guard released a study Tuesday saying the Umpqua River Lighthouse isn't essential for sailors to find their way.

The Coast Guard talked to fishermen, port authorities and citizen sailors to see whether they rely on the old lighthouse for navigation.

Commander Mark McCadden says they heard that people generally turn to more modern technologies, like GPS and depth sounders. But he said, the public still values the 116-year-old structure.

Mark McCadden: "This determination was just made. There are no current plans to shut down the lighthouse, to stop operating it. Until a solution as far as transfer and operations has been affected."

The Coast Guard is exploring several options for the building's future, including leasing it, or transferring ownership under the 'National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.' 

Of particular interest is the 'Fresnel lens,' which was made in Paris in 1890.

Douglas County already runs the lighthouse as a museum.