Statement of Significance (as of designation - June 19, 1996):
Obsidian Cliff occupies a unique position in national prehistory as a singularly important source of lithic materials for prehistoric peoples of interior western North America. It is recognized as an exceptionally well preserved, heavily utilized lithic source that served the utilitarian needs and ceremonial requirements or early indigenous peoples over a large area of North America for 12,000 years.

Condition:
Obsidian Cliff Interpretative Kiosk and Pullout receives thousands of visits each year by people curious to learn about Obsidian Cliff’s natural beauty and cultural history. The abundance of obsidian at the site, however, offers a continual temptation to visitors, and some of the cliff face has lost obsidian pieces to illegal collectors. The majority of roadside cliff face is in good condition and closed to visitors, to prevent resource loss and unsafe climbing. Each year, NPS law enforcement citations are issued for collecting of obsidian from the cliff face, and entering the closed area. Tribal representatives from the park’s affiliated tribes have indicated that they want the site protected.

The Obsidian Cliff proper has shown no discernable change since the last report. The planned reconstruction of the Grand Loop Road though the area may have potential for impact, including the historic box culvert, the wetlands adjoining the cliff face, and the historic Obsidian Cliff kiosk, originally known as the Obsidian Cliff Nature Shrine along with the historic pullout, all retain their original features. The road realignment discussed in the 2004 report has the potential to protect the cliff face from unlawful collection of obsidian; however, planning for this project is still ongoing.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
A sensitive planning of the reconstruction of the adjacent park roadway could result in a design that preserves historic built environment, with the natural and prehistoric sites along the cliff. Enhancement and restoration of the pullout and kiosk would serve to make the area an attractive location with which to pro-actively inform the public of the perils and legal dangers of illegal collecting of prehistoric materials.