Mile 123 - Bastendorff Beach east half, South Jetty Coos Bay - January 19, 2009

Report Details

The usual fire remains and tire ruts marred the lovely beach. On this warm, sunny MLK Day holiday over a hundred people were enjoying the beach (80 walking, 8 playing in surf, 20 sitting, 2 crabbing and 2 skim boarding). I saw no violations, except the occasional dog chasing a ball. Unlike our previous walk, there was no litter, except in the parking lots.The beach was surprisingly clear of seaweed, no bull kelp, and only a few strands of eel grass. There were a small number of broken shells, bits of wood, and small rocks.It was exciting to see a line of 9 brown pelicans, flying low over the ocean.

Conditions

Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: -3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 110. Number of dogs: 20. Walking or running: 80. Playing in surf: 8. Sitting: 20. Other Activities: 2 crabbing at south jetty, skim boarding 2. Evidence of much driving on beach, and throughout dunes. Spoke with woman who said she had reported vehicle on beach and its license number.Outcome unknown.People enjoying beautiful MLK day, most dogs leashed.

Concerns

Fire

Apparent violations: fire remains with old lumber with rusty nails.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 33.

Notable Wildlife

9 brown pelicans seen flying between the jetties.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

No dead fish or invertebrates seen.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Wood pieces. Driftline was surprisingly clear of content

Man-made Modifications

Dune modification/removal.

Actions & Comments

Virtually no litter, except campfire remains. Perhaps others were out doing volunteer public service. I have talked with Robin Sears about the difficulties in enforcing "no vehicles on beach" rules on Bastendorff Beach. There are many agencies involved with the area, and consequent bureaucratic entanglements.