Mile 293 - Rockaway Beach, State Wayside - July 2, 2010 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

We experienced the "calm before the storm" on the beach this morning. Had we reported on 7/5, we would no doubt see many more people, debris (tons of red sticks and cardboard and plastic from fireworks), and litter from bonfires. The beach was relatively free of debris and litter this morning ( a few cans and plastic from the ocean). We could also see the crane installing rock and repairing the jetty at Barview. After seeing the rocks being transported on flatbed trucks on Highway 6 on their way to the jetty, it's good to see the work getting started.

Conditions

Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.7 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 18. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 15. Sitting: 1. Porta-potties and Rockaway Lions "goody" wagon parked on the wayside (getting ready for the Fourth of July activities).

Concerns

Litter

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4.

Notable Wildlife

Lots of gulls, although last night there were a large number of pelicans on the beach with the gulls.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. Cans and plastic on the beach (though not like there was a couple months ago).

Natural Changes

Incredible collection of rocks in the low spot on the beach between NW 8th and 9th. Is it from the riprap or what is under the sand? Also vegetation growing on the riprap at NW 5th.

Actions & Comments

We always pick up cans and plastic that we find on the beach.