Mile 313 - Tolovana Park north, Haystack Rock - July 21, 2010

Report Details

there seemed a lot of people enjoying the beach and tidepooling, even in midweek.still a problem with dogs off leash and not under voice control. Other dog owners with dogs on leashes complain. some fires had been left smoldering from the previous night, and many were in very large driftwood piles, which leaves few logs for people to sit on. one area had beerbottles, foamcups etc. litter, which we removed. also found remnants from fireworks.

Conditions

Temperature: 64 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: 2.8 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 108. Number of dogs: 21. Walking or running: 52. Playing in surf: 2. Playing in sand: 6. Sitting: 3. Tidepooling: 45. lots of activity around Haystack Rock. HRAP truck on beach with interpreters. Signs posted to keep people out of nesting areas .

Concerns

Fire, Litter

Apparent violations: fires in large driftwood piles.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 180. ATVs/OHVs parking: 10. RVs/Buses parking: 4.

Notable Wildlife

lots of gull chicks. 2 oystercatcher chicks in saddle area

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 2. common murre, western gull

Driftline Content

Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Wood pieces.

Actions & Comments

ongoing problem with Gower Stree, Ecola Court outfall pipe.readings from the State Beach monitoring program and Surfrider ( through Astoria High School Blue Water Task Force) showed elevated enterococci counts ( 201, 411)We have a meeting with city manager and a sub committee from Public Works for next week.we will INSIST on proper signage, i.e. addressing the issue of contamination and warning to avoid contact while bacteria levels are elevated. this is the second year of of lots of talk and no action. We are just a bit frustrated.