Mile 104 - Bullards Beach west of the Campground - December 31, 2008

Report Details

Only one other person was out of my mile today, though it was a pleasant beach-walking time. Unfortunately it was also attractive for atv operators, one of which I encountered in the flesh. He was not fazed by my telling him atvs are not allowed on this stretch and continued onward. So I notified Bullard's Beach State Park staff, which planned to take action. Other atv tracks were visible north of Bullards.Some bird activity: a few gulls, several Sanderlings, a half-dozen gulls offshore.Logs are either being uncovered or are coming onto shore now. Bull kelp and logs are notable in the dune grasses at several points, indicating wave overtopping. Erosion of the foredune. Shells, small rocks, wood pieces, land-and ocean-based debris in driftline. Low human impact (2)-one walking with a dog and one driving an ATV on a restricted beach.

Conditions

Temperature: 40 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 3.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 1. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 1. I encountered 1 atv male driver with child and unleashed dog and advised him he was driving down an atv-prohibited beach. He was adamant that a sign at the access point said atvs were allowed. He continued south toward the Bullard's Beach parking lot vicinity. I phoned in this information to the Bullard's office, which planned to take action on the atver.Incidentally, as he pointed out, there were many other atv tracks on the beach, even going up into the dune grasses.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1. ATVs/OHVs on beach, prohibited: 1.

Notable Wildlife

A few gulls and several Sanderlings foraged in the incoming tideline while a half-dozen pelicans searched for food offshore in churning seas.

Driftline Content

Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Lots of beach grass in the high line. I filled a SOLV bag with plastic bottles.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Evidence of wave overtopping.