Mile 106 - Bullards Beach, west of Fahys Lake - February 15, 2009

Report Details

Cool calm day in the middle of President's weekend. Human activity seemed high for this mile, six in four active vehicles. Other vehicle tracks indicated heavy prior usage. Two vehicles disturbed shorebirds. Foredune erosion observed and heavy logs were high on the beach. Lots of razor clam shells in the wrack line. Moon jellies were also noted. A driftwood structure, previously reported to Oregon State Parks, was demolished. We hauled out about 30 pounds of trash, mostly plastic bottles.

Conditions

Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 4.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 3. Other Activities: Collecting wood. Dogs were unleashed and aggressive to us, not under the command of the owners. Some driftwood had been harvested with a chain saw, but not by the people we observed. People were also trying to collect finished lumber that had drifted onto the beach.

Concerns

Driftwood removal, Litter

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 4.

Notable Wildlife

About 30 Sanderlings were observed; 200 gulls were present near Cut Creek.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

A few moon jellies were high on the beach.

Driftline Content

Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Lots of plastic bottles

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune.

Actions & Comments

Lots of razor clam shells in the wrack line. Lots of large logs and other wood debris were high on the beach at the edge of the foredune. Some erosion of the foredune was noted. We hauled out about 30 pounds of trash, mostly plastic bottles. Numerous vehicle tracks were present; four active vehicles were seen; two disturbed shorebirds.