Mile 106 - Bullards Beach, west of Fahys Lake - October 13, 2008

Report Details

Beautiful day, 10 mph northerly winds and sunshine. There were numerous piles of Bull Kelp, probably from the early October storms. Sanderlings, Dunlins, Black Turnstones and Short-billed Dowitchers virtially eliminated the insect populations near the piles. A driftwood structure was enhanced. Found and reported evidence of recent fires in the driftwood pile and collected about 10 pounds of trash. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, small rocks, ocean-based debris, float and rope in driftlines. Low human impact (4)-2 walking. Two vehicles on allowed beach.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 6.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 4. Walking or running: 2.

Concerns

Fire, Litter

Apparent violations: Evidence of fire in driftwood pile.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

Hundreds of Sanderlings, a few dozen Dunlins and Black Turnstones and a few Short-billed Dowitchers all feeding on insects in piles of decaying Bull Kelp.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks. Floats & rope: Season 2006-07 Permit #96210, Tier #500, Tag #425

Actions & Comments

We happened to meet Robin Sears, South Coast Beach Ranger for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department while she was patrolling the beach in her truck. She took about 20 lbs of plastic, glass, aluminum cans and styrofoam that we had collected from us (about 10 pounds each from Miles 105 & 106) - thanks Robin! We reported the driftwood structure enhancement, fires in driftwood piles in that area, and told her of the excessive trash collected there. Found a permitted float and ropes from the 2006-07 season.