June 8, 2007

Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, small rocks, wood pieces, plastic pellets, land-based debris, ocean-based debris, styrofoam and a large number of sand dollars in the driftline.

Report Details

Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, small rocks, wood pieces, plastic pellets, land-based debris, ocean-based debris, styrofoam and a large number of sand dollars in the driftline. Gulls on the beach. One Turkey Buzzard flying overhead. Cut Creek's new path to the ocean was most surprising. It has taken a course much further south than previously. Today the old car frame was totally visable along with other rusted out pieces of the vehicle. The timbers of the wrecked vessel at Cut Creek were more obvious than ever. The entire mile seemed like an area I had never been to before. I was amazed with the changes. No longer an immense stretch of fairly flat beach, but rather a rambling of hills and valleys with sandbars and mini rivers everywhere. The two small drainages that I usually cross along the way were backed up with washed up sand forming small ponds. Debris was everywhere, more than I had ever seen at this location. Other than a sea gull munching on a sea star, it was pretty quiet out there today. Low human impact (2)-2 driving in allowed area. Wood removal is a matter of concern.

Conditions

Temperature: 53 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Strong. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 0.9 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Other Activities: 2 People in Jeep vehicle.

Concerns

Apparent violations: Much wood cutting again had taken place..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Today only sea gulls were around.... and one turkey buzzard who was real interested in my presence on the beach!

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Sea Gull/just south of Cut Creek

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Lots of sand dollars noted...... lots!

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune.

Actions & Comments

No.... most notable erosion is around Cut Creek on the north side where the old wrecked vessel is located.