Mile 123 - Bastendorff Beach east half, South Jetty Coos Bay - February 25, 2010

Report Details

The beach, below the driftline was remarkably clean. There was a delicate cream colored foam being brought in by the waves. Shells, kelp/algae and charcoal fragments in the driftline. Probably 20 feet or so from the high tide line on down the beach, significant numbers of rocks (approx.8-15 inches in length) have been exposed. These are being incorporated into firerings up to 4 feet in diameter. Many of these are filled with trash, and debris. Serious problems continue above the driftline. The area of the dunes that is now roadway has increased dramatically, and illegal tracks on the beach are everywhere. Law enforcement is desperately needed to stop these ongoing violations, and lawless attitudes. It is sad and frustrating to see this lovely beach being degraded so rapidly. In addition to vehicular damage, there are dune changes due to the high waves and tides. Moderate human use(12)- 11 walking and 1 sitting. Five dogs.

Conditions

Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NE. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 11. Sitting: 1. The deterioration of the foredune, and beach continues. There is a significant increase in illegal driving on beach, with resulting breakdown of dunes. The entry areas for vehicles continues to widen, so that there are now areas of continuous access, not just one track from parking lot to beach. Five or more fire rings, constructed from recently exposed rocks, dot the high tide area.

Concerns

Fire, Litter

Apparent violations: car tracks on beach and foredune.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6.

Notable Wildlife

No mammals observed. The only birds seen were an occasional gull, and a dozen or so crows. Several bull kelp, a few "small perennial kelp", and a few tufts of eel grass were present.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

None

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Shells. charcoal fragments,

Man-made Modifications

Dune modification/removal. Done by vehicles in prohibited areas

Natural Changes

evidence of dune erosion due to very high tides

Actions & Comments

No action. I did give telephone numbers for mammal stranding, and dead animals, banded dead birds, and Ranger Robin Sears to a friend who walks the beach almost daily. Hopefully, she will call when vehicles are in violation.