Mile 131 - Horsfall Beach, Oregon Dunes NRA - June 22, 2010

Report Details

Lovely low-tide day at the beach! High groundwater evidenced by the outflow of water at points above the surf, only visible during low tide. Waves were low. Lots of folks around (26)-walking, playing in the sand, kite-flying and horseback riding. . Not much sign of any campfires or trash on the beach. Animal casings, Kelp/algae and small rocks in the driftline. Logs against the foredune. ATV tracks in closed area. The wreck of the Sujomeca is visible just north of Horsfall access.

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 2.4 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 26. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 9. Playing in sand: 3. Other Activities: kite-flying, 3 horseback riders. Tracks on closed area of beach south of Horsfall Beach access point. Tracks were made after morning's high tide. I did not directly observe any ATVs in the closed area.

Concerns

Apparent violations: ATV tracks in closed area south of Horsfall Beach access point.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6. ATVs/OHVs parking: 5. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 12.

Notable Wildlife

Western Gulls, crows

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

sea worm, small oval crab,4-inch dia jellyfish

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Small rocks. many logs high on the beach against the foredune

Natural Changes

sand movement..the upper three feet of the wreck of the Sujomeca was visible just north of the Horsfall Beach