Mile 154 - Oregon Dunes NRA, west of Butterfly Lake - April 7, 2022

Report Details

Six Eugene Hikers parked at Tahkenitch Campground parking lot, hiked Dunes Trail, and entered beach at Emergency Sign #115. Four cars were observed in parking lot. It was a beautiful, calm, sunny day (69 degree temp). There were 3 other people observed walking on beach, and one of them was a Bandon resident also collecting debris/litter as part of a practice. No dogs. A few live birds were observed including a bald eagle, 2 snowy plovers standing near the water and a couple of gulls. There was a snowy plover protective area roped off for the first quarter of the mile; however, one section of rope was down and needs to be replaced/repaired. The group observed one set of deer tracks and one set of car tracks (within permitted vehicle use area). No marine life observed except one whole crab, and some shells. Most of the debris collected by the Eugene Hikers was ocean-based and included plastic (including bottle with Japanese writing) and styrofoam (which had blown up to sand bank and into foredune area). Eugene Hikers left bag(s) of debris at base of Emergency Sign #115A for State Parks pick up.

Conditions

Temperature: 69 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Tide Level: 1.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 9. Walking or running: 9. Other Activities: There were 6 Eugene Hikers walking, recording CoastWatch data, and collecting debris/litter. The Hikers observed 3 additional people: one couple walking on beach, and one other person also collecting debris/litter. Eugene Hikers talked to this Bandon resident who has a practice of collecting debris on this section of beach.. There was one set of tire marks observed within the allowed area for vehicle use.

Concerns

Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4.

Notable Wildlife

One bald eagle observed flying at beginning of mile. Two snowy plovers observed standing on beach near water's edge, as well as a few other gulls.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Shells, Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Styrofoam, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). A whole crab washed in, as well as a lot of ocean-based debris. Plastic debris included leg of picnic chair and bottles. One bottle had Japanese writing. Styrofoam pieces had blown up and onto sand bank/foredunes.

Actions & Comments

Eugene Hikers notified State Parks Ranger about picking up their bag(s) of debris left at base of Emergency Sign. The end of this adopted Mile 154 is approximately 3+ mile hike back to parking area and improved park site.