Mile 154 - Oregon Dunes NRA, west of Butterfly Lake - September 2, 2009

Report Details

Saw four doing the six-mile loop hike originating at the Tahkenitch Campground. It includes a mile of beach walking. In addition to those hikers I had three companions with me. Even though the beach was relatively clean we picked up five or six grocery bags of trash, most of it crab pot line which the two ATV riders we met hauled out for us. We left some line and floats because we couldn't carry it all. Saw more evidence of erosion along Tahkenitch Creek to the north of my mile. Very little driftwood. One large hunk of styrofoam hauled off on the ATVs. Most exciting wildlife observation was an osprey flying along the beach and the seal peeking out from the waves. No tracks of ATVs in closure areas. Numerous dead drab near north end of mile. Perhaps from sanded-in crab pots? ATV riders were gathering small amount of driftwood for artwork. Unsure if they had or needed a permit. Just glad to have them haul out the trash!

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 5.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Walking or running: 4. Other Activities: ATV riders. Met couple from Newport who had accessed beach from Sparrow Park Road to the south. One ATV pulled a small trailer, and they had gathered a couple of pieces of driftwood to be used in some artwork. They were pleasant and agreed to haul out a large amount of crabpot line we had collected on the beach. So no sign of ATV tracks in closure area.

Concerns

Driftwood removal

Apparent violations: ATV riders taking couple small pieces driftwood. Unsure if had permit or if in violation..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

saw seal in surf, a few seagulls, and one osprey. Very little seaweed. Mostly small "palm tree" kind separated from rocks by wave action.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. At north end of beach still an inordinate number of dead adult crabs and crab parts. Also saw some large tangles of crab pot lines and floats. Wonder if crab came from sanded-in pots?

Driftline Content

Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Crab pot line and floats.

Actions & Comments

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