Mile 16 - Boardman SP, Natural Bridges, Miner Cr, Deer Pt, Arch Rock - May 24, 2008

Report Details

This is the section of Mile 16 I call Spruce Island Viewpoint North. Other than my commentary and questions about trail "maintenance", nothing unusual to report.

Conditions

Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Strong. Wind Direction: NW.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Other Activities: viewing. Spruce Island viewpoint no beach access

Concerns

Apparent violations: None.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

None

Beached Birds

None

Stranded Marine Mammals

None

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

None

Driftline Content

Wood pieces. Not much beach to see, but water is sandy turbid

Man-made Modifications

None can happen here

Natural Changes

no natural or unnatural erosion

Actions & Comments

This is the section of Mile 16 I call Spruce Island Viewpoint North. It includes Arch Rock VP at which there were 5 (going when it was still sunny) to 0 (returning when it was cloudier/windier) vehicles and at least that many people somewhere in the viewing area. The trail between Arch Rock and the bench on an outcropping just south of Hooskanada Creek runs along Hwy 101 for a short while. Last time I reported there was garbage and indictions of off road activity in this area neither of which was apparent this time. I also noticed when I last reported that there seemed to be some herbicide spraying near the highway and starting into the trail. This time I noticed that the entire trail from the highway to the bench on the outcropping was being "maintained" by herbicide application. Who would be responsible for this, ODOT or State Parks? Is this the future of trail "maintenance"? Where is this leading us, to GMOs, Roundup Ready clones etc. for trail and highway "maintenance"?