Mile 173 - South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach - December 20, 2008

Report Details

We forded Sutton Creek before low tide and proceeded from south to north. There were no people or human tracks on our mile north of Sutton Creek. However, we did see animal footprints unaccompanied by a human. These were most likely coyote tracks.Sutton Creek had a much lower flow rate today than during our previous report. The creek has shifted significantly in the last month. As it turns and begins to move toward the ocean, the creek has moved south and is currently touching the riprap. Below, the end of the creek has moved a bit north of where it was on the previous visit. In the area where the creek runs parallel to the beach, significant erosion is occurring in the sandy bluff. Tree roots have been exposed and the trees are red, dry and dying. In the crook of the creek, there is somewhat less driftwood and detritus than on previous visits. A large section of concrete dock that was in this area is no longer here—it is now on the beach to the south, in mile 172. There was a great deal of marine garbage on the beach today, especially from crab boats. We found numerous crab bait containers of various types. We also found many floats from commercial crab pots. Additionally, there was quite a bit of household/kitchen garbage that might have come from a boat—soap containers, beer bottles, liquor bottles, etc.

Conditions

Temperature: 40 F. Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Tide Level: 1.6 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2.

Concerns

Kelp/algae collection, Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Unusual amount of bull kelp and other seaweed. Birds observed included seagulls, brown pelicans and sanderlings.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. excessive garbage from crab boats (bait containers, floats, etc.)

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Visible retreat of solid bluff. Sutton Creek is eroding bluff before riprap and exposing tree roots...trees brown and dying

Actions & Comments

Removed some marine garbage.

cheshire

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