Report Details

Due to several recent large storms, we noted a much-higher than normal amount of driftwood on the beach, especially towards the North Alsea River Spit. We also noted a higher amount of debris on the beach, mostly bottles and pieces of plastic. Found objects of note included a rusted propane tank and a large white buoy with no identifying markings.During our survey we encountered one dead Northern Fulmar and six Cassin's Auklets, perhaps part of the large wreck in December. Live animals included a large flock of seagulls congregated at the tip of the spit.Human activity was light-to-moderate, with about 22 individuals noted. Most were walking along the surf, with one family of four playing in the sand. We noted dune modifications occurring near the south end of the Bayshore neighborhood, with fresh rows of beach grass planted to hold down the sand on the dunes.

Conditions

Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 6.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 22. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 17. Playing in sand: 4. Sitting: 1. Most people observed were out enjoying a sunny stroll on the beach. Noted one family playing in the sand.

Concerns

Litter

Notable Wildlife

Noted a large group of seagulls at the tip of the North Alsea River spit.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 7. Found 1 Northern Fulmar and 6 Cassin's Auklets. We tagged them as Nos. 311-317 as part of COASST program.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Found a buoy and a rusted propane tank on beach

New Development

Bluff development.

Man-made Modifications

Beachgrass planting or removal, New riprap or shoreline protection structures. Noted recent beachgrass planting to hold down dunes.

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All Mile 202 Reports

Showing 8 of 62 reports

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

July 16, 2024

Today was the first windless day in awhile, shirtsleeve weather with a calm sea and a distinct marine layer offshore.

Jon French

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

May 6, 2024

Bayshore's HOA recently spent $2,500 for permits and bulldozing a path down to the beach behind the Bayshore clubhouse, a designated public access, smoothing out the drop-off resulting from winter erosion and restoring access for beach goers and our State Parks ranger's ATV.

Jon French

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

March 7, 2024

Mile 202 beach accesses and exits are now restricted because of erosion and sheering off of the sand cliffs along its northern portion, so I now need to plan for a receding tide if I want to walk the entire mile safely.

Jon French

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

January 28, 2024

After finding forty beached Cassin's Auklets on Jan.

Jon French

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

October 30, 2023

A beautifully calm, sunny day, maybe the last for awhile, with a fifteen mile view from Seal Rock to Cape Perpetua and hardly anyone on the beach except for two surf fishers and a couple valiantly trying to launch a kite with no wind.

Jon French

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

August 30, 2023

As I began yesterday's mile walk and monthly COASST beached bird survey, a light rain began to fall, the first in months.

Jon French

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

July 23, 2023

As I have done before, I combined today's walk with my monthly COASST survey for dead seabirds.

Jon French

Mile 202

North Spit Alsea River

May 16, 2023

The beach was fairly cool today after 99 degrees two days ago.

Jon French