July 21, 2022

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 6.

Approximately ten adult Western Snowy Plovers in a line at mid beach sitting, preening, running around. Another adult down near the water with a chick (see summary regarding chicks); a few Semipalmated Plovers and other shorebirds, twenty or so pelicans resting on shore and feeding at the mouth of Alsea Bay

Total dead birds: 1. Common Murre

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt).

Dune modification/removal. Last week, I and another person noticed a man weed whacking dune vegetation west of the state Statutory Vegetation Line, seaward of which Oregon Parks Department has authority to manage recreational activities, dune alterations, etc., and prohibits removing dune vegetation without a permit. We went and talked to the man, who told us we were trespassing on his property and that he could do what he was doing because he wasn't removing plant roots. Attached is a photo showing the unauthorized weed whacking and a screen grab showing that the Statutory Vegetation Line is very close to the beachfront houses on Oceania Drive. The problem is that some beachfront homeowners don't like their views being compromised, and unauthorized mowing of dune vegetation occurs, resulting in dune destabilization and more wind and sand blowing in around houses.

I contacted our local Parks Ranger regarding the unauthorized removel of dune vegetation, and the Ranger took photos and sent them to the state regulatory people for response.