Mile 23 - Pistol River SP north, south of Myers Creek - January 25, 2023

Report Details

There was a lot of small plastic debris and natural tree debris along the tide line between Meyers Creek and a short distance south of the stacks. There are more beach rocks exposed by the stacks due to removal of the sand by the waves - see pics. There is more driftwood and it is pushed up against the sand dunes and in some places up and over the sand bluff - see pics. We walked the beach south of Pistol River Middle access last week before the King tides and there was larger debris, i.e. sand bucket, plastic cups, boat rope, etc. and a lot more driftwood. The Pistol River estuary was full of wood; it looked like a mill pond.

Conditions

Temperature: 48 F. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 4. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 4. Tidepooling: 2.

Concerns

Apparent violations: None.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2.

Notable Wildlife

Last week we saw gooseneck barnacles. I was unable to complete the report then so I’m including it in this report as they seem to be unusual. See picture.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Erosion of vegetated foredune, Visible retreat of solid bluff, Evidence of wave overtopping.

Actions & Comments

The recent king tides eroded back the sand dunes and pushed the driftwood further back on the dunes.