Mile 242 Report
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
November 7, 2024
The coastal environment was uniquely serene due to unseasonably warm weather and a low number of visitors, creating an ideal setting for observation. The team noticed new signage near the south end of our mile reminding visitors not to climb the bluff. This time of year lacks diversity within the tidepools and less foot traffic among the rocks.
Report Details
The coastal environment was uniquely serene due to unseasonably warm weather and a low number of visitors, creating an ideal setting for observation. The air temperature, higher than typical seasonal averages, combined with a gentle breeze from the ocean made it feel like an early summer day. There was the visibility of wave patterns and the soundscape was dominated by natural wave sounds and intermittent calls of seabirds. The team noticed new signage near the south end of our mile reminding visitors not to climb the bluff. It seems that no matter the size of the sign or the height of the pole, people were ignoring the warning. We continue to observe the dead sea lion from March, located south of D River. There are still signs of decomposition. This time of year lacks diversity within the tidepools and less foot traffic among the rocks. People were enjoying the day with their dogs along Mile 242. The team collected 5 pounds of litter.
Conditions
Temperature: 54 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 4.5 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 75. Number of dogs: 34. Walking or running: 30. Sitting: 40. Tidepooling: 10. Other Activities: Two bicycle riders. Our team member was able to speak with Ranger Ryan during the mile. It was good to know that paroles are happening along this mile and to have a contact number for future reference.
Concerns
Apparent violations: Litter was North of D River. At the tidepools, a human feeding food to the gulls. Two beach campfires..
Vehicles
Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 34.
Notable Wildlife
Sea anemones: 5 clusters of 6 or more in a group. Hermit crabs: 2 Snails attached to rocks: Many Pelicans: 12 Oyster Catchers: 6 Sandpipers: Many
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 16. No birds had leg bands. Most birds were gulls.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Largemouth Bass Sea Jellies: 10-12
Driftline Content
There was not much on the wrack line. We noted multiple wrack lines traveling toward the sandstone cliffs. A high tide was noted the week prior, and debris was left at those points.
Man-made Modifications
Dune modification/removal. We noted that at the south end of our mile there once stood a large sandstone boulder. Within 3 months, the boulder has been carved into a cube shape. This is at the north end of the beach access point, More graffiti was noted along with foot traffic up the cliff where signs are posted. In our report, we have add the July 9th photo for comparison. We don't believe this was a natural event.
Natural Changes
Landslides/major boulder falls. Boulders are still falling on the sandstone cliffs at the south end of our mile.
Team member with Ranger Ryan
Sandstone boulder observation on July 9, 2024
Sandstone boulder observation 3 months later.
Team members geared and ready to clean the beach of litter.
Ocean debris from Oct. 31 high tide.
D RIver erosion area.
Sandstone cliff observation. Lower sandbank no longer exist.
Boulder falls south of D River.
Report Images
Teachers Annette, Bill, Sally, Bobbie, and Maureen
CoastWatcher
All Mile 242 Reports
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
At low tide, breakfast at the coast offered a view of the natural world awakening.
Teachers Sally, Bobbie, Annette, Kaily, and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
Over the weekend, a large number of visitors escaped the 100-degree valley heat and headed to the cool Oregon coast, where tidepooling proved especially popular.
Teachers Sally, Laurie, Bobby, Annette, and Maueen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
Despite the foggy, cold, and windy conditions, a zero tide offered a unique opportunity to observe the dynamic changes along the shoreline.
Teachers Bobbie, Sally, Annette, and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
Today’s coastal data collection was conducted under ideal early summer conditions, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and a steady marine breeze that kept the environment comfortable throughout the day.
Teachers Annette, Bobbie, Bill, Sally, Tracy, and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
It was a cold, breezy day along the shoreline, with low foot traffic and only a few vehicles spotted on the beach.
Teachers Bobbie, Sally, Annette and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
It was a breezy, sunny day on the coast with the early spring chill still in the air. In our last report, a team member uncovered something unexpected: a message in a bottle. As we finished our mile, we are reminded how much the ocean holds memories, messages, and meaning to the visitors.
Teachers Annette, Bill, Sally, Bobbie, Maureen and Emily, Sascha, and Joellen from Bedrock Theater
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
Two different violations: 1. 2.
Garretra
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
An unseasonably warm and sunny day along the Oregon Coast illuminated Lincoln City. Our team observed more people ignoring the signage to stay away from sensitive areas of erosion from the evidence of foot traffic and new graffiti on the sandstone cliffs.
Teachers Annette, Bill, Sally, Bobbie, and Maureen