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.
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
Fire, Litter
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
Wrackline Content
Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings or molts, Wood pieces, Plastic debri (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea). 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
Sun broke through the clouds as Mile 242 became increasingly congested with visitors. Reporter Justin Werner of the Boiler Bay Beacon interviewed several members of the team to learn more about the CoastWatch organization and its work along the Oregon coast. Deeper carvings in the sandstone cliffs continue to be a concern, despite posted signs asking visitors to remain outside the protected area. Sand appears to have accumulated to greater depths in several areas and has completely covered the tide pool where we previously collected data.
Teachers Bobbie, Sally, Annette, Bill, Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
A damp, foggy coastal day resulted in fewer visitors and their pets enjoying the beach than on a typical summer day. Tide pool habitats were teeming with sea stars, anemones, mussels, limpets, and other marine organisms. Unfortunately, graffiti continues to spread across the sandstone cliffs and seawalls, diminishing the natural beauty of the area and creating an ongoing concern. Litter collection was especially productive during this survey.
Teachers Bobbie, Bill, Sally, Annette, Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
What began as a foggy morning along the coast soon became much clearer when we spotted a familiar face educating the public at the tide pools near Mile 242. Annette, a member of our group, took the opportunity to educate families about the Lincoln City Glass Floats program, encouraging participants to explore areas outside of protected habitats to increase their chances of discovering one of the treasured glass floats while minimizing impacts to sensitive coastal resources. The high volume of visitors also resulted in a significant amount of litter. As the fog lifted, the coastline came alive with activity.
Teachers Bobbie, Annette, Bill, Sally, and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
CoastWatch volunteers develop highly trained observational skills. Our monitored mile has changed dramatically as shifting sands have buried portions of the tidepool habitat. Construction of the new visitor center is also underway near our monitoring area.
Teachers Annette, Bobbie, Sally, Bill, and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
Anyone missing a sock?
Bobbie, Annette, Sally, Bill, and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
During our field observation at the Oregon shore, unseasonably warm weather conditions coincided with increased recreational activity.
Teachers Bobbie, Annette, Sally, Bill, and Maureen
Mile 242
Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake
During the observation period, favorable coastal weather conditions attracted numerous visitors seeking relief from colder valley temperatures.
Teachers Bill, Sally, Bobbie, Annette, and Maureen
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