Mile 279 - Netarts Spit north end, Happy Camp - April 22, 2023

Report Details

This walk occured at the same time Earth Day beach cleanups were occuring. It is assumed this factor accounts for the high number of people on the shore and the low sightings of wildlife.

Conditions

Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: -0.1 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 51. Number of dogs: 10. Walking or running: 19. Playing in sand: 1. Sitting: 1. Kayaking: 3. Other Activities: 4 crabbing, 8 boating, 30 picking up trash (Earth Day Solve, WEBS and TillCoDems beach clean up in progress), 36 clamming. Many people were participating in a beach clean up. One bike was also seen on the beach.

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: ORS 736-021-0070 2(f) Handlers are responsible for the removal of the animal's waste while in the ocean shore state recreation area. Dog waste bags were found on the beach..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 34.

Notable Wildlife

Lots of gulls

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 2. 2 assumed gulls

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). vegetation/tree trimming debris, fire pit close to driftwood (2). burnt plastic in fire pit

New Development

Drainage pipes. 5 pipes draining on to rock

Actions & Comments

This mile consists of two portions, the North section on the shore of Netarts and the South section on the spit near the mouth of the Netarts Bay. Only the North section was walked and covered in this report.