March 22, 2014

Report Details

The northern end of Bay Ocean spit had been thoroughly cleaned by a large group of volunteers the day before the official SOLVE clean up, so there was very little remaining trash to be picked up on the shore from the north end of mile 287 southward into the town of Cape Meares. The mile was as clean as I've ever seen it - it's gratifying to see the positive effect of volunteer efforts! Although there were several Japanese timbers in the wood accumulated at the high tide line, none had been deposited recently. There was also virtually no styrofoam debris like there has been in the past couple of years. All the campsites on mile 287 had been completely cleaned up as well. With exception of the single hardy bicyclist on the beach, the 23 other folks we saw were strolling on the beach enjoying a lovely morning and afternoon at the coast.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 0.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 24. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 23. Other Activities: 1 bicycling. Terrific day for a SOLVE beach clean-up, but our group of 4 were the only volunteers observed on the northern and mid sections of BayOcean spit. Other folks were enjoying the sunny spring day on the beach.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 27. RVs/Buses parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Saw a pair of bald eagles soaring over the beach; a large flock of ravens gathered in the trees near Rabbit Gulch, and one northern harrier hunting behind the foredune

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. gull

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. Carcass of unknown species had been significantly scavenged, no head, could only identify as a seal type mammal based on shape, fur, and hind flippers. Remaining carcass was ~ 3 feet long, located at N 45.2758, W 123.5515.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. fresh skate case being washed ashore on incoming tide

Actions & Comments

On mile 286, new development noted on land east of foredune, north end of mile. A road from the bay to the ocean had been cleared and a wooden signpost with the words 'Bay Ocean Trail' had been erected adjacent to the bay road. We followed the new trail/road west to just behind the foredune, where a new wooden property marker/signpost engraved with the name "Reeder" had been erected. No development except the roadway and property marker were observed.

C Nelson

CoastWatcher

All Mile 287 Reports

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Mile 287

Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2

March 17, 2024

The cloudy marine layer that was present when we first arrived eventually burned off, providing us with a pleasant but breezy sunny afternoon for our visit. 1) We encountered an intact hull of a fiberglass boat on the mid-section of the mile; photos and location information was provided to the State Park Ranger so it could be retrieved from the beach. 2) There had been a massive influx of velella velella (by-the-wind sailors) washed ashore several days before our visit. 3) Given the number of folks in the parking area when we arrived, we had expected to see more folks on mile 287 but encountered just a typical number of visitors. 4) There was more detritus on the beach than we've seen in recent previous visits.

C NELSON