Mile 312 - Cannon Beach, Tolovana Park south - June 17, 2010

Report Details

Recent high tides have brought in several wracks of plastic debris again, small in size. A lot of marine debris noted. Increase in daily garbage from visitors seen. Examples are kite string and holders, clothes, sand toys, food wrappers, dog poop bags, and bottles and cans at fire sites. This is seen in the high traffic areas by the Tolovana Wayside beach entrance. Sand levels seem to be neutral, having changed often with the storms. The area of previous concern with vertical logs is still being observed. The logs are falling down, new grass seems to be spreading into the dune area, but does not appear to be planted. It looks as if it is spreading from adjacent dunes. Recent water quality warning at outfall pipe. Now removed.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 50. Number of dogs: 10. Walking or running: 38. Playing in surf: 2. Playing in sand: 10.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 30. RVs/Buses parking: 15.

Notable Wildlife

Many gulls at tide line

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.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.

Man-made Modifications

firepits in 50 ft in front of Tolovana Inn

Actions & Comments

I spoke to Jim MacDonald, General Manager of the Tolovana Inn. He states that he has permits for the firepits in the summer season. There are about 12, heavy steel, about 50 feet from the rip rap in front of the hotel. Some were in use tonight. He states that the Hotel staff clean them and maintain them. They are usually removed after the high tourist season. I have noticed them for the last several years. There is a volunteer group that will participate in the "Adopt a Park" program at Tolovana Wayside. Their job will be to do some plantings in the park, monitor it for any problems, assist adjacent businesses with concerns and work with the Nehalem Park Rangers.