Mile 329 - Sunset Beach, Clatsop Plains, Sunset Lake - May 8, 2023

Report Details

Overall this mile of the beach has a healthy dune and minimal midweek traffic at this time of year. There is an apparent good supply of crabs for seabirds, based on the number of shells seen along the shoreline. Although some trash was seen on the beach, for the most part, people seemed respectful of the area and enjoyed surf fishing and wind surfing.

Conditions

Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 1. Sitting: 2. Windsurfing: 1. Fishing: 3. Other Activities: Helicopter flying over @1500 hrs. Damage to sand dollars and sea shells from vehicle traffic. Minor trash: plastic bottle, tire tube, soda can, glass bottle.

Concerns

Litter, Driftwood removal

Apparent violations: Apparent use of large driftwood logs for fires. Also one area of deep tracks where a truck-like vehicle had done wheelies, leaving a circular beach trench..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 14.

Notable Wildlife

A few seagulls and 3 other small seabirds looking for food along the shoreline.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. None noted

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Numerous empty crab shells and crab claws

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Fairly scattered driftwood, some fairly large, and one huge tree trunk

Man-made Modifications

Beachgrass planting or removal.

Natural Changes

No erosion noted. Dune seems fairly healthy, covered with short dune grass—American? Evidence of new patches of longer dune grass in various places on dune.

Actions & Comments

No action required