Mile 35 - Nesika Beach, south of Ophir Safety Rest Area - December 23, 2019

Report Details

The beach was relatively clean of natural and organic material, driftwood included. Sand was piled fairly high. One area of uprooted pines pushed over the edge of the bluff was concerning. There is much piping, old cement structures (septic tanks and paving), primitive attempts at erosion control. These are not new concerns, we have seen them for years, but they need to be watched. I will send an inquiry to Calum Stevenson regarding the small house which is beginning to hang over the bluff edge, as well as the use of the beach as an apparent builder's dump. There are at least a half dozen homes within spitting distance of the bluff edge. On a happy note, the Powdery Dudleya seems to be making a comeback on our single stack at the south end, and in a few spots on shore in the conglomerate cliffs.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 3. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 3. Other Activities: 3 local people gathering mussels at furthest south part of the mile. Many good beds there. Presumably took no more than their limit, but 2 women shared the tote bag on their way back north.. Expected to see tire tracks as this is often the case, but there were none.

Notable Wildlife

Otter prints, but fewer than last visit. 1 adult.

Driftline Content

Minimal natural drift line content. Minor normal seaweeds, crab bits etc. Minor sea trash. Picked up 10-12 plastic items.

New Development

Will have to watch for changes. Lots of old drain pipes, rip-rap attempts, failed staircases, some electric wiring from bluff top, and one area where bluff (30 feet high) was covered down to the beach with fresh pine trees, root balls and all, perhaps 60 feet wide. Probably clearing for a new building.

Man-made Modifications

None that are obviously new, I think.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls, Major cracks appearing in bluffs, Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Erosion of vegetated foredune.