Mile 52 Report
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
October 8, 2023
Most notable observations were the large amount of wrack debris, including fresh kelp, small woody debris, and remnants of dead gorse plants scattered along waveslope.
Report Details
Most notable observations were the large amount of wrack debris, including fresh kelp, small woody debris, and remnants of dead gorse plants scattered along waveslope.
Conditions
Temperature: 53 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Moderate.
Human Activities
Number of people: 14. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 8. Sitting: 6. Other Activities: Visitors enjoying the coast are searching for agates.. Tracks of vehicles on beach run into dunes and vegetation.
Concerns
People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas
Apparent violations: Most dogs are not leashed..Notable Wildlife
2 osprey, 1 northern harrier juvenile, and 1 semi-palmated plover observed. Flock of 13 western snowy plovers includes one leucistic bird. 3 loons visible offshore (possibly pacific loon).
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.). Large amounts of fresh kelp and small woody debris washed ashore at wrack line. Wrack includes remnants of marine sponges. Waveslope and wrack area are covered with large amount of dead gorse branches and debris (Ulex europeus).
Man-made Modifications
One home at northwest bluff has used pampas grass for landscaping. Plant is extremely invasive and may spread to surrounding bluffs and forest edges.
Alison Cebula
CoastWatcher
All Mile 52 Reports
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Velella velella in the wrackline.
Crystal Roy
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Most notable observations were the large amount of wrack debris, including fresh kelp, small woody debris, and remnants of dead gorse plants scattered along waveslope.
Alison Cebula
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Hazy conditions due to smoke from wildfires in wilderness areas east of Port Orford. Juvenile snowy plover and common murre chick offshore indicate successful nesting. Bleached barnacles on rocks may indicate disease or exposure to extreme temperatures. New home construction noted at southeast end of beach.
Alison Cebula
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
There were only 5 people and 3 dogs, but I observed this little black and white bird near the water.
FinsUp
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Fine morning on beach with visitors mostly near Tseriadun access area looking for agates. Western snowy plovers present during breeding season.
Alison Cebula
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
8 people at south end of beach with1 off-leash dog.
raptorousduo@gmail.com
Mile 52
Agate Beach, Garrison Lake, south of Paradise Point SW
Beautiful day on Mile 52; 31 people enjoying the beach on a warm and calm afternoon; majority of visitors hunt for agates near the south beach access; two off-leash dogs roam freely; four dogs are leashed in compliance with park rules; 1 OHV enters beach at Paradise Point and drives south to Agate Beach/Tseriadun access, crossing from wet sand into dry sand/dune area, causing potential disturbance to wintering flock of snowy plovers (7 birds observed); flock of 14 American crows hover near beach and perch in trees adjacent to south beach access; driftline contains mostly small rock, shells, wood and kelp; very little trash
raptorousduo@gmail.com