September 4, 2022

Temperature: 60 F. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light.

Number of people: 4. Number of dogs: 1. Playing in sand: 4. Other Activities: A truck and a jeep drove past me and my dog on the beach.. I am not sure of the rules. I did not confront anyone. 2 tents were pitched next to the bank just before the Elk River comes out to the beach. It appeared that they had a campfire on the beach as I saw smoke drifting in front of tents. No sight of people or pets.

Apparent violations: I am not sure of the rules. I did not confront anyone. 2 tents were pitched next to the bank just before the Elk River comes out to the beach. It appeared that they had a campfire on the beach as I saw smoke drifting in front of tents. No sight of people or pets..

Cars/trucks parking: 2. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

I saw a Bald Eagle in flight. I filmed a small group of 4 pipers of some kind, in the surf about a 1/4 - 1/2 mi south of the Elk River. I couldn't get very close and I didn't have my binocs!!! Sea Gulls, Cormorants sunning. I saw a few pelicans fly over the surf.

Total dead birds: 1. I am not sure what the dead bird is. I will attempt to add the photo.

Total stranded mammals: 1. About 1/4 mile north I came upon a fairly recently deceased Sea Lion. I reported it and texted photos. I received a response in kind.

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces. There lots of scattered plastic strips all along the shoreline. I believe a feed sack decomposing. Only one water bottle. The beach was very clean otherwise.

This was my first coast watch walk for the full 3 miles. I don't know what is allowed on the sand banks, etc. in regards to the public or private roads. It looked like a couple new motorized vehicles trails were going up and over the bluffs eastward and potentially causing erosion and destruction of the bank.