Mile 89 - west of New River, Morton. Curry/Coos county line - March 12, 2008

Report Details

Kayaked from Storm Ranch to old breach near end of Mile 90 and walked to S. end of Mile 89. New River breach closed. Bull Kelp knots, shells, woodpieces, plastic pellets, Land- and ocean-based debris and Styrofoam in driftline. Fox and raccoon tracks on beach. Merlin and Sanderlings observed. Significant sand deposition and large woody debris appear in this area. Looks like wonderful plover habitat. Foredune eroded steeper and deeper - not ramp-like like last year. No evidence of overtopping except in areas of previous river breaches. No human activity except track of ATV from biologist survey team.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Recent track of Plover Biologist ATV. They apparently had just finished a survey.

Notable Wildlife

Merlin, sanderlings, fox & raccoon tracks, some bull kelp knots.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, 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, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune.

Actions & Comments

Breach of New River has scoured wide area on the N end of this mile and is currently closed. The previous +7.8 tide just barely made it to the top of the grade in this area.