Mile 9 - Harris Beach SP, Shy Creek, Taylor Creek - March 1, 2014

Report Details

This is the first report (at least for me) for Mile 9 and some of the observations noted were made for baseline information. The tideline contained mostly small pieces of wood and a few small pieces of styrofoam and plastic, less than 2 inches in diameter, and without any markings. Not much man-made litter was found except for a one gallon plastic bottle and several black "flowerpots." One fire pit and one driftwood structure was located just south of Shy Creek.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: -0.8 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 11. Number of dogs: 8. Walking or running: 7. Playing in sand: 2. Sitting: 2. Mile 9 has private access to the beach (5 step/stair structures) from the adjacent neighborhoods. There is no public parking area and no vehicle access to the beach. Access to Mile 9 on the beach from Mile 8 to the south and from Mile 10 to the north can only be made during low tides.

Notable Wildlife

The only wildlife observed were approximately 100 gulls enjoying the fresh water in the fan of Taylor Creek.

Driftline Content

Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Beach Hoppers & a few small pieces of plastic and styrofoam.

Natural Changes

Gorse is present on the slopes in several areas above the beach and in the riprap below the highway south of Rainbow Rock.

Actions & Comments

This is the first report (at least for me) for Mile 9 and for baseline purposes the following existing development items were observed and noted during the walk:-5 existing steps/stair structures to the beach from neighborhood homes.-4 drainage pipes, black, and approximately 8-10 inches in diameter.