Thanks to the quick thinking of long-time (since 1995) CoastWatch mile adopter Dale Lee, we were able to avoid a disaster like the one on Light House Beach, last year. Dale has a secluded pocket beach south of Humbug Mountain that catches all kinds of interesting items. Last year it was a massive pink float with a massive pink barnacle, Megabalanus Rosa. Drs. Chapman and Miller were excited about that.
This last couple of weeks it has been all about a derelict dock
Dale initially contacted me on March 28,
“It has few to zero sea creatures attached to it and moss growing on the sides, plus little damage so I think it is somewhat local, and was probably lost from fresh water. Three sections are approximately 4×8 each. Bottoms are Fiberglas filled with low grade foam. NOT tsunami debris, although there were a few timbers and other sundry Japanese items today. I’m pretty busy for a few days but will try to get a mile report out later in the week.”
Dock discovered 3/28/15.
The beach ranger was contacted and asked for verification of dock location. He felt this was out of his realm of expertise.
Dock still there 4/2/15
We then contacted the members of our OMDTeam which included State Parks, Surfrider, Washed Ashore, and SOLVE. Shirley Stentz of State Parks and located there in Curry County, contacted the Corrections Department and within a few days plans were set and the dock was removed. The series of attached photos tell the story.
Yep, it is at the other end
Decision Time- 4/9/15
Initial Dismantling 4/9/15
Diving into the dismantle.
Separated
That’ll get heavy!
A better plan
Team work
Mile 43 trek
The long walk back to the trail head.
Evidence of many trips
Almost Completely dismantled
Almost Complete
Trucks loaded with debris.
Our many, many thanks go to Oregon Parks and Rec Department and the Oregon Department of Corrections for the able bodies and labor involved.
Fawn Custer, CoastWatch Volunteer Coordinator
fawn@oregonshores.org
Oregon Marine Debris Team 