County plan for upgrading Leech Lane emergency beach access
Clatsop County has asked the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD) permission to build an emergency beach access for vehicles at Leech Lane.
Application posted here.
The County is proposing removing the natural cobbles, digging into the sand and replacing the cobbles with smaller, angular shot rock that the County states is easier for the emergency vehicles to drive over.
Local residents say that while this may be an appropriate place for emergency vehicle access, the ocean regularly breaches the cobbles and floods onto Leach Lane in the winter. The rocks will likely be washed away every winter, depositing the sharp rocks on the road and beach.
It should be noted that Fort Stevens Beach is now littered with rocks from a similar project at the jetty. While much more rock was placed at that project, the loose rocks have been found all the way to the Peter Iredale wreckage.
The County is stating that it plans to do maintenance work twice a year. To keep this entrance operable, much more maintenance will likely be required. Since the majority of rescues are in the summer months and the winter surf and tides will likely render the access unusable for long stretches of time, it seems like the County and OPRD should examine other alternatives that don't involve introducing foreign materials into our beach ecosystem.
Whether you support or oppose the project, your comments and request for a hearing could result in a scheduled time where the project and alternatives may be discussed.
Please submit comments to OPRD by the December 8 deadline.
Written comments on the proposed project should reference the OPRD permit number (2990-21). Comments must be received by December 8.
A public hearing will be held if 10 or more requests for a hearing are received.
Requests for a hearing must be in writing and state the interest in the proposed project.
Send comments and hearing requests to:
Ryan Parker
Oregon Parks & Recreation
PO Box 2139
Waldport, OR 97394
Or email Ryan at:
Current Leech Lane beach access