Reciprocal Relationships

While visiting with retired south Oregon COASSTers Wade
and Vivian today, I was able to check out Sunset Bay, the
state-supported beach they visited often for COASST

I’ve got to say that one of the things that has really impressed me while visiting Washington and Oregon over the past several weeks is the extensive network of state parks and recreation areas maintained by these states. Combined, the three states that host the majority of COASST territory (WA, OR, CA) support nearly four hundred state parks, recreation areas, and refuges, not to mention some fabulous national parks as well. I’ve been able to take advantage of many of these areas up and down the Pacific Coast Highway and haven’t found one I didn’t like yet! These designated sites are valuable for a number of reasons, not the least of which includes the access they provide for residents and visitors alike to explore the vast beauty of the Pacific Northwest. But the access such places provide isn’t just for recreation.

Just in the small area I'm visiting currently (Bandon, OR),
many COASSTers utilize state-maintained access areas,
including Rick who surveys two beaches at
Bullards Beach State Park (above)

It turns out that many COASSTers utilize state maintained areas to conduct their monthly surveys. This is of great benefit for COASST beach surveyors who, thanks to such areas, can park in a safe place near beach access, utilize toiletry facilities if needed, discard debris collected on the beach, and enjoy regular, uninterrupted admittance to a specific site. From Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, WA to Trinidad State Beach in California, state-supported natural areas are a valuable resource for COASSTers. But the benefit flows both ways. COASST volunteers are the vigilant eyes and ears that keep tabs on the health and status of so many of the one-of-a-kind state treasures included in the state park systems of West Coast states. Another great example of the reciprocal benefits possible through citizen science partnerships.