Public Hearing on Sand Removal Issue in Cannon Beach

Breakers Point Condominiums, viewed across Ecola Creek, and the dune in question. Photo by Marc Bates.

The proposal to move tons of sand to clear away the view for the residents of the Breakers Point Condominiums, which has roiled Cannon Beach for months (and, periodically, for many years) comes to the fore when the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department holds a public hearing on the condominium association’s request for a shoreline alteration permit.

The hearing will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. in the Cannon Beach City Hall Council Chambers (163 E. Gower St.).

The applicant has asked permission to remove some 13,760 cubic yards of sand from the top of the dune that is building up in front of the condominiums, located just north of Ecola Creek.  The sand would be deposited in front of the Foredune, where it would supposedly be winnowed away by waves during storms.  The graded area would then be planted with European beachgrass, which is ironic because it is the invasive, non-native beachgrass which has caused the dune to build up repeatedly.  (Oregon Shores categorically opposes the use of European beachgrass or any non-native vegetation in stabilization efforts.)

To view the application online, go to the OPRD website, http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/RULES/Pages/Pending_Permits.aspx.

For further information, or to comment by letter or e-mail, contact Jay Sennewald of OPRD, 12735 N.W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Seal Rock, OR  97376; (541) 563-8504; jay.sennewald@oregon.gov.