North Cove is rocking again in preparation for the predicted El Nino season. Thanks to a state grant to Pacific County Conservation District, the drainage district will continue protecting our shoreline with locally sourced cobble.

Cobble stockpiles are growing on the pasture land southeast of old State Route 105 and at the corner of Whipple and Spruce. Placement on the beach will begin after Labor Day. Phase 1 will protect the base of the vegetation line from the spit southeast of Old State Route 105 to north of Blue Pacific.

David Cottrell, chairman of the Pacific County Drainage District, stated: “This is an exciting time. In the past we’ve been limited to little patches on the shoreline. Now for the first time we can protect the whole community at once.”

Rock previously placed by the drainage district and concerned citizens is accumulating sand and providing structure to rebuild the barrier dune. Based on this work and several successful projects on the Oregon Coast, this “dynamic revetment” has taken the destructive power from waves and reversed the gradual deterioration caused by wind.

Cottrell describes it this way: “Our focus for now is getting through the next winter without losing any land. But we’re also partnering with local, state, and federal agencies to develop a permanent fix.”

Connie Allen

Chair, WashAway No More

Treasurer, North Willapa Harbor Grange