We often let Daisy run on Tillicum Beach, a long open stretch of about 2 miles. I've been observing how frequently I see the low bluffs collapsing and how many homes are in increasing danger to be undermined by storm surf and high tides. I think it is safe to say that global warming and the resulting rise in sea level and more severe storm activity are speeding up the process. Oregon passed a law back in the 70's that any home built after January 1, 1977, cannot place riprap or other armor against the cliffs or on the beach. Homes built before that date can place riprap and fortify it. This makes older homes more valuable in many cases than newer homes. Below are a few pictures of homes that are losing the battle against Mother Nature that I took while on our walks. It will be interesting to document their fate over the coming months and years.
The picture below was from this morning's Newport News (Newport Oregon) and shows a major seawall collapse that happened on Saturday. The home owner built the home in 1990 so couldn't add a wall or riprap against the cliff. To get around it, he sunk numerous 35 foot concrete pilings into the ground. This is legal as long as the wall is not exposed to the beach or ocean. It appears that he and his two neighbors have no recourse. It begs the question, "How is it legal to build in these places in the first place?" Bluffs like these are made of soft mudstone, sandstone, and dirt. These homes are on Lincoln Beach, a few miles north of Newport.
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