Unlike the old “chicken and egg” riddle, Haystack Rock definitely arrived before the enthusiastic beach combing which threatens the wildlife of this fragile ecological area.   As the third largest monolith (rock structure) in the world, Haystack Rock is large enough to be the ideal breeding ground for a wide variety of inter-tidal plants and animals. At the same time, it is small enough so that most all of those species can be easily disturbed by the most well intentioned visitor. The problem arises from the volume of traffic attracted to Haystack Rock.

“Studies have shown that 200 footstep per hour across a path kills everything in a 5-foot radius,” said Cyndi Stuart. Stuart is the coordinator of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) and has been “on the beach” with the program in various capacities for 17 years. 

 “We have measured foot traffic between 201 to 220 during the summer.” Stuart said. HRAP’s primary mission is to use education to minimize the negative impact of human contact on Haystack’s wildlife. This program is the outgrowth of conservation efforts which began in the early 1980s and is a joint venture between the Puffin Club, the City of Cannon Beach, School District No. 10, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Service. 

Stuart leads the organization of six paid staff and 30 - 40 volunteers, age 10 - 83, in conducting interpretive sessions on the beach in front of Haystack Rock during daylight low tides some 50 times between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Many visitors first came to the rock when they were children. One of HRAP interpreters’ biggest tasks is to make people aware how greatly the threat to Haystack’s wildlife has grown and the legal measures that have taken place to  protect this intricate area.

Beginning with the Oregon Island National Wildlife Refuge designation in 1986, protection has been joined by the federal government to include the entire area. The dividing line is the mean high tide level — roughly the line of barnacles which grow around Haystack and its adjacent rocks. 

The State of Oregon’s jurisdiction extends below the high tide line. That area was awarded Marine Garden status by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1991. In effect this designation prohibits the collecting or harassment of any wildlife found on the Needles,  Haystack and the other rocks near Haystack.

US Fish and Wildlife’s authority extends above the high tide level. Officially it is a Coastal Wildlife Refuge, which means that any part of the rock not accessible from the beach during high tide is a “no-trespassing zone” all the time.

The question sometimes arises how the Haystack Rock Awareness Program can have displays of tidal life during interpretive sessions. HRAP has special permits from Oregon Fish and Wildlife. Specimen are collected by specially trained personnel and are always returned to the exact places where they were collected before they are covered by the incoming tide.

Interpreters also “collect” sea stars and other marine life which are found in the sand and are vulnerable to human contact. But HRAP staff and
volunteers are specially trained and have special tools and experience in handling wildlife. Most Haystack visitors do not and the consequences of even the most casual contact can have dire consequences. 

“Haystack Rock has none of the sea urchins which are common at Silver Point and Ecola (State Park) only a few miles away,” said Stuart. “When sea urchins are disturbed during their breeding season, the females will all release their eggs simultaneously, whether they are mature or not.”

“The biggest problem is ignorance of what’s going on,” she said. “People don’t slow down, they don’t take time to realize what’s going on. They feel they should be allowed to go and do whatever they want.” 

Because they can’t, HRAP staff and volunteers have to watch for people taking animals from the rocks and tidepools or climbing beyond the sign marking the “no trespassing” zone. This year HRAP personnel have “intercepted” an estimated 450 illegal “climbers and “gatherers.”

Illegal fireworks and the misuse of those allowed by Oregon law have become an increasing problem in recent years. (See related article.) “Oystercatchers and Pigeon Guillemonts, a cousin of the Tufted Puffin, are most vulnerable (to fireworks). But other birds are as well,” said Stuart.

In late June and early July, HRAP posts laminated signs informing about the limits of the area, which is restricted to the lighting of all fireworks. After the 4th of July, bags are displayed comparing normal beach debris and the remnants of fireworks collected from the same area. 

“I wish people would bring bags and carry away their fireworks trash,” Stuart said, “It’s very toxic to the environment.”

 The actual count of people visiting the HRAP area has only been estimated in the past. This year each volunteer is armed with a mechanical counter. The total from Memorial Day to the second week in August was close to 16,400.

This summer, HRAP launched a website at www.hrap.org. It includes pages with topics about the background about the program, Tidepool Etiquette, Creature Features, News and Announcements, Planning a Field Trip and more. Now people can take a virtual tour of Haystack year round, regardless of the tide. And best of all, according to Stuart, an online visit
has virtually no impact on the wildlife at all.

Stuart is hopeful the educational benefits of the Internet will add to and enrich the learning which has been successful on the beach. “We’re hoping teachers can use this as a valuable resource in planning field trips,” Stuart said.

HRAP is funded by a combination of sources. The City of Cannon Beach is the primary support, followed by donations from contributors, state and federal funds. More money for increased programs would be nice, according to Stuart, but the greatest present need is for volunteers.

“In a small community like this,” said Stuart, “There is a corps of volunteers who spread their time among a variety of organizations. Over the years a lot of our volunteers have moved away or gotten busy with family or others interests. Four years ago we had about 60 volunteers. This year our numbers are down to between 20 and 30.”

Anyone with the time and interest is encouraged to apply. No experience is required. “Just enthusiasm,” Stuart said, “We’ll train them on the job.”

HRAP website: http://www.hrap.org.

(C) 2001 Cannon Beach Gazette  Reprinted by permission