Damon Point cut off by erosion; city begins review of shoreline stabilization

Damon Point in Ocean Shores is effectively cut off from the mainland and now an island, Parks Board members were told at a meeting, creating public-safety and shoreline-stability concerns.

The change matters because sediment movement near Damon Point is shifting toward the marina and port facilities, which could require costly stabilization work and involve state and federal agencies, board members said.

Scott (Parks Board member) told the board that "it's completely an island" and that "it's almost 250 feet of water now, at a medium tide" between the shoreline and Damon Point. He said the city has spoken with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, which estimated that mitigation would likely cost millions of dollars. Marshall Reed, the city planner, has been engaged in monitoring and coordinating the response, Scott said.

City staff described the current approach as a combination of monitoring and planning. The city's berm reconstruction is underway, and officials said they will reassess removal of concrete road blockages when the berm work is complete. The board was told that, even at low tides, the channel is now difficult to cross on foot and that boat or kayak access is required to reach the point.

Board members asked staff to publish clear guidance for residents. Scott said he planned to work with the Ocean Shores Observer to share photos and video showing the new conditions so the public is not under the impression a walkable beach remains.

Discussion: Board members raised public-safety concerns and asked for clearer public information; staff described ongoing berm work and consultations with state and federal agencies.

Direction: City staff will prepare public guidance for distribution through the Ocean Shores Observer and the city's channels, and continue coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers as needed.

Decision: No formal vote was recorded; the item resulted in staff follow-up and public information as described.