Every year thousands of people come to Newport to visit its famous attractions and celebrate its natural wild beauty. Visitors from all over come here to enjoy a multitude of activities including beachcombing, hiking, biking, fishing, agate hunting, surfing, diving, paddle boarding, kite flying, and whale watching. And our town loves to welcome guests with open arms; in fact, that’s one reason why Newport is known as “The Friendliest.” However, the fluctuations in population throughout the year can take a bit of a toll on local resources and animal habitats. So to help keep our coastal city clean, and safe and to protect our natural habitats, below are some tips to help travelers visit responsibly and be stewards of the coast.
Trash and food waste
When hiking, camping, or spending a day on the beach, take all trash and food scraps with you and deposit them into a nearby garbage can. Leaving food scraps out for wildlife lures scavenging species like rats, raccoons and bears. (Feeding bears can make them dependent on human food and force them to be euthanized if found near campsites and trails.)
Removal of driftwood, rocks, animals and plants
Remember that the beach is home to thousands of creatures and removing plants, rocks or animals could disturb sensitive habitats. Small quantities of driftwood, shells or rocks can be taken for personal use, but it's best to do some research to find out if any items you plan to remove require a permit.
Dog etiquette
Dogs are welcome to explore the beach off leash in many areas, but preferably only those who respond to voice commands. Owners should always be sure to carry a leash and use it as necessary. Also, don’t forget to carry dog bags and clean up after your furry friends.
Driving and biking
Traveling Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is a magical experience for both drivers and bikers. However, during certain times of the year, the highway can experience a high volume of traffic for both modes of transportation. So remember to slow down, be aware of other motorists, give bikers extra room, and always follow the rules of the road.
Exploring tide pools
Tide pools are fragile, small-scale ecosystems and any disturbances can affect tide pool balance, so it's best not to touch or move any creatures. Also, be sure to walk on bare, dry rocks to avoid damaging any wildlife. Please keep your furry friends away from tide pools so they won’t disturb these habitats. Finally, be aware of the ocean at all times when exploring and never turn your back on it; sneaker waves can happen anytime.
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