Signs of the Times

In response to homeowner requests and in an effort to improve traffic safety for our neighborhood several new signs were recently installed:

“Dead End” at Shamrock Road and Pine Ridge Drive (above the stop sign)

This should help to cut down on the number of “turn arounds” at the north end of Pine Ridge Drive.

25 MPH speed limit sign on westbound Shamrock Road

There were no speed limit signs on Shamrock Road, Pine Ridge Drive north of Shamrock Road or Pine Court. Hopefully this will slow vehicles entering the neighborhood via Shamrock Road.

Two “No Beach Access” signs at the corner of Shamrock Road and 101

The signs face northbound and southbound traffic on 101. Ideally this will go a long way toward reducing the number of non-residents wandering into the neighborhood looking for a way to get to the beach.

Click on this thumbnail to view full-sized image

The board hopes that this will improve our resident’s lifestyle and keep our neighborhood safe. If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Skunk Watch

Getting Rid of Skunks and Skunk Odor

There are naturally plenty of small creatures living in our rural area that are active throughout year. One of the least favorites of course are skunks. Not only can their noxious scent ruin a nice evening out, they can cause damage to lawns and gardens.

If you’ve ever had a pet “skunked” you know how traumatic it can be for the pet (even causing blindness) and how difficult it is to get them clean. Here is a highly recommended recipe for cleaning pets that have had a bad encounter with a skunk:

Skunk Odor Removal

To keep skunks away from your property, be sure to remove food sources, secure your trash and close off hiding/nesting areas.

How To Get Rid of Skunks

Here’s a good video about keeping skunks away from your property:

Click here to view the products recommended in the video.

Elk Watch

Beautiful To See…From A Distance

The local elk are very unique with at least two large herds. They are generally afraid of humans and will keep their distance, but if spooked they can charge people and pets or stampede causing damage and destruction to property and anything that gets in their way. So stay quiet and enjoy them from a distance.

Although elk may look docile, they are wild animals that need plenty of space and should never be approached. They can do serious harm if challenged by people or pets. They may become aggressive anytime of the year.

Please make sure any visitors you’re hosting understand that the local elk are wonderful to watch…from a distance.


 April through August is elk calving season

Please be careful around the local elk. The cows are very protective of their young during calving season.

Be aware of your surroundings and keep your dog on a leash during elk calving season.

September through November is elk mating season

At its peak from mid-September to mid-October is a time when male elk, or bulls, vie for the hearts of their female counterparts, known as cows.

The bulls become more aggressive during this season, charging at each other and locking antlers as they battle over dominant status. Although competition is high, actual fighting is rare since it causes injury and depletes energy. Rather, they compete by showcasing their antlers, necks and bodies.

Males can be especially aggressive during mating season. So listen for their “bugle calls”.


Additional Information and Reading Materials

Welcome to Gearhart Where Elk May Be Your Neighbor

Elk Among Us  – The Coastal Edge Special Edition

Limit Elk Damage to Your Property

Here’s a great little PBS video about the “Elk of Gearhart”, we hope you enjoy it: