Treatment targeting harmful algae at Vancouver Lake Regional Park is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2024.

AquaTechnex, a lake and aquatic plant management firm with expertise in managing harmful algal blooms, will apply an aquatic algaecide to the water at the Vancouver Lake swim beach. Boats will be used to apply the algaecide, which is designed to target and kill cells in harmful algae.

The application will begin at about 11 am Thursday and is expected to take about two hours, during which the swim beach will be closed to the public. Algae has been observed in the water column at the swim beach. When algae die, it releases cyanotoxins. It’s unclear whether the treatment will cause toxin levels to exceed threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. As a precaution, Clark County Public Health is issuing a warning advisory for the swim beach, pending test results from water samples collected after treatment.

While a warning advisory is in place, Public Health advises against swimming or water skiing in the lake and recommends avoiding areas of scum when using motorized boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing. Fish should be cleaned well, and organs should be discarded. 

When applied in water, the algaecide targets the algae cells and then breaks down after treatment into water and oxygen. The algaecide does not pose a risk to people and pets, or cause harm to other plants, birds, fish and wildlife when applied according to the directions on the label. As a reminder, dogs and other domestic animals – except for service animals – are not allowed on the beach or surrounding grassy area of Vancouver Lake Regional Park between April 1 and Oct. 31.

Vancouver Lake Management Plan
In August 2023, Clark County completed the Vancouver Lake Management Plan, aiming to develop a long-term plan to restore and maintain the health of Vancouver Lake. This year, Clark County was awarded a $330,000 legislative proviso to implement recommendations from the management plan. One recommendation within the plan was to implement a beach management plan for the Vancouver Lake swim beach.

Clark County’s Clean Water Division is working closely with Clark County Parks and Lands Division, Clark County Public Health and Herrera Environmental Consultants – with input from community stakeholders through the Vancouver Lake Technical Advisory Group – to develop and implement a beach management plan, which includes the algaecide treatment. Additional algae treatments are expected to occur this summer.

For more information, visit the Vancouver Lake Management Plan Project webpage. 

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a motorcycle and vehicle collision in Amboy on July 21, 2024.

This individual died on 07/21/2024 in Amboy, WA.

The name of the decedent: Thomas, Aaron Michael  Age: 41 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): La Center, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt neck and spine injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Operator of motorcycle in collision with vehicle

Place of injury: County road

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 07/24/2024

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking nominations of businesses and individuals for its annual Clark County Disability Employment Awareness Month Awards. The awards honor the role people with developmental disabilities have in assisting us to achieve a dynamic, productive workforce and recognize the leadership of the business community. The event also celebrates October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Awards will be given for the following categories:

1. Large Employer of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities 

(50 or more local employees)

1. Small Employer of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities

(49 or less local employees)

1. Employee with a developmental/intellectual disability
2. Dennis Campbell Outstanding Service Award for outstanding service to improving the lives of individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities
3. David Hanawalt Service Award for an employment specialist who demonstrates service to their clients above and beyond the client’s expectations, exceeds the contractual expectations, and promotes client success and growth.

Award recipients will be honored at the 24^th Annual Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. The ceremony runs from 4:30 pm to 6 pm with networking happening from 4-4:30 P.M

Anyone wishing to nominate a business or individual can access the nomination forms via the following link: 2024 Nomination Form. You can also download a PDF of the nomination form and email it to Cheri Osterman, cheri.osterman@clark.wa.gov.

Deadline for submission is 5 pm Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. 

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Harris at emily@gowise.org or (503) 750-9776. 

Clark County busca nominar a negocios y personas de la comunidad para los Premios de Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad. 

Vancouver, Washington: Clark County busca nominar a negocios y personas para los premios anuales del Mes de Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad de Clark County. Los premios honran el papel que desempeñan las personas con discapacidades del desarrollo en ayudarnos a lograr una fuerza laboral dinámica y productiva, y reconocen el liderazgo de la comunidad empresarial. El evento también celebra octubre como el Mes Nacional de la Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad.

Se otorgarán premios en las siguientes categorías:

1. Gran empleador de personas con discapacidades intelectuales o del desarrollo 

(50 o más empleados locales)

1. Pequeño empleador de personas con discapacidades intelectuales o del desarrollo

(49 o menos empleados locales)

1. Empleado con una discapacidad intelectual o del desarrollo
2. Premio Dennis Campbell al Servicio Excepcional por mejorar la vida de las personas con discapacidades intelectuales o del desarrollo.
3. Premio David Hanawalt al Servicio para el especialista en empleo que preste servicios que superen las expectativas del cliente y las expectativas contractuales, y que promueva el éxito y el crecimiento del cliente.

Los ganadores de los premios serán honrados en la 24.ª Celebración Anual del Mes de Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad, que se llevará a cabo el miércoles, 9 de octubre de 2024. La ceremonia se llevará a cabo de 4:30 p. m. a 6 pm, con una sesión de networking de 4 pm a 4:30 pm.

Las personas que quieran nominar a un negocio o a un individuo, deben acceder a los formularios de nominación a través del siguiente enlace: 2024 Nomination Form (Formulario de nominación para 2024). También puede descargar un PDF del formulario de nominación y enviarlo por correo electrónico a Cheri Osterman, cheri.osterman@clark.wa.gov.

La fecha límite es el miércoles, 14 de agosto de 2024, a las 5 p.m.

Para más información u oportunidades de patrocinio, póngase en contacto con Emily Harris a emily@gowise.org o (503) 750-9776. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works summer road preservation has begun.

As part of this work, there will be two single-day road closures on Aug. 1 and Aug. 5. 

Northeast 182nd Avenue/Northeast Ward Road between Northeast 172nd Avenue and Northeast 159th Avenue will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 1. Drivers are advised to take Northeast 172nd Avenue.

Northeast 172nd Avenue between Northeast 99th Street and Northeast 159th Street will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5. Drivers are advised to take Northeast 182nd Avenue/Northeast Ward Road.

Drivers should choose an alternate route during the closure and adhere to posted detour signage while in the project area. A signed detour will be in place during construction. 

Each closure is scheduled for one working day. Construction is weather-dependent, and closure start and end dates are subject to change. 

During the closure, local access will be accommodated for residents within the closure area and for emergency vehicles. 

More information about the project, a detour map and project updates are available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/summer-road-preservation.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions to their communities, the Clark County Commission on Aging established a program to recognize older adults by means of an annual award presented at a Commission on Aging event.

The Silver Citizen Award recognizes the valuable contributions older adults make to the community and is open to any county resident 60 years or older who has enhanced the community through their life’s work, engagement of others, volunteerism and or other impactful acts of service to the community for any age group. Major emphasis is placed on contributions to the community made by the individual after reaching age 60. Service in any field of endeavor will be considered (e.g., education, radio, television, business, healthcare, art, music, journalism, faith-based, athletics, politics, volunteer service). A couple may receive the award jointly when both have been involved in service and various community endeavors.

All nominations must be received no later than 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Award criteria and nomination forms can be found on the Commission on Aging’s webpage at www.clark.wa.gov/aging. 

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members. 

For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the seven-member Parks Advisory Board. 

The open position is for an unexpired term that begins immediately and ends Dec. 31, 2025.

Board members serve three-year terms. Upon expiration of a term, a member can apply again. There is no limit on how many terms a member can serve. 

The Parks Advisory Board advises the Clark County Council and county staff on parks planning, acquisition, development, and related issues. Applicants must be residents of Clark County. The county is looking for applicants from historically underserved or underrepresented populations including residents who can bring ethnic, cultural, and geographic diversity to the group. A board member located in north Clark County or in the unincorporated area of Clark County is preferred to assist with geographic diversity.

Clark County Washington is a growing and diverse community with many residents speaking languages other than English. The Parks Advisory Board values the community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. The board encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, candidates who can fluently speak a language in addition to English are encouraged to include that information in their application. Residents with a passion for parks and the ability to commit to volunteer hours beyond monthly board meetings are encouraged to apply. 

The advisory board meets from 4 to 6 pm the second Tuesday of each month. The board typically meets at the Luke Jensen Sports Complex in the LJSP Bud Van Cleve Community Room, 4000 NE 78th St., which is served by C-TRAN’s Route 78. The board is currently holding meetings in a hybrid format using Microsoft Teams in conjunction with the in-person gatherings.

Interested applicants should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by email at michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.

More information about the parks board is available on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/parks-advisory-board.

Volunteers needed for committee that will advise on needs of persons with disabilities.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this week approved an ordinance establishing the Clark County Accessible Community Advisory Committee or ACAC. The advisory committee will be tasked with advising policy makers on the needs of persons with disabilities both in general and in emergency planning. 

The council is seeking at least five volunteers to serve on the committee. The majority of members must be persons with disabilities living in both urban and rural areas in the county. The council is looking for individuals with a diverse range of disabilities who are knowledgeable in identifying and eliminating barriers encountered by persons with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities and individuals who serve the disabled community also are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the ACAC. 

For the initial 2024 appointments, terms are staggered with two members appointed for four-year terms, two members for three-year terms, and the balance for two-year terms.

“There are many benefits in having a committee like this,” said Council Chair Gary Medvigy. “This will provide the county with a different perspective and help us in prioritizing our limited resources.”

Councilor Karen Bowerman worked closely with an organizing committee to help establish the ACAC after several individuals reached out to the council earlier this year asking for its creation. 

“It is my pleasure to have been supporting the formal development of this group,” said Bowerman. “Establishment of the ACAC is integral to bringing issues to the attention of policymakers for improvement of accessibility for disabled persons in our community.”

Lilly Longshore, a member of the organizing committee said, “The Clark County ACAC will give us the opportunity to obtain grant money to educate and do a variety of activities and projects that promote awareness of disability issues, resolve issues, and altogether can make our county healthier.”

The ACAC responsibilities include:

• Advising policy makers on access to programs, services and activities, new construction or renovation projects, sidewalks, other pedestrian travel, and disability parking enforcement.
• Applying for grants to fund projects that will improve awareness, acceptance, inclusion and access for people with disabilities.
• Developing local initiatives and activities to promote greater awareness of disability issues and acceptance, involvement and access for persons with disabilities.

Anyone interested in volunteering to serve on the ACAC should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or email at michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.

Read the establishing ordinance and find more information on the ACAC on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings under the July 16, 2024, public hearing. 

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a stabbing incident in Vancouver on July 7, 2024.

This individual died on 07/09/2024 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Kasiano, Starsky  Age: 45 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Sharp force injuries of the neck

Manner of death:  Suicide

How the injury occurred: Cut own neck with a knife

Place of injury: Outdoors – apartment common area

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 07/18/2024

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Community Advisory Group will meet at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, July 24. 

The Community Advisory Group (CAG) is made up of 20 county residents who were appointed by the county manager. The group is helping the county develop policy recommendations to implement new state climate change planning legislation for the Planning Commission and County Council to consider. The legislation emphasizes that planning and policy decisions related to climate change do not impact us all in the same way. The CAG is one of three advisory groups supporting the county’s Climate Project.

Community Advisory Group meetings are held at 5:30 pm the fourth Wednesday of the month. 

Meetings are in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in Room 680 of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join virtually through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/community-advisory-group.

The meeting is open to the public and includes a brief public comment period. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing afterwards.

To learn more about county climate planning, sign up for project updates, submit a comment, review meeting recordings, or learn about future community advisory group meetings, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works will replace the stop-sign-controlled intersection at Northeast 182nd Avenue and Northeast Risto Road with a roundabout. Other improvements will include reducing the slope at Northeast 199th Street/Northeast Risto Road and Northeast 176th Avenue  resurfacing Northeast 199th Street/Northeast Risto Road from Northeast 167th Avenue to the Salmon Creek bridge at Northeast 182nd Avenue. These changes will increase the safety and reliability of travel along this route and reduce traffic congestion. 

Residents are invited to learn more about the project at an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. At the open house, staff will share the draft concept during a presentation from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Before and after the presentation, residents are invited to review and discuss the plan with staff. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Residents can attend in person or online. The in-person open house will be in the Fire District 3 station, 17718 NE 159th St. The presentation portion of the open house will also be streamed online. A meeting link is available on the project webpage. While registration is not required to attend online, anyone can use the registration link on the webpage to receive an email with the meeting link 15 minutes prior to the open house.

Meeting interpretation, additional translation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting Scott Fakler, project manager, at scott.fakler@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4648. 

More information about the project can be found on the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-182nd-avenue/northeast-risto-road.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to an incident in a parking lot on Northeast Leroy Haagen Memorial Drive on July 9, 2024.

This individual died on 07/09/2024 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Goodroad, Sundance Rainbow   Age: 46 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt force injuries

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Pedestrian run over by a recreation vehicle

Place of injury: Community park parking lot

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 07/17/2024

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill the position of a community representative from the county’s second district on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.

The opening is for an unexpired three-year term which begins immediately and ends Dec. 31, 2026. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms. 

The fifteen-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons at local, state and federal levels. 

Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially people of color and from historically oppressed or under-resourced communities. 

Interested residents must submit an application and résumé to Abby Molloy, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or abby.molloy@clark.wa.gov. 

Application information can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/caab-community-action-advisory-board or by calling Abby Molloy at 564.397.7832. A county district map is available on the county website.

Applications deadline is 5 pm Friday, Aug. 16.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a decedent found under a tree along Northeast Andresen Road in Vancouver on July 8, 2024.

This individual was found on 07/08/2024 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Sellem, Patrick James  Age: 38 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt force injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle

Place of injury: Public parking lot

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 07/16/2024

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is accepting applications from local organizations for grants that encourage historic preservation and programs, including preservation of historic documents.

The Historical Promotion Grants program is designed to increase awareness and education to better preserve, exhibit, and/or interpret local history and historic preservation.

Applicants must be either a non-profit organization or public entity within the boundaries of Clark County that promotes our local history. Applicants also must either operate or own a museum or similar historical institution or perform educative, interpretive, or similar activities.

The 2025 grant cycle will use a new online application process. A link to the new application, grant guidelines, and other information are available online at www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/historical-promotion-grants-program or by emailing historicpreservation@clark.wa.gov. A grant information session for potential applicants will be held later this summer, date and time to be announced.

The deadline for submitting completed applications is 5 pm, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.

The Historic Preservation Commission will review applications in the fall and submit recommendations to the County Council in November. Grants will be awarded in December and grant funds will be available in January 2025.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a stabbing in Vancouver on July 7, 2024.

This individual died on 07/07/2024 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Jones, Dolores  Age: 42 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Multiple stab wounds of the torso

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Injured by other person(s)

Place of injury: Outdoor, apartment common area

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 07/12/2024

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Planning Commission will hold a work session on climate change planning at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

With the passage of HB 1181 during the 2023 Washington State legislative session, Clark County is now required to add a climate change element into its Comprehensive Plan. The new climate chapter will include actions the county can take over the next 20 years to improve community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit overburdened communities that will be disproportionately affected by the compounding environmental impacts and natural hazards due to climate change. This work will be integrated into the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review project.

The work session is intended as an informational briefing for the planning commission on the climate change planning project focused on the greenhouse gas inventory results and next steps.

The work session is open to the public however there will be no public comment as part of the event.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor training room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex.

Meeting materials and information on how to attend the meeting can be found on the planning commission’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission-hearings-and-meeting-notes. A recording of the meeting will also be posted on this webpage for viewing later.

To learn more about the 2025 update and to sign up for project updates, please visit the project website at www.clark.wa.gov/2025update

To learn more about county climate planning, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Planning Commission will hold a work session on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review project at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

The work session is intended as an informational update for the planning commission about the project’s environmental impact statement scoping process. 

The work session is open to the public however there will be no public comment as part of the event.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor training room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex.

Meeting materials and information on how to attend the meeting can be found on the planning commission’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission-hearings-and-meeting-notes. A recording of the meeting will also be posted on this webpage for viewing later.

To learn more about the 2025 update and to sign up for project updates, please visit the project website at www.clark.wa.gov/2025update

Vancouver, Wash. – Due to the extreme fire danger, recreational fires will be prohibited throughout unincorporated Clark County effective immediately. 

This recreational fire restriction is in addition to the general outdoor burning prohibition that was implemented on July 5. According to interim Fire Marshal Donna Goddard this is a preventive measure to help avoid the risk of more or larger grass or brush fires as a result of escaped campfires. Looking at current conditions along with the extended forecast, the ban goes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.    

This ban joins with the ban imposed today, July 10, by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The state is prohibiting all outdoor burning, the use of charcoal briquettes in all state forests, parks and lands protected by DNR firefighters.  

Creating a defensible space around a home helps prevent wildfires from spreading to a residence, or vice versa. Goddard recommends the following measures in both rural and urban areas:

• Remove fuel
  • Within 3-5 feet of foundations, outbuildings, garages and sheds
  • Within 10 feet of a house
  • Under decks and porches
  • From gutters, eaves, porches and decks
• Cut the lawn if it is brown. Dispose of debris and cuttings.
• Prune trees so lowest branches are 6-10 feet above the ground.
• Landscape with native and flame-resistant plants.

Self-contained camp stoves, which are not banned, are a safe and easy alternative for outdoor cooking.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks and Lands is installing partial fencing along the north and south property lines of the Cougar Creek Woods Property, along Northwest 16th Avenue. 

Work is scheduled towards the end of July and is expected to be complete by September. Visitors may encounter inconveniences such as short-duration traffic delays, temporarily closed sidewalks, and construction noise. Visitors are reminded to stay out of work zones. 

Construction is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, contact project specialist Justin Morgan at justin.morgan@clark.wa.gov or 360.518.7995.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging continues the “Prepare in a Year” discussion series. This month’s topic is all about knowing your community. Experts from CRESA, Clark County’s regional emergency services agency, will discuss the topic and answer questions from the audience. 

The meeting will be 4:30 pm Wednesday, July 17.

When a bad thing happens, it will be up to you and your neighbors to take care of yourselves. Making the effort now to exchange contact information, learn of skills, abilities, and needs, and how you can help each other, will allow you to come together as a team later, when it is really needed. Our July meeting will help you create a plan for connecting with your neighbors and knowing your neighborhood!

Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works Parks and Lands is seeking public comment on the Parks Capital Improvement Plan. The proposed six-year plan includes preventative maintenance projects, major maintenance projects and recreation enhancements at existing parks, and development of new parks. Projects in the plan address needs identified in the 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which was created with input from the community and adopted by the Clark County Council in April 2022. 

Comments must be received by Tuesday, Aug. 6.

New projects and programs in the proposed Parks Capital Improvement Plan include: 

• Construction of Curtain Creek Community Park
• Parking and pedestrian improvements at Harmony Sports Complex
• Recreation and access enhancements at Salmon Creek Regional Park
• Neighborhood park planning, design and development of Mount Vista property
• Public assess improvements at Hazel Dell Community Park
• Community park design and development of property known as Cougar Creek Woods
• 78th Street Heritage Farm public access improvements

At its July 9 meeting, the Parks Advisory Board will review the draft plan along with any public comments received to date. Staff will revise the draft plan following the Parks Advisory Board meeting and the close of the public comment period on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The draft plan will be presented to Parks Advisory Board for a final review on Tuesday, Aug. 13 before presentation to county council for review and adoption in September or October of this year. 

Projects in the Parks Capital Improvement Plan are funded by available funds from park impact fees, real estate excise taxes and the county general fund.

Residents are invited to review the plan and submit comments. The proposed plan is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/park-projects-and-funding. Comments about the plan can be submitted to pwparksprojects@clark.wa.gov. Initial comments must be received by Tuesday, Aug. 6. Residents can also submit comments at the Parks Advisory Board meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9 in the Bud Van Cleve Community Room at the Luke Jensen Sports Park, 4000 NE 78th St. Instructions and a meeting link for attending virtually via Microsoft Teams is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/parks-advisory-board. 

To receive information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works and click on “News” to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works y haga clic en “Noticias” para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works и нажмите на "Новости". Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Council will hold a work session on climate change planning the morning of Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Council work sessions begin that day at 9 a.m. The climate change work session will be second item on the agenda.

With the passage of HB 1181 during the 2023 Washington State legislative session, Clark County is now required to add a climate change element into its Comprehensive Plan. The new climate chapter will include actions the county can take over the next 20 years to improve community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit overburdened communities that will be disproportionately affected by the compounding environmental impacts and natural hazards due to climate change. This work will be integrated into the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review project.

The work session is intended as an informational briefing for council on the climate change planning project focused on the greenhouse gas inventory results and next steps. 

The work session is open to the public however there will be no public comment as part of the event.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex.

The meeting materials can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-meeting-and-event-information.

Information on how to attend the meeting can be found on the council’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings. A recording of the meeting will also be posted on this webpage for viewing later.

To learn more about the 2025 update and to sign up for project updates, please visit the project website at www.clark.wa.gov/2025update

To learn more about county climate planning, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae. 

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday, July 1 revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake. 

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. While the warning advisory is in place, health officials recommend:

• No swimming or water skiing.
• No water contact for animals.
• Avoiding areas of scum when using motorized boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing.
• No drinking lake water.
• Cleaning fish well and discarding organs.

Public Health will continue to monitor Lacamas Lake and, while a bloom is present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

Harmful algal blooms can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin. Inhaled bacteria or toxins could cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact could lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.

If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms could include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness.

Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are posted on the Public Health website. To report algal blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council recently approved the county manager to sign a contract with Comcast to install broadband fiber in an area of the county that lies northeast of Battle Ground Lake. 

The project will create approximately 31 miles of new fiber-optic broadband in a service area that would extend from the Northeast corner of Battle Ground Lake east to approximately Northeast 220^th Avenue. 

The $5.21 million high-speed internet expansion project is being funded as a public-private partnership between Comcast and Clark County, with the county contributing $3.65 million of federal funding allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA. The project aligns with the council policy goal to expand access to high-speed internet throughout the county.

“This public - private partnership is years in the works, and I am gratified to finally see it move forward,” said Clark County Council Chair Gary Medvigy. The county council initiated this project on our own in advance of other state and federal initiatives. This project will add more than 500 high speed connections into an area underserved in our rural unincorporated area. It is just the beginning as the process for much larger grants are in progress to address other underserved areas.” 

“We’re thrilled about this landmark agreement to extend multi-gig-speed internet services to rural Clark County,” said Samantha Ridderbusch, Government Affairs Director for Comcast Pacific Northwest Region. “We are particularly proud of this partnership, which will see Comcast constructing the necessary infrastructure to deliver a robust, fiber-rich network and a full suite of services to more than 500 homes and businesses.”

Comcast plans to begin constructing this summer, with some homes and businesses expected to gain access to services starting in winter 2024/2025. Construction is anticipated to continue through summer of 2025.

Once permits are obtained and construction has begun in the public rights of way, Comcast will create an online resource for residents seeking information about the network build in their neighborhood, including answers to frequently asked questions and product and service details.

For more information about Clark County’s broadband expansion initiative, please visit the Clark County Broadband Program. Information about Comcast’s broadband investments and expansion in rural Clark County is available on the Comcast Network Expansion page.

Vancouver, Wash. – Starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 5, all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County will be banned until further notice.

The Interim Fire Marshal is rescinding all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits can be reissued or extended when the ban is lifted. The burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands.

“Due to the excessive heat warning in place, the extended forecast for continued dry and hot conditions, and out of an abundance of caution, open burning in Clark County will be closed until further notice,” said Interim Fire Marshal Donna Goddard. 

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark County implements a policy to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, under certain conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

Recreational campfires on forest lands are allowed only in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as commercial campgrounds and local, county and state parks. On private land, recreational fires are permitted when built according to the following regulations:

• Recreational fires must be in a metal-, stone- or masonry-lined fire pit such as those in improved campgrounds or available at home and garden stores.
• Size may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels such as tree limbs, patio covers or carports.
• Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old who has the ability and tools to extinguish the fire. Tools include a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Completely extinguish recreational fires by covering them with water or moist soil and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
• Self-contained camp stoves are a safe and easy alternative to campfires.

For more information, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 564.397.2186 or visit the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/burning.html.

Haapa_Construction_area.PNG

Parking lot, bulkheads closed late July through October

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks and Lands is announcing the construction of a new ADA-compliant fishing platform at Haapa Boat Launch Park in Woodland. The project is being fully funded by Pacificorp. Clark County and PacifiCorp have worked together on the design of a barrier-free bank fishing access site that meets standards compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). PacifiCorp will construct the ADA-accessible fishing platform this summer. 

Once the fishing platform is finished, it will become a permanent asset within the county’s parks and lands system. The work will be done by a contractor and includes removing portions of the existing fishing bulkheads to install the new platform over the water along the southern bank of the North Fork Lewis River. 

To complete this work, portions of the parking lot, the fishing bulkheads and associated trail will be closed as early as the end of July. These areas will remain closed for several months until the project is completed. Currently, completion is anticipated by Nov. 15, but the construction schedule is subject to change. Construction work in the water must be completed during a permitted in-water work window between July 15 and Aug. 15, which is why the work must take place during the summer. The boat launch, bathroom, picnic areas, and west half of the parking lot will remain open during construction. 

Updates to the project will be posted at https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/haapa-boat-launch. 

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

Vancouver, Wash. – Northeast Sunset Falls Road has been identified as a priority for road preservation treatments. The road provides access to recreation in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

Road preservation work will begin in July to complete a chip seal asphalt layer, replace speed bumps, and restripe the roadway. Drivers in the area can expect occasional lane closures, delays and traffic impacts. Access to Gifford-Pinchot National Forest and Sunset Falls Campground will remain open. Construction is scheduled to be completed by September. 

Construction is weather-dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. Schedule updates and additional information is available on the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-sunset-falls-road-pavement-preservation. 

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for four volunteer positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. Applicants who are appointed by the council will serve three-year terms. 

Applications from Clark County residents are being accepted for the following positions:

• Small cities and towns: Representative shall be a member of one of the city or town councils, or a resident who lives or works in those jurisdictions (cities other than Vancouver). May be recommended by the city or town councils. Term begins immediately upon appointment.
• At-large: Representative shall provide input from the perspective of the county as a whole. Term begins Oct. 1, 2024.
• Business: Representative shall own or be employed by a local business in Clark County. Term begins Oct. 1, 2024.
• Southeast county: Representative shall reside south of 179th Street and east of state Highway 503, or the extensions thereof. Term begins Oct. 1, 2024.

The Solid Waste Advisory Commission holds quarterly meetings at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August, and November. Special meetings maybe scheduled as needed. Meetings are currently held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual options.

The commission advises the county council and staff on solid waste issues and planning for recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste-reduction programs. The advisory commission also provides feedback to staff during the update process for the county’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, which is currently underway. Once the update is completed by staff, in coordination with the advisory commission, it will be submitted for approval by the county council and the Washington State Department of Ecology. 

Residents with a passion for waste reduction, education and outreach experience, or experience with multifamily housing are encouraged to apply. As Clark County is a growing and diverse community with many languages and backgrounds, the county is also looking for people who can bring ethnic, cultural, social, and geographic diversity to the group. The commission is committed to inclusiveness and outreach to all Clark County residents to ensure the Solid Waste Advisory Commission reflects the community it serves. 

Candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by email at michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. 

The letter of interest should include: 

• How you can represent the interests of the position on the commission 
• Your personal or professional experience
• Your vision for the future of solid waste management in Clark County

Application deadline is 5 pm Wednesday, July 31, 2024. 

Visit the Solid Waste Advisory Commission website for more information or mail SWAC@clark.wa.gov. 

Vancouver, Wash. – A preliminary draft of Clark County’s updated Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan is now available for review and, beginning Aug. 1, community members will be able to submit comments on the draft plan.

The Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan outlines the framework for solid waste disposal, recycling, and educational outreach programs throughout the regional solid waste system. The plan examines the current system, as well as system projections, future needs and Clark County Solid Waste and Recycling programs’ goals for the next 20 years. 

Clark County’s Solid Waste and Recycling programs recently led a revision process to update the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, which was last updated in 2015. The revisions address changes in solid waste regulations in the state, population growth projections, and updates to contracts for solid waste services in the region. As part of the update, Clark County is streamlining information by incorporating the Clark County Contamination Reduction Outreach Plan and Moderate Hazardous Waste Management Plan. 

The preliminary draft of the updated plan is now available for review on the Clark County Public Health website. Community members will have an opportunity to provide written comments on the draft plan using an online form that will be available on the Public Health website Aug. 1-30, 2024. 

Public comment can also be provided during a hearing at 6 pm Thursday, Aug. 1 during a Solid Waste Advisory Commission meeting. Community members can attend the meeting in person at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., or virtually via Zoom. Virtual meeting information is available on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission webpage. 

Additional information about the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan update and process is available on the Public Health website. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Each year, the Clark County Auditor’s Office publishes a voters’ pamphlet which is mailed to all households in Clark County. It includes candidate statements and photographs and local ballot measures with supporting and opposing statements written by citizen committees. 

A legislative body placing a measure on the ballot shall appoint a committee to write a supporting statement and another committee to write an opposing statement.

At its June 25, 2024, public hearing, the Clark County Council voted to place three charter amendment proposals on the Nov. 5, 2024, general election ballot. Each proposal would have one statement for committee and one statement against committee.

The first proposed amendment would change the sheriff’s salary to be 8% higher than the highest step of the undersheriff salary range.

The second proposed amendment would clarify the redistricting committee and redistricting plan, including, but not limited to, increasing the number of committee members, clarify the process of committee selection, identifying a qualified person for the redistricting master, and provide clarity to the process for the redistricting plan. Redistricting is the process of redrawing county district boundaries following the release of the U.S. Census.

The third proposed amendment clarifies the process for an initiative, including, but not limited to, identifying the six subjects that may not be proposed, identifying initiatives that may require additional expenditures and revenue sources, and overall review.

To see the ordinances relating to the proposals, visit https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings and follow the links to the June 25, hearing.

Clark County citizens who wish to be appointed to any of the statement for or statement against committees are asked to contact Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, at Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov or by phone at (564) 397-2232. 

The deadline to contact the County Manager’s Office to volunteer is 5 pm Friday, July 5, 2024.