Residents Encouraged To Reduce Holiday Waste By Recycling Natural Christmas Trees - 12/18/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County residents who are among the millions of people buying natural Christmas trees this holiday season can utilize local options to recycle their trees, giving them a new purpose after the holidays are over.

Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch, which is a natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping. When organic waste, like trees, rots in landfills, it creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Before recycling a natural tree, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and stands must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in the garbage. Artificial trees in good condition may be donated to thrift stores or through buy-nothing groups on social media.

Waste Connections will accept natural trees from customers subscribed to yard debris or organics collection service. Taller trees must be cut into pieces no longer than five feet. Customers can place tree pieces inside of or next to their yard debris or organics cart for pickup on their scheduled service day. An additional fee applies if the tree is in addition to a full yard debris or organics cart.

Residents can also recycle natural trees of any size for a small fee (typically $5 or less) at the following locations:

• Central Transfer and Recycling, 11034 NE 117th Ave., 360.256.8482 
• City Bark, 2419 NE Andresen Road, 360.253.8461 
• H&H Wood Recyclers, 8401 NE 117th Ave., 360.892.2805 
• McFarlane’s Bark, 8806 NE 117th Ave., 360.892.6125 
• Triangle Resources, 612 SE Union St., Camas, 360.834.7253 
• West Van Materials Recovery Center, 6601 NW Old Lower River Road, 360.737.1727

Scouting America will collect trees for recycling in many areas of Clark County on Saturday, Jan. 4. The service is free, but donations are accepted. Flyers will be distributed in neighborhoods where this service will be offered. The Scout Tree Recycling website also has information about neighborhoods where pickup service will be available.

Waste Connections customers who do not have yard debris or organics service can put cut trees next to their garbage carts for disposal, and will be charged for an extra 32-gallon collection. Trees collected with garbage will be sent to the landfill and won’t be recycled.

More information about holiday waste and disposal is available on the Clark County Green Neighbors website.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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County Seeks Volunteers To Serve On Railroad Advisory Board - 12/17/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill up to two seats on a fifteen-person board that advises the county on matters related to the county-owned Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

Applicants with railroad or railroad-related experience, or business experience using freight-rail service desired.

Board members serve three-year terms. Terms are anticipated to begin after Jan. 1, 2025. Applications are accepted until the positions have been filled.

Those interested in applying should submit a letter of interest and/or resume to PWRailAdvisoryBoard@clark.wa.gov or by mail to 4700 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665.

More information about the Railroad Advisory Board is available on the county website.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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Clark County Public Works Is Seeking Three New Live-in Volunteer Park Hosts For The 2026 Season (Photo) - 12/16/25

Vancouver, Wash. Clark County Public Works is seeking applicants for multiple open volunteer park host positions. Park hosts live at a county park and perform basic maintenance, operations and security duties. Public Works is currently seeking applicants for:

• A year-round position at Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek Regional Park
  • The host at this location must live in the county-owned residence
  • This host’s duties also include the softball fields area of the park
• A year-round position serving Prairie Fields and Curtin Creek Community Park
  • The host in this position must live in the county-owned residence at Prairie Fields
  • This host’s duties also include the new Curtin Creek Community Park; the host will be reimbursed mileage for use of their personal vehicle to travel between the two park locations
• A seasonal (March through September) position at Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park
  • The host in this position must provide their own recreational vehicle to reside in
  • This host’s duties also include Vancouver Lake Regional Park; the host will be reimbursed mileage for use of their personal vehicle to travel between the two park locations

All hosts, whether residing in a county-owned residence or their own recreational vehicle on an RV pad in the park, are provided with basic utilities: water, sewer, electricity, garbage/recycling.

Volunteer park hosts live at their assigned park and assist with creating a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. Host duties include (but are not limited to): 

• Cleaning park restrooms daily and as needed in response to messes
• Opening park gates by 7 a.m. and closing gates at dusk (one half-hour after sunset) daily
• Notifying park users when the park is closing
• Emptying park garbage cans at least once daily, and as needed
• Picking up litter daily
• Notifying staff of emergencies, urgent maintenance needs or impacts of severe weather
• Helping to identify and respond to safety and security concerns in the park
   

A host may be offered a term for the next calendar year based on results of a performance evaluation performed in the late summer or early fall. 

Applicants offered positions must submit to state and federal background checks and fingerprinting, provide a rental history and proof of renter’s insurance that meets program requirements. Hosts required to drive their personal vehicles to perform duties at another park site must also provide proof of automobile insurance. The program includes requirements regarding pets, guests, absences, etc. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to read the park host policies and procedures, posted on the volunteer program webpage, before applying.

More information about these positions, the volunteer park host program policies, requirements, minimum qualifications, duties, and more can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#volunteer-park-host.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#volunteer-park-host. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Paper applications, translated application materials, interpretation services, and other accommodations are available upon request to Cindy Gonzalez, volunteer program coordinator, at cindy.gonzalez@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.1679.

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.

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County Treasurer Addresses Penny Shortage, Encourages Customers To Pay With Exact Change - 12/15/25

Vancouver, Wash. - The U.S. Treasury Department has ceased minting new pennies for circulation, creating a new challenge for public offices and other organizations that accept cash payments and must provide exact change. The Clark County Treasurer’s Office is responding proactively to ensure continued service to customers while minimizing disruption.

The Treasurer’s Office has confirmed with its primary banking partner, JPMorgan Chase, that a nationwide penny shortage is affecting the bank’s ability to fulfill coin orders at this time.

“While pennies may seem insignificant, the inability to reliably obtain them has real operational impacts for public offices that accept cash,” said Alishia Topper, Clark County Treasurer. “Our responsibility is to manage public funds carefully, communicate clearly with the public, and avoid unnecessary administrative costs or burdens on customers.”

Until additional federal or state guidance, or legislative action, addresses the issue, taxpayers who make cash payments are encouraged to pay with exact change.

In addition to the impact on the Treasurer’s Office, the penny shortage will eventually impact all government organizations that accept cash. Treasurer Topper is recommending two potential approaches:

Request exact change
Requesting exact change for cash transactions is the simplest option, particularly when prices are fixed by statute or external agreement. Organizations choosing this approach should clearly post signage informing customers of the policy. The Treasurer’s Office will adopt this policy and began displaying signage on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

Round total charges down to the nearest $0.05
For fees established in county code or organizational policy and where no revenue-sharing partners are involved, rounding total charges down to the nearest five cents may be an option. Taxes, including sales tax, must still be remitted to the State of Washington based on the pre-rounded amount. While federal guidance allows rounding up if properly disclosed, doing so can complicate tax and revenue-sharing calculations and impose unnecessary costs on customers. For these reasons, rounding up is not advised. Organizations should consult legal counsel and relevant state partners before implementing any rounding policy.

The Treasurer’s Office also advises against stockpiling pennies. Handling and storing large quantities of coin increases administrative burden and the risk of loss. Any losses, regardless of amount, must be reported to the Washington State Auditor.

“Stockpiling low-value coin creates avoidable risk and administrative overhead,” Treasurer Topper added. “When practical alternatives exist, it is not a responsible use of public resources.”

The Treasurer’s Office will continue to monitor developments and share updates as additional information or guidance becomes available.

For questions or to discuss these options further, please contact the Clark County Treasurer’s Office at 564.397.2255.

Clark County Law Library Increases Hours Of Operation In January 2026 - 12/15/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Library will increase its hours of operation beginning Jan. 2, 2026. The new hours will be 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. The Law Library previously closed at 2 pm.

The Law Library is located on the first floor of the Clark County Courthouse at 1200 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver. The Law Library provides a professional legal collection for judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and county and state officials. The collection is available to the public any time the library is open.

A law librarian is available during the library’s open hours to help people find materials and resources.

Learn more about the Clark County Law Library including its extensive online catalog and self-help form kits at https://clark.wa.gov/law-library.

County Regional Parks Annual Parking Passes Now Available For Purchase (Photo) - 12/15/25

Vancouver, Wash. – 2026 annual parking passes for county regional parks are now available for purchase. Daily parking fees are charged year-round at four county regional parks – Frenchman’s Bar, Lewisville, Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek and Vancouver Lake. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the parking fee will be $5 per day, regardless of vehicle type.

The annual county regional park parking passes are $40 and valid from the date of purchase through the 2026 calendar year. County regional parks parking passes are only valid for parking at the four county regional parks. Passes issued by other agencies, such as the Washington State Discover Pass and the city of Vancouver’s Marine Park parking pass, are not valid for parking at the four county regional parks where daily parking fees are charged.

Without an annual pass, the daily parking fee can be paid at the fee booth when fee collection staff are present, via the Flowbird mobile app, self-pay stations or by displaying a valid annual parking pass. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are exempt from the daily parking fee when they present their pass to fee collection staff and display the pass on their vehicle’s dashboard.

County regional parks parking passes can be purchased online at clark.wa.gov/public-works/parking-fees or by calling 564.397.2285 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Additionally, passes will be available to purchase in person in the Bud Van Cleve community room at Luke Jensen Sports Park at 4000 NE 78th Street, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 22, and 29, and Jan. 5 and 12. Passes purchased online or via phone will be sent via mail. Accepted methods of payment include Visa and Mastercard. Passes can be purchased via cash or card at fee booths when staff are present. Passes cannot be purchased via parking meters or with a check.

Parking fees help provide funding to support parks maintenance and impacts of use such as garbage/waste management, restroom cleaning and facilities upkeep. In fall 2025, the Clark County Council approved updated rates for parking fees and facility rentals, to be implemented in 2026.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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County Auto License Office Will Be Closed Dec. 26 And Jan. 2 - 12/15/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Auto License office will be closed Dec. 26, 2025, and Jan. 2, 2026.

Regular office hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

The Auto License office is located on the first floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. There are nine additional vehicle licensing subagent locations in Clark County. A complete list of the locations and hours of operation is on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/auditor/auto-license-overview.

Many transactions can be completed online. Visit https://clark.wa.gov/auditor/auto-license-overview for more information.

Clark County Road Closures And Storm Response Information, Dec. 11, FINAL UPDATE (Photo) - 12/11/25

Vancouver, Wash. – This is the final update to Clark County’s storm response and impact information from the atmospheric river event that began Dec. 9.

Closures and Impacts

All roads and parks closed due to the storm have been reopened.

• REOPENED: Northeast 156th Street at Northeast 102nd Avenue in Brush Prairie
• REOPENED: Northeast 112th Avenue north of Northeast 156th Street in Brush Prairie
• REOPENED: Daybreak Regional Park
• REOPENED: Haapa Boat Launch
• REOPENED: Lewisville Regional Park
• REOPENED: Lucia Falls Regional Park
• REOPENED: Moulton Falls Regional Park
• REOPENED: Northeast J R Anderson Road between Northeast 72nd Avenue and Northeast Mason Creek Road, east of La Center

Daybreak Regional Park boat launch closed indefinitely

The boat launch at Daybreak Regional Park was significantly damaged when the East Fork Lewis River rose and flooded the park. While the park has reopened, the boat launch will remain closed until it is repaired. At this time, Public Works does not have an estimated timeline for reopening the 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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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County’s Commission On Aging Cancels December Meeting, Next Meeting Is Jan. 21 - 12/10/25

Vancouver, Wash. –The Clark County Commission on Aging (COA) will not hold its regular monthly meeting in December. Meetings will resume Jan. 21, 2026.

The COA will focus their 2026 “Fireside Chat’ series on chapters 3 (Housing) and 4 (Mobility) of the Aging Readiness Plan with guests ranging from government and service organizations to private sector experts.

Meetings occur on the third Wednesday of each month and begin at 4:30 pm. All meetings are open to the public.

Commission on Aging meetings are 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.

Clark County Road Closures And Storm Response Information, Dec. 9-10 (Photo) - 12/10/25

Vancouver, Wash. – As heavy rains and gusty winds continue, county roads and parks are beginning to see impacts. Updates are listed under “Closures and Impacts”. Latest update: 10:55 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10

Public Works response
Members of the public who encounter flooding, standing water, downed trees, or other issues on county roads are encouraged to report it by calling 564.397.2446 or using the online form at clark.wa.gov/public-works. As Public Works receives these reports, staff respond to the location of the issue and assess the situation. Where our crews are able to solve the issue, for example, by removing leaves from a clogged storm drain or moving a fallen tree off the roadway, they are doing so as quickly as possible. In many cases, such as where rising rivers and creeks are flooding roads and bridges, the only recourse is to close the road and wait for creek, stream or river levels to decrease.

Closures and Impacts

This information will be updated throughout this weather event.

Closures

UPDATES, 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10

• REOPENED: Northeast 156th Street at Northeast 102nd Avenue in Brush Prairie
• REOPENED: Northeast 112th Avenue north of Northeast 156th Street in Brush Prairie
• REOPENED: Daybreak Regional Park
• REOPENED: Haapa Boat Launch
• REOPENED: Lewisville Regional Park
• REOPENED: Lucia Falls Regional Park
• REOPENED: Moulton Falls Regional Park

Closed

• Northeast J R Anderson Road between Northeast 72nd Avenue and Northeast Mason Creek Road, east of La Center

Estimated reopening times are not known.

Other Impacts

Many parks, including Haapa Boat Launch, Daybreak Regional Park and Lewisville Regional Park, are experiencing areas of localized flooding. In some locations, roads and parking lots are inundated. Fast-flowing and rising water, storm debris and slope instability are creating hazardous conditions.

Safety Reminders

Drivers are reminded to:

• Not drive through water if they can’t tell how deep it is
• Never drive into areas closed with signs or barricades
• Slow down and increase following distance
• Slow down and give space to workers on or near the roadway

Park and trail visitors are reminded to:

• Avoid flooded areas
• Never drive off-road to avoid standing water
• Do not approach or enter rivers and streams

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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Clark County Announces Early Closure Of Joint Lobby On Dec. 24, 2025 - 12/10/25

Vancouver, Wash. – To allow staff and residents time to prepare for the holiday season, the Clark County Joint Lobby will close early on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.

• Lobby hours: The Joint Lobby will close to the public at noon.
• Phone services: Available until 12:30 p.m.

Normal operating hours will resume on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.

Residents are encouraged to complete any necessary transactions in advance of the early closure. The county Assessor, Auditor and Treasurer appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.

The Clark County Joint Lobby is a collaboration between the Assessor’s Office, Auditor’s Office, and Treasurer’s Office. Team members are cross-trained across the three offices to provide many of the most common services in one convenient location - providing efficient, accurate and timely service.

For more information or to access services online, please visit www.clark.wa.gov or contact the appropriate office directly.

County Public Works Ready To Respond To Storm Impacts, Shares Resources For Residents (Photo) - 12/08/25

Vancouver, Wash. – With heavy rains and gusty winds forecasted, Public Works is sharing information for county residents to prepare and respond to storm-related hazards.

Responding to weather-related impacts in unincorporated county

Clark County Public Works begins preparing equipment and crews for inclement-weather impacts early in the fall and is ready to respond during this week’s weather event. The department responds to reports of hazards and issues on roads and county properties in unincorporated parts of the county, i.e., areas that are not within a city’s limits.

• A tool is available on the Public Works website to find out whether a road or property is within the county’s response area.
• The tool on the Public Works website also includes links to other agencies for issues with roads or properties within their service areas.
• Residents can report hazards and issues on county roads and properties (including parks), such as downed trees, standing water/flooding, by calling 564.397.2446 or using the online reporting form. Urgent issues, including those requiring an immediate response outside business hours, should be reported by phone.
• Downed power lines should be reported directly to Clark Public Utilities.
• Hazards on state roads (Interstate 5, Interstate 204, State Routes 14, 500, 501, 502, 503) should be reported by calling 911.

Resources for residents

• Sandbags are available to residents, for free, at two Public Works locations. Bags and sand are provided; residents need to fill their own bags. The materials are available all hours of the day, all days of the week at:
  • 78th Street Operations Center, 4700 NE 78th St.
  • 149th Street Operations Center, 11609 NE 149th St.
• Public Works shares information about storm-related closures and impacts to county roads and parks in several ways. Residents are encouraged to:
  • Check Public Works’ social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram and X) for updates, and beware of information, speculation and rumors shared on social media from unofficial accounts.
  • Sign up to receive closure information via email.
  • Sign up to receive news releases via email; news releases are shared with local news media to provide lists of closures and storm-related impacts, and residents can now sign up to receive that same information directly to their email.
  • Check the Public Works News page on the county website.

Important storm safety tips

• Never drive or walk through floodwaters.
• Always respect closure signs and barricades – they are there to protect people from hazards and dangerous conditions.  
• Slow down in areas with water on the roadway, give other vehicles plenty of space and avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Give crews working in the roadway or right-of-way plenty of space and slow down. Follow all signage and directions given.
• During gusty winds, avoid wooded/forested areas. Listen and watch for falling branches.
• Never enter or approach rivers during high water or flooding. Recreational river users (such as anglers) should always wear life jackets when recreating in or near local water bodies, especially in winter, when the water is swift, cold, and carries hazards such as logs and storm debris.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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County Seeks Volunteers For Development And Engineering Advisory Board - 12/04/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill an expiring position on the Clark County Development and Engineering Advisory Board, DEAB.

The positions are for the following:

• Land developer who works or lives in Clark County

Members shall be appointed or reappointed to three-year terms. Members are eligible for reappointment after their terms expire.

The advisory board reviews policy and county code changes and works on process improvement and fees with the Community Development and Public Works departments. The board’s recommendations are routinely forwarded to the Clark County Council for use by final decision makers.

The board consists of three private-sector planners or engineers; one public-sector planner or engineer; one construction contractor; one land developer; one Building Industry Association representative; one professional associated with commercial or industrial development; and two professionals associated with development.

The Development and Engineering Advisory Board, commonly referred to as DEAB, typically meets at 2 pm the first Thursday of the month in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Victoria Abram, Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810. Applications also can be emailed to victoria.abram@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Monday Dec. 31, 2025.

More information, including meeting agendas and minutes, is available at www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/development-and-engineering-advisory-board

Clark County Council Adopts 2026 Budget - 12/03/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this week voted to approve the county’s annual budget for 2026. Overall, the adopted budget reflects a strong and financially sound position for the organization. For 2026, the total adopted expense budget is $883 million. This strategic financial plan is supported by $735 million in revenues and $149 million of fund balance.

The council voted to approve a 1% property tax levy increase, as well as any available banked capacity, for the General Fund, Road Fund, Conservation Futures Fund and Metropolitan Parks District Fund.

The county manages hundreds of individual funding sources, and when viewed collectively, its financial outlook remains stable so long as there is continued prioritizing of long-term sustainability, adherence to county financial policies, and alignment with strategic planning goals. Strategic planning is a major priority for both the county manager and the council, and a firm commitment has been made to advance a comprehensive strategic financial plan in early 2026.

While the county’s overall financial condition is solid, some funding sources—most notably the General Fund—are experiencing structural deficits. These areas require significant attention, and county staff continue to devote considerable time and resources to understanding the underlying issues and developing responsible long-term solutions. Even with these challenges, the adopted budget positions the county to maintain stability while proactively preparing for future needs.

“I want to acknowledge the tremendous dedication and hard work of every department and office across the county,” said County Manager Kathleen Otto. “Despite the continued growth in community needs and the increasing complexity of service delivery, our staff have demonstrated remarkable commitment and creativity in managing resources effectively. Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining essential services, supporting residents, and advancing our shared goals for a thriving Clark County.”

“I want to recognize all the hard work from the Budget Office, county manager, department heads, and county elected officials,” said Council Chair Sue Marshall. “This has been a long hard process. I’d like to thank all of the councilors too, for their diligence in working on this budget.”

The hearing presentation and video are on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings under the date Dec. 2, 2025.

Jail Services Seeks Public Comment On Updates To Keep Washington Working Policy - 12/02/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Jail Services is asking for public comment on updates to the department’s Keep Washington Working policy.

The draft policy is available on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/jail-services. Deadline for comments is noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. Comments can be emailed to cntyjailservicesadmin@clark.wa.gov.

KWW was approved by the Washington State Legislature and signed into law in 2019. The law requires that law enforcement and jails in particular maintain practices and policies to ensure the privacy of all Washingtonians. 

Public Works Offers Tips For Properly Managing Holiday Waste - 12/02/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Holiday celebrations can generate more waste, and waste of different kinds. Clark County Public Works’ Solid Waste Education and Outreach program encourages the community to properly dispose of waste this holiday season. Proper disposal protects waste workers, the community and the environment.

To find out how to properly dispose of an item, residents can use the RecycleRight app or RecyclingA-Z.com. These tools provide local disposal options for hundreds of items, along with information such as curbside collection schedules, service reminder sign-up, holiday collection schedules, and winter weather service alerts.

Residents should follow these guidelines to properly dispose of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts:

• Batteries: Batteries must be taken to designated disposal sites. Batteries cannot be disposed of in garbage or recycling carts. Batteries tossed in household garbage or recycling carts can explode or spark fires. Several retail stores across Clark County now offer free battery disposal for household batteries, including lithium-ion batteries and cell phones. Disposal locations can be found at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
  • Household batteries can also be recycled by covering each battery terminal with tape, putting them in a clear sealable bag and placing them on top of curbside recycling carts. Batteries accepted for curbside recycling include single-use and rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, button, hearing aid and watch batteries.
• Block foam: Block foam can be dropped off at Earth Friendly Recycling in Vancouver for recycling. Block foam can also be placed in curbside garbage carts, but it cannot go in curbside recycling carts.
• Air pillows, bubble wrap, bubble mailers and plastic packaging: These plastic film products can be placed in bins for recycling at many local grocery stores and all three Clark County transfer stations. Plastic film cannot go in curbside recycling carts because it can get tangled in the machinery that sorts recyclables.
• String lights: Holiday string lights can be taken to a specialty recycler or disposed of in the garbage. String lights cannot go in curbside recycling carts. Specialty recyclers are listed at RecyclingA-Z.com and on the RecycleRight app.
• Gift wrap and ribbon: Gift wrap with non-paper elements such as glitter, foil and plastic decorations should be disposed of in the garbage because the non-paper decorations are not recyclable. Plain gift wrap that does not have glitter, foil or other non-paper decorations can be placed in curbside recycling carts. Ribbon should always be disposed of in the garbage.
• Electronics: Electronic products contain valuable materials that can be recycled, and toxic chemicals that should be kept out of the landfill. Electronics should be taken to one of the free E-Cycle drop-off locations listed at RecyclingA-Z.com and on the RecycleRight app.
• Excess recycling and cardboard: Extra cardboard and other recyclables can be set out with curbside recycling carts on regularly scheduled collection days. Extras should be placed in a cardboard box or paper bag. Recyclables in plastic bags are not accepted. Extra recycling can also be dropped off for free at Clark County transfer stations.

For more information and holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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County Hosting Open House Dec. 11 And Opening Online Survey To Gather Feedback On Plan For Public Access Improvements At 78th Street Heritage Farm (Photo) - 12/01/25

Vancouver, Wash. – In early December, Clark County Public Works, Parks and Nature, will share the latest concepts for a public access improvement project at the 78th Street Heritage Farm. The community is invited to participate in an open house on Dec. 11 to learn more about the latest concepts and share feedback with the project team. A survey, also opening on Dec. 11, will be available at the open house and online.

This project includes the design and installation of a restroom and shelter pavilion, and a concept for a publicly accessible trail, to be constructed in the future. The future trail will provide opportunities for walking, wildlife viewing, relaxation and connection with farm programs. The project is the first step to implement the master plan update, approved by the Clark County Council in 2020. The plan’s goals include making the farm more welcoming and accessible for farm users and the greater community. The facilities included in this project will expand public access and support existing farm uses, helping the community enjoy the farm property and learn more about its rich cultural heritage.

78th Street Heritage Farm Public Access Improvements Project Open House

6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11

Presentation and Q&A (question and answer) session begin at 6:30 p.m.

Spanish language interpretation will be provided.

Attending the open house in person

Minnehaha Elementary School, 2800 NE 54th St.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Attendees are welcome to view project displays and discuss the project with staff.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Participating virtually

The presentation and Q&A will be streamed via Webex. The Webex meeting will start at approximately 6:15 p.m. Webex participants can participate in the Q&A session via the platform’s chat feature. Additional information about participating via Webex can be found on the project website.

Presentation slides, displays, and a recording of the presentation and Q&A will be posted on the project webpage five to ten business days after the event. Interpretation, translated materials, and other accommodations can be requested by contacting parks planner Lynde Wallick at lynde.wallick@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5882.

More information about the project, including links to open house materials and the community survey, are available on the project website. 

Farm background

The county’s 78th Street Heritage Farm is a historic 80-acre property and center for education, community programs and sustainable agriculture. The farm connects the community with the county’s agricultural heritage, promotes healthy communities and provides access to nature.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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Planning Commission To Hold Work Session On Draft Climate Change Chapter - 11/25/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Planning Commission will hold a work session on a draft climate chapter for the county’s comprehensive plan at 5:30pm on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

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 planning commission on the draft new climate chapter proposed for addition to the comprehensive plan.

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 will be available 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 the 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.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office – MEDIA RELEASE - 11/24/25

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a vehicle crash near the 26600 block of NE 182nd Ave in Battle Ground on Nov. 12, 2025.

This individual died on 11/12/2025 in Battle Ground, WA.

The name of the decedent: Miguel, Cecille   Age: 55 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 blunt force injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Passenger in vehicle in collision with another vehicle

Place of injury: Roadway

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: 11/24/2025

County Council Appoints Ron Barca And Alicia LeDuc Montgomery To The Planning Commission - 11/24/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this month appointed Ron Barca and Alicia LeDuc Montgomery to two open seats on the county’s volunteer Planning Commission.

LeDuc Montgomery’s term is six-years and begins Jan. 1, 2026, and ends Dec. 31, 2031. Barca will serve a four-year term that begins Jan. 1, 2026, and ends Dec. 31, 2029.

Barca is a resident of Battle Ground and works as a Lean Practitioner in the building industry at Wolf Industries Inc. in Battle Ground. He previously worked at Boeing and has prior experience serving on the Clark County Planning Commission. Barca was a volunteer participant in the county’s Housing Options Study Action Plan and has participated in land use policy advocacy since 1994.

Amboy resident LeDuc Montgomery is the managing attorney at LeDuc Montgomery LLC. She has experience representing public entities and advising and litigating matters involving government affairs and land use. LeDuc Montgomery earned a bachelor’s degree in arts in business administration from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, and a master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. She earned a Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon.

The seven-member Clark County Planning Commission serves as an advisory board on matters related to development of land in the unincorporated area.

More information on the Planning Commission including its meetings is on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission. Commission public hearings are aired on CVTV channel 23/323 and CVTV.org.

Clark County Public Works, Solid Waste, Shares Tips To Help Residents Save Money And Reduce Their Environmental Impact By Reducing Food Waste This Holiday Season - 11/21/25

Vancouver, Wash. – While residents are preparing for holiday meals, they may not know that food waste is a big problem. Each year, 30-40% of the food supply in the United States is thrown away. Clark County residents alone generate an average of 35,000 tons of edible food waste each year. The EPA estimates that reducing food waste could save a family of four nearly $3,000 annually, about $728 per person. In addition to wasting money, tossing food in the garbage contributes to climate change. As food breaks down in landfills, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Wasting food is one of the biggest contributors to a person’s environmental footprint.

Residents can reduce food waste this holiday season by taking some simple steps as they plan for and clean up after a holiday meal.

• Shopping: Food waste prevention starts with not buying more than is needed or can be eaten before it spoils. To prevent over-buying, recommendations include taking inventory of what is available on hand, using a tool like the “Guest-imator” to know how much is needed for parties of various sizes, making a list, and only purchasing items on the list when at the grocery store.
• Storage: Properly storing groceries can minimize spoilage. Dry goods should be stored in labeled, air-tight containers. Onions and apples should be stored separately from other foods, as they emit a gas that causes other foods to spoil faster. Local and in-season produce tends to last longer before spoiling because it requires less time in transport.
• Leftovers: Waste from leftovers can be reduced by sending guests home with leftovers in reusable containers. Using leftovers creatively can also reduce food waste. Examples include using mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie, topping oatmeal with cranberry sauce, and boiling bones to create nutrient-rich broths. To prevent foodborne illness, leftovers should be enjoyed within three to four days or frozen in air-tight containers to be enjoyed later. 
• Composting: Food scraps can be composted instead of tossed in the garbage. Composting returns nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Composting also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In Clark County, composting options for residents without backyard composting systems include:
  • Composting at the curb: Waste Connections customers in the cities of Vancouver and Ridgefield who subscribe to the organics service can dispose of food scraps in their organics carts.
  • Food scrap drop-off: All residents can drop off food waste at a We Compost Community Hub location for composting. The service is free and available at locations throughout Clark County. Find locations on the We Compost Community Hub webpage.

More food waste prevention tips and resources are available on the Clark County Green Neighbors webpage, and a video is available on the county’s YouTube channel.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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.

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