Vancouver, WA – Clark County Environmental Services is reestablishing its stream monitoring program at approximately 50 sites in the county’s 10 watersheds. The monitoring will allow the county to gauge the health of many local streams and rivers.

Monitoring will begin this year and focus on selected streams each year for five years. At the end of the five year monitoring period, Environmental Services will generate a report outlining the overall health of Clark County’s streams and rivers. Sites will be among these watersheds:

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s Environmental Services Clean Water Division is seeking public comments on the annual update to its Stormwater Management Plan at next week’s Clean Water Commission meeting.

The meeting is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

“Public comments during these updates ensure we are addressing community needs and concerns,” said Don Benton, Environmental Services director. “Public comments help guide the plan for the coming the year.”

Vancouver, WA  ̶  Paintings by Clark County artist Robert Bickel are on display in the Sixth Floor Gallery of the Public Service Center and open for public viewing during the March 4 First Friday Walk.

A reception for Bickel will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 4 in the gallery on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The exhibit, entitled Wave and Time Studies, also can be seen through March 31 during regular 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours.

Vancouver, WA – The Board of County Councilors has proclaimed February 21-27 as Invasive Species Awareness Week, drawing attention to the threat invasive species pose to Clark County.   

Invasive species can wreak havoc on the native environment and cause significant economic costs. Recently in the state, invasive species have threatened shellfish harvesting, fruit trees and local rivers.

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s Green Business Program will host a Morning Blend networking event 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at Boomerang Generosity Shop and Coffee House, 808 Main St.

The Morning Blend event provides an opportunity to network and discuss green business efforts in a relaxed setting. Staff from Boomerang will start the Feb. 18 event with a brief presentation about their nonprofit.

Technical staff to discuss latest work on proposed industrial land bank

Vancouver, WA – Clark County will hold an open house Wednesday, Feb. 17, to update the public on a rural industrial land bank proposed near Brush Prairie.

The open house will be 5:30-7 p.m. at the CASEE Center, 11104 N.E. 149th St.

Visitors to the open house can ask questions about and review a summary of materials prepared in response to an application for a rural industrial land bank. No new information has been developed since the last open house in October 2015.

Vancouver, WA – Clark County Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board is accepting grant applications from local organizations with programs dedicated to spaying and neutering. Vancouver and Clark County are providing $15,000 in grants to applicants in the city and unincorporated county.

“Spay and neuter programs help all of us by reducing the number of animals that end up abandoned or at a shelter,” said Paul Scarpelli, Animal Control manager. “Altering your pet has proven to be healthier for the pet, as well as the community.”

Hearing materials include consultant’s report on buildable lots in rural area

Vancouver, WA – County planning staff and R.W. Thorpe & Associates have completed reports to help the Board of County Councilors conduct a public hearing on the “preferred alternative” for the next growth management plan.

All flags at county facilities have been lowered in honor of Seaside Police Sgt. Jason Goodding who was killed in the line of duty on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. Flags will remain lowered through Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016.

odmp.org/officer/22739-sergeant-jason-goodding

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office is taking applications for at least four retail fireworks permits to be assigned by lottery to be held on Feb. 12.

Fireworks cannot be sold in Clark County without a permit.

“One permit will be issued through the lottery, and more could become available if they are not retained by current holders,” said Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway.