Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County has received many questions and concerns regarding alleged violations of environmental laws by Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad (PVJR). PVJR operates the railroad, commonly known as the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, pursuant to a lease with the county.

Update 1/3: The Klineline Pond area and parking lot at Salmon Creek Regional Park will be closed on Jan. 5 for delivery of project materials. Learn more.

Clark County residents who are among the millions of people buying natural Christmas trees this holiday season can utilize local recycling options to give their trees purpose long after the holidays are over.  

Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch – a natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping. 

Clark County Community Services has scheduled four public forums in January 2024 to discuss and get feedback on its low-income community needs survey conducted earlier this year. This feedback will be included in the final Community Needs Assessment report and will help determine spending decisions countywide.

These events are open to all. Registration is encouraged. Interpretation services will be provided upon request. Light refreshments will be available during in-person forums.

County Manager Kathleen Otto is seeking applicants for a 12-person Rural Event Center/Agri-tourism Task Force.

At the direction of the Clark County Council, the Director of Community Development will lead the task force to explore possible code revisions in unincorporated Clark County. Issues to be contemplated include opening up current county code to allow property owners in R-5, R-10 and R-20 zones to engage in agri-tourism related activities not currently permitted.

The task force will be comprised of:

Update, 12/13: both roads have reopened. Original notice is below.

Recent high water incidents have impacted the structures of two county bridges. Emergency closures are in effect until further notice on:

Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is accepting applications for a no-cost seven-course training program. Participants who complete the training become certified Composter Recyclers and join a group of environmental advocates who want to learn about low-waste living and share sustainability information with the community.  

The Clark County Council will hold a special meeting at 1 pm Wednesday, Dec. 13. This will be the council’s last meeting for 2023.

The council will consider the following items at the special meeting:

The Clark County Council is requesting applications for three at-large volunteer positions on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees.

Terms for all three positions begin Jan. 2, 2024, and end Dec. 31, 2025. 

The Board of Trustees oversees the work of the Clark County Mosquito Control District. The board establishes policy, manages expenditures, and approves contracts for services.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of one member from each city or town in Clark County and three at-large members appointed by the Clark County Council. 

2 p.m., Dec. 7: Northeast Spurrel Road and Northeast Pup Creek Road has REOPENED. Original posting below.

Posted Dec. 6: Northeast Spurrel Road and Northeast Pup Creek Road closed until further notice due to down power lines.

Never enter closed areas.

Updates will be shared at clark.wa.gov/public-works, on Public Works social media profiles and via additional news releases. Residents are encouraged to check the website for announcements of additional closures before they head out on the roads.