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Public Health News

Clark County Green Neighbors invites community members to visit local gardens that exemplify the beauty of nature and sustainable gardening practices during this month’s Natural Garden Tour. 

The Natural Garden Tour is 10 am to 3 pm Sunday, June 23 and will occur rain or shine. The self-guided tour will feature nine gardens throughout Clark County, each demonstrating different natural gardening techniques. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to explore these gardens and learn about innovative and environmentally friendly gardening techniques in use.… Read More


Clark County Public Health has issued a swim beach warning at Battle Ground Lake after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed.

Test results for one of five water samples collected at Battle Ground Lake on Tuesday, May 28 showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The other samples had bacteria levels within acceptable water quality standards.

Warning signs are being posted at the lake. While the warning is in place, Public Health… Read More


The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. 

Applications are being accepted for the position representing small cities and towns in Clark County (cities other than Vancouver). Applicants should be a member of one of the city or town councils or a representative who lives or works in those jurisdictions. The three-year term begins immediately upon appointment.

The Solid Waste Advisory Commission holds quarterly meetings at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August… Read More


With warm weather in the forecast for this weekend, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around water – especially area lakes and rivers. In spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly. 

“Temperatures may be warming up this weekend, but lakes and rivers are still cold enough to shock and immobilize even the strongest swimmers,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

Public Health urges people of all… Read More


Clark County Public Health’s offices will be closed on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for an all-day staff training event. Online services will continue to be available.

Public Health’s online permitting portal enables people to submit new permit applications and renewals, upload required documents, review account activity, and make payments. Food worker testing continues to be available online. And people can… Read More


This Earth Day, Clark County Public Health is honoring environmental sustainability leaders in local K-12 schools and businesses with the 2024 Green Awards. The annual Green Awards highlight the accomplishments of individuals and organizations and celebrate their commitment to reducing harmful environmental impacts, educating others, and giving back to the community. 

This year’s awards recognize two local educators and three Green Businesses for their commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable culture in their communities. Winners will receive unique… Read More


Clark County’s Green Business program invites the business community to learn about sustainability opportunities related to reuse and safe refill of consumer-owned food and beverage containers at a free educational event. 

The Morning Blend event is 8:30-10 am Wednesday, May 1 at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite 101, in Vancouver. Morning Blend is a monthly event hosted by Clark County Green Business to encourage businesses to network, discuss green business efforts at their workplaces and learn about solutions for reducing… Read More


Clark County has joined a national movement to prevent food waste. The Clark County Council on Tuesday proclaimed April 1-7 to be Food Waste Prevention Week, joining the international sustainability campaign with more than 600 organizations working to implement and amplify food waste prevention education.

Washington generates an estimated 1.1… Read More


Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free in-person and online workshops about composting and sustainable living strategies. The series will teach participants how to reduce their impact on the planet through composting, green cleaning, recycling, food waste prevention and low waste living. 

Here are the workshops offered this spring:

  • Cooking with Leftovers on a Budget: 6-7:30 pm Wednesday, April 3 at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Learn how to save money and… Read More

Clark County’s Green Business program invites the community to learn about green business marketing strategies from Riparian Media at a free Morning Blend event this month. Morning Blend is an opportunity for business owners, managers and employees to network, discuss green business efforts in the workplace, and learn about solutions for reducing the commercial impact on the environment. 

This month’s event will feature Kayla Anderson from Riparian Media. Participants will learn about social media marketing for green businesses and delve into topics such as brand awareness,… Read More