Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has posted caution signs at Vancouver Lake due to the possible bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

Public Health staff identified today suspected blue-green algae blooms at the Vancouver Lake swim beach, the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach. Public Health is currently awaiting sample results from these locations to determine if toxins are in the water. Results should be available by early next week.

Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with lake water… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Procession of the Species is returning for a third year at the Clark County Recycled Arts Festival, and the community is invited to attend free workshops to create costumes for the parade.

The Procession of the Species is a celebration of community and the natural world, and takes place on the final day of the popular Recycled Arts Festival. Parade participants of all ages dress up in costumes representing animals, plants and elements. Past Clark County processions have featured unicorns, jelly fish, birds, the sun, water, an inchworm and a sloth.

To… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ Mosquito season has arrived. As Clark County Mosquito Control District crews work to control the mosquito population, Public Health officials are encouraging everyone to take steps to eliminate mosquito habitats and avoid mosquito bites.

Earlier this spring, Clark County Mosquito Control District crews began monitoring floodwater areas and wetlands, which are common mosquito breeding areas. Recent sampling at those locations revealed significant numbers of mosquito larvae, with the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Local business representatives have an opportunity to learn about green cleaning product manufacturer Biokleen at a free networking event this month.

Clark County’s Green Business program is hosting its Morning Blend networking event 8-9:30 am Thursday, May 16 at Biokleen, 5408 N.E. 88th St. Morning Blend is an opportunity for business representatives to network, discuss green business initiatives at workplaces, and learn about solutions for reducing our environmental impact.

This month’s event will celebrate Biokleen’s 30th anniversary and will include a… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – With warm weather on the horizon, Clark County residents may soon be heading to local waterways for the first swim of the season. But area lakes and rivers are still cold, and water may be moving quickly. Public Health encourages everyone to follow a few simple strategies to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the water now and throughout the summer.

Know the water conditions

• Lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold enough to shock and immobilize even the strongest of swimmers.
• Rivers are high and swift… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Master Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free composting and green cleaning workshops this spring.

The three composting workshops will teach people how to set up successful composting operations at home, highlighting different composting methods. The green cleaning workshop will teach participants how to make environmentally friendly alternatives to cleaning solvents that contain hazardous chemicals.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops and space is limited. To register for workshops, visit the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has declared the local measles outbreak over, after six weeks with no new cases. Public Health confirmed 71 cases of measles during the months-long outbreak.

Two confirmed cases previously included in the Clark County totals have been removed. Those two individuals moved to Georgia during the outbreak and are being counted in that state’s measles case numbers. The Clark County total does not include King County and Oregon cases that have been linked to the local outbreak.

The outbreak began Jan. 3, when laboratory testing… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – This Earth Day, Clark County Green Business is celebrating five new businesses joining the sustainability program this year.

The Green Business program offers resources and onsite assistance to help businesses operate efficiently, reduce environmental impact and offer employees healthy workplaces. The program, coordinated by Clark County Public Health, recognizes and celebrates these achievements with Green Business certification.

Currently, 87 businesses are certified with the program, which launched in 2012.

Here are the five newly certified… Read More

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

The position represents southwest Clark County. Applicants must live west of State Route 503/Northeast 117th Avenue, or the extension thereof, and south of Northeast 179th Street. This includes those living in areas of Salmon Creek, Felida, Lake Shore, Hazel Dell, Fairgrounds, Minnehaha, Walnut Grove, Five Corners, Pleasant Valley and west Vancouver.

The three-year term will begin June 1 and end May 31, 2022.

Commission members act as… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has been awarded a five-year, $300,000 grant to implement strategies to improve physical activity and nutrition among adults and children.

Public Health will use the Local Strategies for Physical Activity and Nutrition grant to focus on four areas: nutrition guidelines, breastfeeding-friendly environments, nutrition and active play policies in early childhood settings, and physical activity-friendly built environments. Public Health is one of four communities selected by the Washington Department of Health to receive funding from the… Read More