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Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory for Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Wednesday, July 5 revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold level recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. When a warning advisory is in place, health officials recommend:


Clark County residents interested in natural gardening can explore nine local gardens maintained using sustainable techniques during the 18th annual Natural Garden Tour.

Visitors can take free, self-guided tours of these private gardens 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, July 16. Participants can explore gardens at their own pace – visiting as many of the gardens as they’d like. Booklets with a tour map and garden details, including accessibility levels and parking availability, can be downloaded from the Clark County… Read More


Clark County residents can help prevent fires, injuries and pollution by properly disposing of fireworks after their Fourth of July celebrations.

Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations. And fireworks debris, if not properly cleaned up, can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes. Fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm fish and wildlife. To prevent waterway contamination, residents should sweep up and dispose of fireworks… Read More


The Clark County Board of Health has extended the application deadline for a volunteer position on the Public Health Advisory Council. The deadline for applications is now 5 pm Friday, July 14.

The open position is for a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Clark County. The selected applicant will complete an unexpired three-year term that ends Sept. 30, 2024.

The advisory council meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. One meeting per quarter is in person 6-8 pm at various locations across the county. The remaining meetings are 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom.

Read More


Mosquito season has arrived early in Clark County, and residents may be facing another summer with a bigger-than-usual mosquito population. Clark County Mosquito Control District has been working for weeks to reduce the mosquito population and continues to treat areas with high numbers of mosquitoes across the county. As crews work to reduce the number of mosquitoes, Clark County Public Health is encouraging everyone to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito habitats on their property.

The species of mosquitoes that are currently active in Clark County, called… Read More


The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Public Health Advisory Council.

The open position is for a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Clark County. The selected applicant will complete an unexpired three-year term that ends Sept. 30, 2024.

The advisory council meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. One meeting per quarter is in person 6-8 pm at various locations across the county. The remaining meetings are 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom.

The Public Health… Read More


Clark County Public Health’s summer swim beach monitoring begins Tuesday, May 30. Throughout the summer, Public Health will monitor water quality at the county’s three designated swim beaches – Vancouver Lake, Klineline Pond and Battle Ground Lake – checking the waterbodies every two weeks for bacteria that could make swimmers sick.

Public Health will issue advisories if bacteria levels exceed state thresholds and may pose a risk to people swimming or wading in the water. Signs will be posted at swim beaches with advisories, and information about advisories will be posted on the… Read More


Vancouver, Wash. – With high temperatures in the forecast for the 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.

“Even as temperatures rise, 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 ages to follow these tips for safe… Read More


The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Public Health Advisory Council.

The open position is for a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Clark County. The selected applicant will complete an unexpired three-year term that ends Sept. 30, 2024.

The advisory council meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. One meeting per quarter is in person 6-8 pm at various locations across the county. The remaining meetings are 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom.

The Public Health… Read More


This Earth Day, Clark County Public Health is honoring environmental sustainability leaders in local K-12 schools with the 2023 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 a local educator and three student green teams for their commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable culture on school campuses. Winners will receive unique trophies crafted by students at Washougal… Read More