The Clark County Clean Water Commission is hosting the Vancouver Lake Symposium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 17 to bring together community organizations, agencies, funders and decision-makers with the common goal of improving water quality in Vancouver Lake. 

“On behalf of the Clark County Clean Water Commission, I am so pleased that we are continuing to provide these important conferences on our local watersheds. Last year, we gathered to discuss improving water quality in Lacamas Lake and its watershed. This year, it’s Vancouver Lake’s turn,” said Ted Gathe, chair of the Clean Water Commission. “We look forward to an engaging and productive Vancouver Lake Symposium.” 

The symposium will include presentations to foster a shared understanding of the environmental, social and economic considerations driving lake management decisions. The event will foster discussion of actions needed to help reduce watershed sources of pollution in Vancouver Lake. 

Speakers include representatives from: 

• Clark Conservation District
• Clark County Historical Museum
• Clark County Public Health
• Clark County Public Works, Clean Water and County Lands Management
• Columbia Land Trust
• Cowlitz Indian Tribe
• Friends of Vancouver Lake
• Herrera Environmental Consultants 
• Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership 
• Port of Ridgefield
• Port of Vancouver
• Portland State University
• Portland-Vancouver Canopy Collective
• Vancouver Lake Rowing Club 
• Vancouver Lake Sailing Club
• Washington State Department of Ecology
• Washington State University
• Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington

Elected officials and their representatives from local, state and federal agencies will also be participating. “My interests in lakes started due to water quality challenges in Lacamas Lake. While Lacamas is in my council district on the east side of the county, my interest in protecting lakes and water quality doesn’t end there,” said Clark County Councilor Gary Medvigy. “I am proud that during my six years on the Clark County Council, improving lake water quality has been one of my top interests. I want to thank our Southwest Washington legislative partners for their ongoing support for this work.” 

Vancouver Lake has truly become a collaborative effort with support from all levels of government. “Water quality in Vancouver Lake is both a local and a state concern. The 49th District delegation and in particular Sen. Annette Cleveland’s support secured nearly one half a million dollars in state funding for Vancouver Lake’s long term management plan,” said state Representative Sharon Wylie. “The Symposium is a great step forward in tackling the water quality issues in the Lake which is a recreational and environmental jewel in our community.” 

Those interested in attending in person must register by 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at clark.wa.gov/public-works/clean-water-commission. The event will also be streamed live via Webex. Registration is not required to view the livestream. Information and instructions on viewing the livestream will be posted on the webpage prior to the event. Members of the press who would like to attend should contact Kaley McLachlan-Burton, Public Works public information officer, to confirm their attendance and coordinate interviews with attendees. 

Meeting interpretation, additional translation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting the Clean Water division at cleanwater@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4345. 

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