Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has downgraded the advisory at Vancouver Lake from warning to caution. Blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are still present at the lake, but results from recent water samples indicate low levels of toxins in the water.

As long as algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change. Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with water in areas with floating blue-green-colored scum. The toxins produced by blue-green algae can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets.… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted the advisories at Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas. The blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, at the lakes dissipated over the weekend and are no longer present at either lake.

The caution and warning signs posted at the lakes are being removed. However, algae blooms may return as conditions change. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in the lakes to watch for floating blue-green-colored scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. The public can report algae blooms on the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has upgraded its advisories at Vancouver Lake and Round Lake after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

Public Health has been monitoring blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, at Vancouver Lake since June 12, and Round and Lacamas lakes in Camas since Monday.

Results from water samples taken from Vancouver and Round lakes on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Fireworks remain potential sources of fire and injury long after they light up the night sky. Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations.

Fireworks debris, if not properly cleaned up, can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and other waterways. Fireworks contain a number of heavy metals and other chemicals that can build up in fish and wildlife. Residents can reduce this contamination by sweeping up and disposing of firework debris as soon as… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has created an option for food establishments interested in creating dog-friendly outdoor patios.

Since 2005, Washington state food code has prohibited all animals, except service animals, on the premises of food establishments, which include outdoor dining areas. In recent years, local business owners and the public have shown growing interest in more pet-friendly dining establishments. In response, Clark County Public Health has developed a variance to the state code that will allow dogs on outdoor patios while still maintaining food… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued advisories for Lacamas Lake and Round Lake in Camas due to blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

A blue-green algae bloom in Lacamas Lake was reported to Public Health on Friday afternoon. Public Health staff visited Lacamas Lake, Round Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake this morning and identified blue-green algae blooms in Lacamas Lake and Round Lake. Staff did not see a bloom at Fallen Leaf Lake.

Water samples were collected from Lacamas and Round lakes. Results from those samples should be available… Read More

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