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Wednesday,  September 18 , 2024
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Photo of Lauren Ellenbecker

Stories by Lauren Ellenbecker

Columbian staff writer

The United States Forest Service has proposed to raise fees at several sites in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Many formerly free trailheads would charge a $5 parking fee.

Gifford Pinchot may increase recreation fees at trailheads, campsites, cabins

The United States Forest Service has proposed to raise fees at several sites in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Many formerly free trailheads would charge a $5 parking fee.

March 6, 2023, 4:07pm Clark County News

After months of gathering public input, the U.S. Forest Service is moving forward with its request to increase or add recreation fees at 36 trailheads, campsites and cabins, and other recreation hubs in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read story

Stormwater partners launch video contest

March 4, 2023, 6:00am Clark County News Free

Young filmmakers have the chance to apply their skills to promote the health and preservation of local watersheds — and could potentially win hundreds of dollars for doing so. Read story

Nominees sought for county parks award

March 4, 2023, 6:00am Clark County News Free

Do you know someone who’s efforts have had a meaningful influence on Clark County’s parks, trails and recreational programs? Here’s a chance to recognize their endeavors. Read story

Trucks drive toward the Zimmerly gravel pit east of Washougal in July 2018. Operators of the pit, long the subject of opposition from neighbors and conservation groups, are seeking permission to keep extracting gravel from the site.

Clark County asked to OK gravel pit east of Washougal

Trucks drive toward the Zimmerly gravel pit east of Washougal in July 2018. Operators of the pit, long the subject of opposition from neighbors and conservation groups, are seeking permission to keep extracting gravel from the site.

February 28, 2023, 6:04am Business

A gravel pit that has been involved in years of disputes and lawsuits is in the public eye once again, as its owner and operator request approval to continue mining at the site. Read story

A Western bumble bee, as seen here, was one of the most popular bees along the West Coast but has substantially decreased since the 1990s, according to the Xerces Society.

Clark College abuzz over bee buffet

A Western bumble bee, as seen here, was one of the most popular bees along the West Coast but has substantially decreased since the 1990s, according to the Xerces Society.

February 27, 2023, 6:06am Clark County News

Steve Clark’s movements appeared to vibrate an endless amount of energy and delight – sort of like the bees he’s attempting to draw to Clark College’s lawns. Read story

Tyler Clary, manager for water systems/water engineering for the city of Vancouver's water utility, pauses for a portrait with a 1 million gallon stand pipe at Water Station 1 in July 2021.

Vancouver searches for source of ‘forever chemicals’ in city’s water

Tyler Clary, manager for water systems/water engineering for the city of Vancouver's water utility, pauses for a portrait with a 1 million gallon stand pipe at Water Station 1 in July 2021.

February 23, 2023, 4:52pm Clark County News

If you’re a Vancouver resident, you may have received a mailer advising that your water contains “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” otherwise known as PFAS – harmful human-made chemicals. Read story

The parking lot fills quickly at Dog Mountain Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge in the spring.

Dog Mountain parking permits online March 15

The parking lot fills quickly at Dog Mountain Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge in the spring.

February 23, 2023, 6:00am Clark County News

In light of Dog Mountain’s popularity during peak wildflower season, hikers should consider securing a parking spot ahead of time. Read story

Locals are grouping together to promote sustainable consumption by reducing food, household and plastic waste.

Reducing household waste focus of Clark County’s annual WasteBusters challenge

Locals are grouping together to promote sustainable consumption by reducing food, household and plastic waste.

February 21, 2023, 5:47pm Clark County News

There’s an overwhelming list of tasks to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, but meaningful action can begin with simply minimizing waste. Read story

A sea lion eats a salmon in the Columbia River near Bonneville Dam in North Bonneville in 2008.

Sea lions threaten Northwest’s salmon

A sea lion eats a salmon in the Columbia River near Bonneville Dam in North Bonneville in 2008.

February 17, 2023, 6:04am Clark County News

Decadeslong efforts by state and tribal agencies have slowly curbed sea lion populations in the region, yet officials still consider the pinnipeds a threat to at-risk salmon populations in the Columbia River. Read story

Hector Hinojosa, left, and his wife, Jodell Hinojosa, watch a flock of geese fly over La Frambois Road on Wednesday near the site of a proposed megawarehouse in the Fruit Valley neighborhood. He is among those who are outspoken against the development, arguing that it will only lead to an increase in air pollution and disruption of natural habitats and farmland.

Fruit Valley residents wary of warehouse plan

Hector Hinojosa, left, and his wife, Jodell Hinojosa, watch a flock of geese fly over La Frambois Road on Wednesday near the site of a proposed megawarehouse in the Fruit Valley neighborhood. He is among those who are outspoken against the development, arguing that it will only lead to an increase in air pollution and disruption of natural habitats and farmland.

February 16, 2023, 6:00am Clark County News

Fruit Valley has become an ironic name for Vancouver’s largest neighborhood. At least that’s what some of the area’s residents and local conservationists say about Vancouver’s westernmost neighborhood, which once contained an abundance of natural wetlands and agricultural space. It’s now home to a greater quantity of industrial operations that… Read story