Work to address water quality issues to continue

VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Works’ Clean Water division presented an overview of Phase 2 of the Vancouver Lake Management Plan to the Clark County Council at a work session on July 23. The third phase of the project was put on hold after funding was removed from this year’s state budget. At the work session, staff requested council policy direction for the investment of county resources in implementing the management plan. At the council’s direction, staff will continue working to support the implementation of the plan, which will include meeting with partners, advocating for state and federal funding, exploring governance and funding structures, investing in beach management to ensure access for swimmers and water-based recreation, treating for milfoil, and investigating sources of pollution.

The Vancouver Lake Technical Advisory Group, consisting of community stakeholders, local agency representatives and county staff, recently completed Phase 2 of the Vancouver Lake Management Plan. Phase 2 included a pilot of a beach management plan focused on reducing harmful algae blooms at the Vancouver Lake swim beach, as well as an evaluation of engineering options to improve water circulation in the lake and enhance water quality. The work also evaluated governance framework options to support long-term decision-making and funding for ongoing lake management activities.

Funding for implementation of the first two phases was provided through direct funding appropriations from the Washington State Legislature. Phase 1 of the plan focused on planning and establishing a framework for short-term and long-term actions to improve water quality in the lake. Phase 2 focused on implementing recommendations from Phase 1, including:

• Increased public participation and input in lake management discussions through convening of the Vancouver Lake Technical Advisory Group and the 2024 Vancouver Lake Symposium
• Evaluation of long-term governance and funding structure options to support lake management activities
• Development and implementation of a pilot beach management plan for lake treatments at the Vancouver Lake swim beach
• Analysis of options to increase the volume of water entering the lake during summer months to help dilute pollution that causes harmful algal blooms
• Survey, mapping and treatment of invasive species on the lake’s shoreline, by the County Lands Management division

While it may be some time before additional lake management strategies are selected, funded and implemented, work to improve the quality of water draining into the lake is current and ongoing. “Our Clean Water division is also committed to continuing to invest resources in implementing watershed activities as the most impactful thing we can do to restore water quality in Vancouver Lake,” said division manager Devan Rostorfer. “We have a lot of different projects happening right now that will all have positive impacts on reducing nonpoint source pollution and nutrient loading that are the main sources of pollution contributing to harmful algal bloom issues.”

Phase 2 was completed by Herrera Environmental Consultants in partnership with Jacobs, LimnoTech, OrgSupport and AquaTechnex. The consultant team was selected through a competitive process with evaluators representing partners Clark County Public Health, Public Works, the Port of Vancouver and Friends of Vancouver Lake.

Background

Vancouver Lake is located in Clark County adjacent to the Columbia River, with shoreline areas managed by Clark County, WDFW, the Columbia Land Trust, the Port of Vancouver, and the City of Vancouver. The lake covers approximately 2,300 acres, or 3.6 square miles, offering significant recreational opportunities, including national rowing events that attract large numbers of tourists annually. Vancouver Lake also provides considerable access to waterfowl habitat, making it a popular destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. 

Significant lake management planning has been completed after many years, aimed at addressing declining water quality and impacts to recreational opportunities. The efforts focused on managing algae blooms and invasive species in the lake. Most recently, Clark County led the completion of the Phase 1 Vancouver Lake Management Plan, completed in 2023. Phase 2 of the effort concluded in 2025.

More information about the lake management plan can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/lake-management.

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Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.