Allen ‘Woodsy’ Thomas, who died in November 2025, was a journalist who worked in Clark County for five decades, with a focus on outdoors coverage and a passion for Southwest Washington
Paul Valencia
Clark County Today
The life and work of journalist Allen “Woodsy” Thomas was recognized by the Clark County Council on Tuesday, a proclamation encouraging residents to spend time “enjoying the wild places and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in his memory.”
Thomas was a reporter at The Columbian from 1975 until 2017, and he was the outdoors writer from 1978 until he retired. He was simply Woodsy to all who knew him.
Thomas was born in Vancouver in 1952 and lived in Clark County his entire life. Thomas died in late 2025.
The proclamation, dated Jan. 6, 2026, notes that he was known for “his love of the outdoors and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, credibility, in-depth reporting, care for others, professionalism, passion, and expertise on topics related to natural resources and outdoor recreation;
“Whereas, the Clark County finds it fitting and proper to honor a man who dedicated his life to helping Clark County residents better understand the natural world we inhabit and the policies and management of our resources;
“Now, therefore, we, the Clark County Council, do hereby officially recognize the lifetime contributions of Allen “Woodsy” Thomas.”
The council also noted that it will seek a fitting way to celebrate Thomas’ contributions in perpetuity.
Dave Kern, a former Columbian writer and news editor, said the Allen Thomas Project has become the Woodsy Club. He noted that his group has received more than 20 testimonials from readers, sportsmen, government officials, all praising Woody’s professionalism and commitment.
Clark County Councilor Matt Little said it was an honor to have known Thomas.
“He came to me during my campaign and said we thought alike. I was so honored to be in the same realm as Allen,” Little said.
Little noted that Thomas could tackle thorny subjects.
“He was very balanced and super passionate,” Little said. “I loved that about him.”
Note: Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance and reporter Paul Valencia worked with Woodsy for years. He was a legendary figure in the region, and we appreciate the county for recognizing his contributions.
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I would like to see Ken Vance get a Proclamation for Clark County Today.com.
I first met Allen Thomas, outdoor reporter for the Columbian, at the Fish and Wildlife Office when it was located on Hazel Dell Ave, Vancouver. I was the Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Agent, now called police officer, for Camas – Washougal district. I had been assigned the Stevenson district in 1965 and transferred to Camas in 1971.
I do not remember when I met Allen Thomas. He would come in almost every week to our regional office on Hazel Dell Ave, Vancouver, and read all the staff reports and talk with the staff to do his weekly outdoor column for the Columbian.
Allen always had a conservative viewpoint on our wildlife resources. He was allowed to read my “police reports” on arrests and investigations. He would talk to other officers for their perspective. Allen was a reporter of integrity and was honest. Allen would call me for editing on special investigations, to be sure of accuracy and he would not print “privacy issues.” He was our public reporter friend. Allen would ride with me on patrol, taking notes and pictures. He always endorsed and promoted wildlife management for WDFW.
My eldest son, Corey, a Boy Scout, at Troop 778, Camas Nazarene, did his Eagle Scout project of rebuilding the WDFW boat launch at LaCamas Lake, 1980s. Allen followed him through the entire project which took two years to complete. Allen was present for the dedication, with our local state senator Hal Zimmerman taking the lead. This was the largest Eagle project in the US for two years.
When I retired as captain of Region Five Enforcement, in 1998, Allen came with me for a day of patrol and took pictures and emphasized the boat ramp (Eagle Project) for my “retirement picture”. I believe that Allen Thomas was the best outdoor writer in this state, promoting sound management principles which included good enforcement. Allen was my friend.