At the Port of Vancouver USA, sustainability guides how we care for land, water and wildlife. Through innovative partnerships and responsible planning, we protect and restore important habitats while supporting economic development.
Natural Resource Mitigation
To balance development with environmental responsibility, the port partners on projects that restore and enhance local ecosystems. One major effort is the Columbia River Wetland Mitigation Bank—a collaboration with Clark County Mitigation Partners and Ducks Unlimited. This 100+ acre site improves and expands wetlands, preserves songbird habitat, and supports regional biodiversity.
The bank helps offset unavoidable development impacts by offering wetland “credits” that can be purchased by public and private developers. Its service area spans from the Cowlitz River to Bonneville Dam and along nearby Columbia River tributaries.
Purple Martin Habitat
Purple martins are a native migratory bird species that rely almost entirely on human-made structures for nesting in the Pacific Northwest. To support their survival, the port has installed specialized nesting gourds in areas near the Columbia River. These structures provide critical breeding habitat for the birds during the spring and summer months. Each year, port staff monitor the nests to ensure they remain safe and free of invasive species that may threaten the martin population.
Pollinator Habitat
Pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. To support these important species, the port has established pollinator-friendly habitat zones throughout its properties. These areas feature native flowering plants that bloom throughout the seasons, offering food and shelter for pollinators year-round. By creating and maintaining these habitats, the port helps strengthen biodiversity and supports regional conservation efforts.
Bird-Safe Program
The Port of Vancouver USA is located along the Pacific Flyway—a major north-south migration route that stretches from Alaska to South America. Each year, millions of birds travel this corridor, relying on stopover habitats like the Columbia River and Vancouver Lake Lowlands for food, rest and shelter.
With so many migratory and resident birds in the area, reducing bird-building collisions is an important priority. The port has taken steps to make select buildings safer by installing non-reflective window coverings. These treatments are transparent from the inside but visible to birds, helping prevent window strikes while maintaining visibility for staff.
For more information about what you can do to protect birds, download our Bird-Safe Program flyer or email port Environmental Project Manager Matt Harding.
3103 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA 98660
PHONE360-693-3611 FAX360-735-1565 EMAIL info@portvanusa.com
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