pov-vancouver-lake_2007_webThe Port of Vancouver USA has long been involved in protecting the lower Columbia River, which includes a number of smaller watersheds and the largest lake system in Clark County: Vancouver Lake.

At 2,300 acres, the lake is a critical aquifer and an important resource in the lower Columbia region. Each year it hosts 200,000 migratory waterfowl and a variety of salmonids.

In 2014 the Port of Vancouver, City of Vancouver and Clark County partnered with the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (LCEP) to raise awareness about Vancouver Lake, engage the community in its care and help people directly experience the lake by participating in community paddles.

Since beginning its Experience Vancouver Lake program in 2015, LCEP has engaged 365 students from various local schools; hosted several events, during which participants cleaned the shoreline of litter and planted 270 trees and shrubs; and provided tools and resources to educate the community about this local treasure.

LCEP is continuing its outreach efforts with more events planned in 2016, including a public open house on April 27 at the Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver.

Please join us for this informative event, and visit www.estuarypartnership.org for more opportunities to get involved with Vancouver Lake.