News From Your Friends

What’s on our Radar – Week of October 27th, 2025

October 27, 2025 in General

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update was released! FOCC is reviewing this draft, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can view the full announcement by Clark County here. The comment period is now open and county planners are holding office hours for questions on Thursdays, Oct. 16th-Nov. 20th.

  • Last week:

    • Camp Bonneville:

    • There was a work session on the 2025 Fall Budget Supplemental that can be viewed here: WS 2025 Fall Budget Supplemental
    • Department of Natural Resources forest management: FOCC’s own Mary Goody testified at Council Time about the DNR claiming that the Clark County Council no longer opposed the destruction of the Turnover timber sale and others simply because they did not receive a fourth letter from the Council after the DNR forestlands tour. She also spoke to the lack of transparency around how the revenue from the timber sales gets distributed. The Council decided to send a fourth letter clarifying their position and asking at least for a change to the prescription of the Turnover sale. They also revisited discussion about exploring a forestry commission or task force as well as meeting with the Junior Taxing Districts (those who receive funding through the timber sales). The Council also approved sending a letter to the DNR sharing interest in participating in the Natural Climate Solutions program and proposing a section of Larch Mountain for conservation, which was a proposal brought forth by our partners at Legacy Forest Defense Coalition and supported by FOCC!

    • Process: The Council discussed the process for making amendments to the Council Time agenda to ensure that the public gets a chance to comment on all agenda items that come up.

    • You can view notes from the League of Women Voters’ Observer Corps for a rundown on the work sessions and the Council Time conversation, including discussion regarding federal arrestees being held at the Clark County Jail, the Legislative Delegation Briefing preparation and the Clark County Transportation Alliance here: https://lwvclarkcounty.org/content.aspx?page_id=2507&club_id=160612&item_id=5126&pst=29801
  • This week:
    • Wednesday, October 29th at 9am is a work session all about the 2026 Annual Budget!
    • Wednesday, October 29th at 1pm is Council Time. Items of note:
  • Other Clark County advisory board/commission meetings:

    • A special meeting of the Clark County Agricultural Advisory Commission is scheduled for this Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, at 6 p.m.

      This meeting is the monthly meeting of the commission at a special date and time, to consider additional information regarding the comprehensive plan agricultural lands study.

      This meeting will be held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options for commissioners, staff, and the public. You can join in person, at the 6th floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98666, or virtually via WebEx. The meeting materials can be found posted on the meetings page here: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/agricultural-advisory-commission-meetings

  • Other happenings:
    • The October Clark County Agricultural Lands Study Open House is this Tuesday, October 28th at 5:30pm!Remember, the Clark County Council requested that the County proceed with a modified Resource Land Analysis, termed an Ag Study, to address Ridgefield’s and La Center’s proposals to expand their urban growth areas (UGA’s) into ag land during this Comprehensive Plan Update cycle. An analysis of existing farmland is required by law when land zoned for agriculture is re-designated.

       

      That’s why we need a BIG showing at the ag study open house to learn and provide feedback. Bonus points if you are a farmer or are otherwise involved in the local food system, as we know that land speculation has an impact on our existing and aspiring farmers.Friends of Clark County stands strong in our need to preserve existing agricultural and forest land for climate change mitigation, food production, clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat preservation and the security of our agricultural economy.

      Location: Battle Ground Community Center, located at 912 E Main St, Battle Ground, WA 98604. More information and registration here: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/agricultural-lands-study

See you next week!
FOCC Community Outreach

 

    WEB & SEO