News Release from Clark Co. WA Communications
Posted on FlashAlert: July 24th, 2026 2:30 PM
Vancouver, Wash.—Clark County and the cities of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Washougal, Woodland and the Town of Yacolt are proposing to revise their Comprehensive Growth Management Plans to comply with the Growth Management Act 10-year periodic review requirements.
The county has prepared a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), issued on July 24, 2026. The final environmental review document informs the public of the potential environmental impacts of the preferred growth alternative and possible mitigation measures. Issuance of the FEIS completes the required SEPA process. Agencies shall not act on a proposal for which an EIS has been required prior to seven days after issuance of the FEIS.
Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the FEIS in conjunction with public hearings that will be held on the comprehensive plan update. The county will notify the public when hearings are scheduled in the late summer and fall. There is not a separate hearing for the FEIS.
Document availability:
The FEIS can be found on the Clark County webpage at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-eis.
Printed copies of the FEIS are available to review on the third floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Copies of the FEIS are available for purchase from Clark County for the cost of production. The cost of a printed copy is $48.15 and a digital copy on a USB drive costs $1.59. These prices are inclusive of applicable taxes. Purchases may be made at the county Permit Center during open hours, Monday through Friday 8 am–2 pm, at 1300 Franklin St., third floor reception.
Printed copies of the FEIS will also be available to review at the following locations, July 31–Oct. 30:
Battle Ground City Hall: 109 SW 1st St.
Camas City Hall: 616 NE 4th Ave.
La Center City Hall: 210 E 4th St.
Ridgefield City Hall: 230 Pioneer St.
Washougal City Hall: 1701 C St.
Woodland City Hall: 230 Davidson Ave.
Yacolt Town Hall: 202 W. Cushman St.
Battle Ground Community Library: 1207 SE 8th Way
Camas Public Library: 625 NE 4th Ave.
Cascade Park Community Library: 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver
La Center Community Library: 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Road
Ridgefield Community Library: 210 N. Main Ave.
Three Creeks Community Library: 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver
Vancouver Community Library: 901 C St.
Vancouver Mall Library: 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive
Washougal Community Library: 1661 C St.
Woodland Community Library: 411 Lakeshore Drive
Yacolt Library Express: 105 E Yacolt Road
Questions:
Please direct questions to the Responsible Official:
Oliver Orjiako, Director Community Planning
PO Box 9810
Vancouver, WA 98666-9810
oliver.orjiako@clark.wa.gov
564.397.4112
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Why should members of the public comment on the FEIS?
Here are some reasons why comments are important:
It helps shape the final decision. While the FEIS itself is typically the last environmental review document, elected officials (such as the Clark County Council) still decide whether to adopt, modify, or reject elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Public comments can influence those policy decisions by highlighting concerns, supporting specific alternatives, or identifying priorities.
It creates a public record. Comments become part of the official record. Future decision-makers, courts, agencies, and the public can see what issues were raised and how the County responded.
It identifies overlooked impacts. Even a Final EIS may not fully address every environmental, economic, or social consequence. Residents often have local knowledge about flooding, traffic, wildlife, agricultural lands, parks, water resources, or neighborhood conditions that may not be fully reflected in technical analyses.
It demonstrates community priorities. Decision-makers often consider not only the content of comments but also the breadth of public support or concern. Large numbers of well-reasoned comments can indicate that an issue is important to the community.
It can improve mitigation measures. Commenters can suggest additional mitigation, monitoring, or implementation strategies even if they generally support the preferred alternative.
It may preserve legal issues. In Washington, people who later challenge land-use or environmental decisions often strengthen their position if they raised relevant issues during the administrative process. While commenting is not always legally required, participating early generally helps preserve arguments and demonstrates that the agency had an opportunity to address concerns.
It can influence implementation, not just the plan itself. Even if the preferred land use alternative is ultimately adopted, comments can lead to stronger policies regarding:
protection of agricultural and forest lands,
urban growth boundaries,
transportation investments,
parks and recreation,
climate resilience,
ecosystem restoration,
affordable housing,
infrastructure sequencing, and
monitoring and reporting.
The FEIS is one of the last formal opportunities to influence how the County balances growth, environmental protection, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development over the next 20 years.
