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Environment

September 24, 2026
Craftsmen Jeramy Boik, left, and Michael Jaeger of Vancouver-based Catio Craftsman install a catio roof for a client Thursday in Northeast Portland. Adding a catio can help keep cats safe and reduce predation on birds and other wildlife. (Photos by Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Catios ‘purr-fect’ for felines, birds

WEST HAZEL DELL — Hazel Dell resident Gloria Lionz wanted to keep her 9-year-old cat Apollo safe indoors but also allow him to experience and enjoy the outdoors. The neighbor’s cat often “tried to beat up my 18-pound loving boy,” Lionz said.

September 24, 2026
Clark County Public Works’ clean water division is applying for grant funds from the state Department of Ecology to help fund four projects, including a reforestation effort in the lowlands of Vancouver Lake, seen here in 2023. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian files)

County to seek Ecology grants

Clark County Public Works’ clean water division will seek $2 million in grants from the state Department of Ecology after the county council Tuesday approved the grant applications.

August 27, 2026
An emerald ash borer. The invasive and destructive pest has been spotted in Vancouver, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. (Contributed photo)

First emerald ash borer seen in Washington

The invasive and destructive emerald ash borer has been spotted in Vancouver, the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced last week in a news release. The bright green beetles, which originate from northeastern Asia, were initially detected in the United States two decades ago in Michigan. Since then, the beetles have killed 100 million ash trees across the country.