Vancouver’s setting on the Columbia River still defines its identity. The Port of Vancouver is a major employer in the city. Now, many Vancouver residents cross the river twice a day to work in Portland, Oregon. The river has also attracted tourists to Vancouver since the 1920s, when the Pacific Highway (US 99) was completed.

The river is also a priority for environmental work in Vancouver. The city works to balance commercial use of the shoreline with environmental conservation and restoration. Environmental protection has been added to community planning for the City of Vancouver. One new priority is to install and care for native plant species within the city. At the former Alcoa aluminum production site on the river by the Reserve, environmental remediation work has been completed, and the site now belongs to the Port of Vancouver.

At the Fort Vancouver National Site, community members visit for events such as July 4th fireworks, Native American ceremonies, military events at the Barracks, and aviation events at Pearson Airport.

Community members can craft a vision for a sustainable future. Consider water issues in Confluence Project communities and your own. . .

Each region has its own critical planning issues for water use and the health of its streams, lakes, coastline or wetlands.

• Along the Lower Columbia River, the desire to reduce toxins entering the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean has led to restructuring of boat yards and port facilities, and an effort to educate citizens about the chemical contaminants in some personal care products and fragrances.
• In the City of Vancouver, Washington, an interest in reducing the amount of water used to maintain ornamental plants led to a provision in the city plan for using native plants for landscaping public places. Also in Vancouver, Jones and Jones Architects designed a system for the Land Bridge to reduce run-off and collect rain water for irrigation.
• Near Troutdale, Oregon, the Marmot Dam on the Sandy River was removed in the effort to restore fish runs.