Camas-Washougal logo tag

Vegetation removal at dike angers some

Volunteers will flag trees for protection today

By
timestamp icon
category icon
This photograph taken by Jay Elder shows the dike trail after the removal of trees and vegetation in the area of the dike near the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, in Washougal. The removal of trees and shrubs 15 feet from the toe of the Columbia River dike is required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to maintain the integrity of the dike. Elder is seeking volunteers to flag trees with the hope they will not be removed between the dike and the river.

This photograph taken by Jay Elder shows the dike trail after the removal of trees and vegetation in the area of the dike near the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, in Washougal. The removal of trees and shrubs 15 feet from the toe of the Columbia River dike is required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to maintain the integrity of the dike. Elder is seeking volunteers to flag trees with the hope they will not be removed between the dike and the river.

This photograph taken by Jay Elder shows the dike trail before the removal of trees and vegetation in the area of the dike near the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, in Washougal.

This photograph taken by Jay Elder shows the dike trail before the removal of trees and vegetation in the area of the dike near the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, in Washougal.

Several local residents are concerned about the recent loss of trees and vegetation near the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Gary Simmons, a Washougal boater, said he was horrified to see trees thinned out.

Thank you for reading the Post-Record.

Subscribe now to get unlimited access.

Already a subscriber? Sign in right arrow icon

Related Stories

A motorist passes Lacamas Lake, left, while driving past the Leadbetter House, right, on Northeast Leadbetter Road in Camas on July 1. The Leadbetter Walk & Roll event will close Leadbetter Road to motorized vehicles from the city’s boat launch to Camp Currie from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 14 to give pedestrians and bicyclists safe access to the roadway and to explore two of the city’s Legacy Lands properties. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian) Leadbetter Walk & Roll planned
July 10, 2025 The city of Washougal’s new Washougal Wins When Everyone Pitches In program encourages volunteers to complete 40 hours of litter cleanup by the end of 2025. (Photo courtesy of Michele Loftus/city of Washougal) Washougal starts new trash pickup program
July 10, 2025 Officials respond to a report of a drowning swimmer at Horseshoe Lake Park as swimmers look on in Cowlitz County on Monday afternoon. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian) Water rescues present challenges in Clark County
July 10, 2025