Balancing Economic Development with Sustainability

Penguin Talks return, highlighting Port of Camas-Washougal's amenities and impact on community

This term’s Penguin Talks series kicked off at the Camas Public Library on April 27, where Trang Lam, the Executive Director of the Port of Camas-Washougal, led a discussion about the function of the port within Camas and Washougal, and in the greater Clark County. 

Clark County's Ports

Trang defined a port as a “municipal corporation designed for economic development.” That mission is rooted in Washington’s 1911 legislation establishing Washington public ports to create jobs and stimulate local economies.

Today, there are 150 ports across the U.S., and 75 of those ports — a whopping 50% — are located right here in Washington State. In our region, 10 public ports operated on the Washington side of the Columbia-Snake River system, a 465-mile inland navigation channel connecting the Pacific Ocean to Lewiston, Idaho.

Clark County — one of the fastest-growing counties in the state — is home to three of these ports: Vancouver, Ridgefield, and Camas-Washougal. What sets them apart is that each combines waterfront development with its own distinct role. The Port of Vancouver focuses on international cargo trade, the Port of Ridgefield operates a golf course, and the Port of Camas-Washougal includes Grove Field Airport. 

“A golf course is cool, of course, but I would take our airport over that any day,” Trang playfully boasted to the audience.

Beyond the Waterfront

While some people automatically associate ports with boats and waterways, Trang highlighted the many other amenities the Port of Camas-Washougal provides to the community. 

Parker’s Landing Marina houses commercial businesses, parks, docks, and slips, and hosts community events throughout the year, such as their annual summer concerts. A popular spot in the marina is the Puffin Cafe, which sits directly on the Columbia River. The Marina also includes parks and public gathering spaces, as well as regional trail connections. 

The Industrial Park leases space to 50+ businesses that contribute to the local economy, such as breweries and, most recently, a gymnastics school. 

One of Trang’s favorite areas of the Port is Grove Field Airport, which houses 77 hangars, both privately owned and leased, along with the flight school FlyIt. The site also hosts community-wide events, such as Wheels and Wings, which allows participants to tour small airplanes and classic cars. Last year, the event attracted over 2,000 community members.  

The airport is used for businesses, recreation, and training, but it also plays a critical role in emergency management. When the Nakia Creek fires took hold of the county in 2022, for example, Grove Field served as a temporary headquarters for emergency personnel. 

“Having the airport helps us plan for the resiliency of the community during these emergencies,” Trang explained.

Going Green

Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability has also been a priority at the Port. The organization’s Green Team has been involved with many projects that help protect the region’s natural resources:

• • Local Boy Scouts, Washougal High School, and the Rotary Club partnered with the Port to build bee and bat boxes and a pollinator garden. 
  • The Port became a “We Compost” food scrap drop-off site. Community members can also pick up a free compost bucket at the Port offices. 
  • The Port partnered with Clark Public Utilities (CPU) for the Community Solar East project, which built solar panels across five of the Port’s buildings. The project provides solar electricity for some of CPU’s low-income customers. 
  • Aquatic weeds have been overtaking parts of the river, which can destroy natural habitats and can be dangerous for water recreation. Instead of using chemicals to kill the weeds, divers will carefully remove them from the marina at the roots and use a suction system to transfer the weeds to a collection container. 

“Part of why I love this job is that it brings everything together,” Trang said. “We really address how to build economic development in a sustainable way while bringing the community together.” 

Community members weren’t the only ones in the audience for this event — Port Commissioners Deister and Marshall were present, along with Representative Sharon Wylie, highlighting the strong partnership the region has with our ports.

Upcoming Penguin Talks

Registration is free — learn more and sign up for future Penguin Talks here. 

How the Founders Defined Freedom

Tracy Reilly Kelly, Clark College instructor 
Wednesday, May 13, 12–1 p.m. 
Vancouver Community Library 

As America turns 250 this year, let's ponder what the concept of freedom meant to the 'Founders' of our democratic republic. It would be a mistake to say that they saw freedom in the same way it has come down to the 21st century; this is why you could hold people in bondage and yet proclaim liberty for all. Liberty was the word of the day in 1776, it remains the hallmark of our national belief system along with religious freedom. When our ancestors fought for liberty, did they also fight for equality and freedom?  

Two Towns, One History: The Legacy of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society

Julianne Lawrence, Director of Two Rivers Heritage Museum 
Monday, May 18, 12–1 p.m. 
Camas Public Library 

Sometimes one seemingly small story is actually the gateway to the story of a whole community! Come and learn how the creation of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society encapsulates the histories of our two towns and even entwines with the history of the Camas Public Library. It's a wild ride of twists and turns and shenanigans to get to where we are today, and you won't want to miss it! 

LGBTQ+ History and Resilience

Cath Busha, Clark College Dean of Student Engagement 
Wednesday, May 20, 12–1 p.m. 
Vancouver Community Library 

Too often, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning) identities are framed primarily through struggle. This interactive talk flips the script, centering joy and strength within LGBTQ+ lives and our shared history. In preparation for Pride Month in June, we will celebrate what makes the LGBTQ+ community powerful and resilient. 

Photo: Clark College/Malena Goerl

Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing