Bibliography on Vancouver Lake Watershed, including Burnt Bridge Creek, Flushing Channel, Lake River, and Salmon Creek
Entire Bibliography (.doc format)		Summary	Title Page and Acknowledgements		Timeline
Vancouver Lake	Burnt Bridge Creek	Salmon Creek	Lake River		Related Links
Bibliography 1900-50	Bibliography 1951-60	Bibliography 1961-70	Bibliography 1971-80	Bibliography 1981-90	Bibliography 1991-Present

Bibliography of Vancouver Lake watershed, including Burnt Bridge Creek, Flushing Channel, Lake River, and Salmon Creek

A history of restoration efforts for Vancouver Lake

Bhagat, S.K. & J.F. Orsborn. 1971. A Summary Report on Water Quantity and Quality Studies of Vancouver Lake, Washington. Washington State University, College of Engineering.

Vancouver Lake, located adjacent to the Columbia River and just north of the Vancouver-Portland metropolitan area, is a "dying" lake. Although all lakes die naturally in geologic time through the process of eutrophication, Vancouver Lake is dying more rapidly due to man's activities and due to the resultant increased accumulation of sediment, chemicals, and wastes. Natural eutrphication takes thousands of years, whereas man-made modifications can cause the death of a lake in decades. Vancouver Lake does, however have the potential of becoming a valuable water resource asset for the area, due particularly to its location near the Columbia River which can be used as a source of "flushing" water to improve the quality of Vancouver Lake.

Community interest in Vancouver Lake has waxed and waned. Prior to World War II, there were relatively few plans or discussions about the lake and its surrounding land area. A plan to drain the Lake for farming was prohibited by the city council and county commissioners. Interest increased in 1945 when the federal government considered developing the Lake as a berthing harbor for deactivated ships at which time a preliminary proposal was prepared by the City.

The only surface water connection between Vancouver Lake and the Columbia River, except during floods, is Lake River. The Lake now serves as a receiving body of water for Lake River tidal flow and surface flow from creeks and nearby land areas. Seasonally, these flows are heavily laden with sediment, septic tank drainage, fertilizers and drainage from cattle yards. Construction and gravel pit operations increase the sediment loads entering the Lake from Burnt Bridge Creek and Salmon Creek (via Lake River by tidal action). The tidal flats at the north end of Vancouver Lake are evidence of this accumulation. Since 1945, the buildup of sediment and nutrients created by man's activities has accelerated the growth of large water plants and algae which contribute to the degeneration of the Lake. Flooding from the Columbia River, as in 1968, has added to the deposition in Vancouver Lake.

The combined effect of these human and natural activities has changed Vancouver Lake into a relatively useless body of shallow water supporting some wildlife, rough fish, and shallow draft boats. It is still pleasant to view from the hills to the east.

 

Files Available for Document:

Report (60 p.)

 

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Last modified: April 16, 2008
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