Columbia County Begins Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update: Residents Invited To Help Identify Wildfire Risks And Preparedness Priorities (Photo) - 08/12/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., August 12, 2026 — Columbia County Emergency Management, in partnership with local fire agencies and community partners, is updating the Columbia County Community Wildfire Protection Plan and is encouraging residents to participate in community meetings and an online survey.

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan identifies wildfire risks and helps guide efforts to reduce those risks, improve preparedness, and protect people, property, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Residents know their communities best. Public input is a key part of the planning process, and residents are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences to help guide future mitigation efforts. The update will bring together local agencies, community organizations, and residents to identify wildfire concerns and opportunities to improve preparedness.

Community meetings are planned in the following areas:

• Rainier - September 3, 6:00 pm, 100 W A St, Rainier
• Clatskanie- September 8, 7:00 pm,555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie
• Mist-Birkenfeld - September 12, 10:00 am, 12525 Hwy 202, Mist
• St. Helens -September 17, 6:00 pm, 1054 Oregon St, St Helens 52751 Columbia River Hwy
• Vernonia -September 19, 5:00 pm, 627 Adams Ave, Vernonia
• Scappoose -September 22, 6:00 pm, 52751 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose
   

Residents who cannot attend a meeting can share their input through an online survey, which will remain open through October 31, 2026. For a printed survey, you may call Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247 or email health@columbiacountyor.gov with your request.

Survey information, meeting updates, and additional CWPP updates will be shared through the Columbia County Emergency Management Program's webpage.

Following community outreach, the planning team will evaluate wildfire hazards, review existing mitigation efforts, and develop recommendations to reduce wildfire risk. A draft plan will be released for public review before adoption.

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Columbia County Transfer Station Reopens At Noon On August 1, 2026 (Photo) - 08/01/26

Transfer Station Reopens August 1 at 12 pm.
 

ST. HELENS, Ore., August 1, 2026 — The Columbia County Transfer Station closed from noon on Wednesday, July 29, through noon on Saturday, August 1, for scheduled paving improvements.

"We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we navigated repaving the transfer station. We know this impacted many people and businesses," said Tatum Flowers, Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator.

The Transfer Station reopens on August 1^st at 12 pm. Please note, due to the closure, Saturday, August 1^st will be a busy day at the Transfer Station.

For questions, contact the Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator at 503-397-7259.

About Columbia County's Solid Waste Program

Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The County also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers solid waste collection services and events across its unincorporated areas.

Columbia County Transfer Station Revised Closure Schedule - 07/20/26

Transfer Station Closure Schedule Revised for Paving Project
Updated schedule includes noon closure July 29 and noon reopening Aug. 1.

ST. HELENS, Ore., July 20, 2026 — The Columbia County Transfer Station will close at noon Wednesday, July 29, remain closed July 30 and 31, and reopen at noon Saturday, Aug. 1, under a revised schedule for paving improvements.

If you need to use the Transfer Station, plan your visit before the closure begins.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and encourage customers to plan ahead before the closure begins," said Tatum Flowers, Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator. "These improvements will help us keep the Transfer Station safe and in good condition for our customers."

Customers may use the following alternative disposal facilities during the closure. Customers should contact each facility directly for current hours, accepted materials, fees, and other site-specific information.

Alternative disposal locations include:

• Metro Central Transfer Station, 6161 N.W. 61st Ave., Portland
• Longview Transfer Station, 1150 3rd Ave., Longview, Washington
• Far West Recycling, 12820 N.E. Marx St., Portland

For questions, contact the Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator at 503-397-7259.

About Columbia County's Solid Waste Program

Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The County also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers solid waste collection services and events across its unincorporated areas.

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