North Clark County government is solidifying its opposition against the planned closure of Larch Corrections Center, as both La Center and Ridgefield city councils approved resolutions calling for the stop of the shuttering of the prison.
During their city council meetings Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, respectively, the La Center and Ridgefield councils approved resolutions opposing the planned closure of Larch.
The Washington State Department of Corrections announced June 26 it would close the facility on the east side of Clark County this fall. The cities’ resolutions differed somewhat, though both had the ultimate message of keeping Larch open.
Chief among concerns for both cities were the potential loss of Larch’s programs for inmates intended to reduce recidivism and the wildfire firefighting services inmates provide with training from the state Department of Natural Resources. La Center recently experienced the need for that resource, as Larch inmates were some of the dozens of firefighters working a blaze off of Jenny Creek Road.
Alongside the other positives, Ridgefield’s resolution noted that Larch work crews have provided nearly 11,000 hours since 2018 through roadside garbage cleanup as well as vegetation management on parks, trails and roadways. The city estimates it has saved close to $435,000 due to those crews.
The cities join Battle Ground and Clark County in making public statements against the closure of Larch. Both local governments issued resolutions with similar intentions on Aug. 7 and July 25, respectively.
State lawmakers have also pushed back against the decision to close Larch. Those representing legislative districts covering central and eastern Clark County sent a letter Aug. 8 to Washington State Department of Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange and Gov. Jay Inslee, expressing “strong opposition” to the closure of Larch.
