Vancouver, WA -- Clark County is looking toward a "green" future as the county tried to dig itself of out a $12.5 million dollar hole.
"We are facing very serious shortfalls and that's meaning cut backs in positions cut backs in different levels of service," said Kevin Gray with Clark County's Environmental Services.
Clark County officials said they were "going green" to save money and help the environment by removing green turf around several county buildings. The county had crews replace the grass with plants and native shrubs, which officials said required a lot less water, fertilizer, chemicals and labor. It also created a savings of nearly $3000 a year.
"People have a real affinity for this lush green turf. They see it but don't understand what it takes to maintain it," said Pete DuBois, Clark County's Sustainability Coordinator.
The county said that maintaining grass lawns has a hefty maintenance cost. The county mows the lawn 55 times a year at a cost of more than $4000 a year.
If this pilot program proves successful, Clark County officials hope to plant the trees and native shrubs in other locations, while also getting residents to change their home landscapes.
"I think that sends a strong signal that 'hey this can be done and it can be done in a high visible area.' Maybe folks should be doing this as well," said DuBois.
Some residents said they missed the grass on the lawn of the Public Service Center in downtown Vancouver. But Clark County staff promised the grassy knoll next door at the Clark County Courthouse would stay untouched as well as grass at county parks.
