Stewards of the Lake

Boat inspections

All watercraft are required to be inspected and permitted before launching in Lake Whatcom to prevent the introduction of harmful invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels. Boat owners do their part by getting their watercraft inspected and by taking an online Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) awareness course. AIS  program staff conduct thorough inspections at a variety of locations throughout the watershed. Permit types and fees vary. 

• Get the details and take the online course at the Whatcom boat inspection program website.

Invasive plants and animals

Learn more about which species are harmful to our lake and its watershed.

• Visit the Whatcom County noxious weed program pages to learn which plants are on the noxious weed list and get help controlling them. 

• Use the Washington State Department of Ecology's online lake database to search for available data by water body.

• Use the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's aquatic invasive species database to search by species name. 

• The U.S. Geological Survey has an online Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database of invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants where you can find additional information by species name. 

Invasive species reporting

Keep a lookout for any unusual plants or animals along the shoreline. If you see something, report it.  

• Report invasive species sightings to the Washington Invasive Species Council.

If you observe a spill or polluted water entering a waterway, report it to protect water quality in Lake Whatcom. If there is an emergency, call 911.

City of Bellingham spill reporting

• If the spill is within city limits, call the stormwater hotline at (360) 778-7979 or use the  City of Bellingham's online reporting tool. 

Whatcom County spill reporting

• If the spill is outside of city limits, call Whatcom County Public Works at (360) 778-6230 or visit their website for more information.

If you are not sure where the spill is located, call either number.  City and county staff can help determine the location for you.   

What to do if you cause a spill

If you spill oil, paint or other materials, it is important to take steps to contain and clean the spill to limit environmental damage. 

• Learn how to clean up a spill. 

Natural yard care

Building healthy soils and reducing watering and yard chemicals are key to protecting Lake Whatcom. A variety of natural yard care practices are available to help you keep your yard—and the lake—looking good. Visit these website for helpful tips and information.

• Natural Yard Care

• Thurston County's Grow Smart Grow Safe

Watershed gardening guidance

Lake Whatcom Management partners developed a list of recommendations for gardening in the Lake Whatcom watershed. 

• Review these guidelines to ensure your gardening practices protect Lake Whatcom.

• Use these approved low-phosphorus mulch, compost, and soil products in your yard. 

Homeowner Incentive Program

The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) helps homeowners design and pay for projects that beautify yards and protect water quality. Over 150 homeowners have participated in HIP to date! Depending on your property location, projects may include native landscaping, underground pollution filters and rain gardens. The program is currently only available for properties in basins 1 and 2 (north end of the watershed), but we plan to expand to include the entire watershed in 2021.

• More details are available on our HIP page.

• Want to see if you quality? Visit the HIP website and enter your address.

Whatcom Med Return program

Learn where to get rid of your old medications quickly, safely and easily.

• Washington State Medicine Disposal Program

Disposal of Toxics Facility

The Disposal of Toxics Facility accepts household hazardous waste, including oil-based paints, solvents and automotive fluids such as motor oil. Before making the trip, check their website for a list of updated products and hours of operation.

• Disposal of Toxics Facility

Whatcom County Health Department

Are you wondering where to dispose of cleaning products, electronics, construction waste and other solid wastes? The Whatcom County Health Department offers ideas for environmentally-friendly disposal.

• Whatcom County Health Department Solid Waste Management

Fixing car leaks

Cars, trucks and other vehicles can contribute pollutants to Lake Whatcom. Remember to check your vehicle for leaks and repair leaks quickly. 

• Don’t Drip and Drive program

• Visit our On the Road page. 

Whatcom Smart Trips program

Reduce your motor vehicle trips to help protect water quality. Smart Trips provides resources and rewards to help you shift your transport mode to walking, biking, and taking the bus.

• Whatcom Smart Trips 

WTA bus schedules

Trying to reduce your motor vehicle trips? Check out the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) trip planner for bus options in your neighborhood.

• WTA trip planner

City and county pet waste programs

To protect family and lake health, scoop your dog’s poop, bag it and put it in the trash. City and county programs are in place to support your efforts to scoop the poop.

• City of Bellingham We Scoop program

• Whatcom County pet waste program

Living with wildlife guidance

Wildlife such as deer, raccoons and geese can negatively impact water quality. Learn how to live more harmoniously with these animals and reduce their environmental impact.

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Living with Wildlife 

Learn more about parks, trails and ways to enjoy your local public spaces in the Lake Whatcom watershed and beyond.  Parks and open spaces in the watershed are managed by many different jurisdictions and organizations, often working in partnership.

City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation

Bloedel Donovan park, named after J.H. Bloedel and J.J. Donovan, owners of the lumber mill that once occupied the site, is a very popular city park located at the north end of Lake Whatcom.  The park has facilities to rent and offers opportunities to swim, play, picnic and more.  There is a public boat launch and an aquatic invasive species (AIS) boat inspection station operating spring to fall. In 2015, the City of Bellingham completed an important Low Impact Development (LID) retrofit project in the park to remove nutrients and bacteria from stormwater runoff entering Lake Whatcom.  Look for signs around the park describing the underground filters, rain gardens and more. 

• Visit the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation website to learn more about Bloedel Donovan and the many other city parks. 

• Learn more about the stormwater treatment facilities installed at Bloedel Donovan park. 

• Learn more about the City of Bellingham's plans to preserve and expand our park, recreation and open space amenities in the Pro Plan 2020.

Whatcom County Parks and Recreation

There are many opportunities to enjoy county parks in the Lake Whatcom watershed. In 2014, park opportunities grew when Whatcom County received 8,700 acres through a reconveyance of state lands returned to county ownership.  With this addition, there are over 9,000 acres of county park land in the watershed. Popular county parks include: Lake Whatcom Park, Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve.

• Visit the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation website to learn more about county parks in the Lake Whatcom watershed and beyond.

• Access maps and plans for the Lake Whatcom recoveyance lands. 

Sudden Valley Community Association

Sudden Valley is a large, private residential community in the Lake Whatcom watershed with over 7,000 residents.  The Sudden Valley Community Association maintains miles of trails, many parks, a marina and golf course. 

• Learn more about parks and recreation in the Sudden Valley community. 

Fish consumption advisories

Some types of fish in Lake Whatcom contain elevated levels of mercury. 

• To protect your health, look up current fish consumption advisories from the Washington State Department of Health.

Boat rules and safety

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Whatcom. Remember to follow some basic rules while out there having fun. 

• Read Boat Notes: A Handbook for Boaters on Lake Whatcom.

Special regulations are in place to protect water quality in Lake Whatcom. These regulations apply to many different types of home improvement and landscaping projects.  Before starting any home improvement or landscaping project, contact one of the permit centers listed below to determine if your project requires a permit. 

City of Bellingham Permit Center

• If your property is located in within city limits, contact the City of Bellingham Permit Center or call (360) 778-8300.

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services

• If your property is located outside city limits, contact the Whatcom County Permit Center or call (360) 778-5900.

• Visit the county's watershed regulations page to learn more. 

Septic system maintenance

Septic system owners are responsible for evaluating and maintaining their systems, which keeps sewage out of the lake and avoids costly repairs. Whatcom County offers financial and technical assistance to help homeowners take care of their septic systems.

• Visit the county's Septic System Maintenance and Evaluation website to learn more and get help maintaining your system.