The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with local partners, is hosting a free vessel turn-in event for Whatcom County. This initiative provides an opportunity for owners of aging or unwanted vessels 34 feet or less in length, including freshwater boats, to dispose of them responsibly and prevent potential abandonment. The deadline for preapproval applications is July 1st. Approved applicants will receive information regarding the date and time for vessel turn-in. Please note that vessels 35 feet or longer are not eligible for this program.

This collaborative effort seeks to reduce the environmental and safety risks associated with abandoned vessels. By participating in this program, boat owners can ensure the proper dismantling of their vessels.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website for comprehensive details regarding eligibility criteria and the application process.

Gather your grass clippings! Your unmanaged grass clippings may add nutrients like phosphorus to our waterways and Lake Whatcom. Nutrients feed algae blooms, which can harm water quality and wildlife. You can help manage your clippings by using FoodPlus!, bringing them to a local disposal service, or composting at home using a contained system. Go to whatcomcounty.us/yardwaste to learn more. 

On Wednesday, June 4 the Lake Whatcom Management Program hosted a second Joint Councils and Commissions meeting to provide additional time for the Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners to further address vital issues concerning Lake Whatcom. Discussions focused on the continued collaboration between jurisdictions, particularly regarding land use, aquatic invasive species, stormwater management, and the proactive planning for wildfire impacts on the watershed.  

All meeting resources from both the April 2 and June 4 JCC meetings are now available. 

• June 4 JCC Agenda Packet and Recording of Meeting 

• Land Use Regulations in the Lake Whatcom Watershed presentation 

• April 2 JCC Agenda Packet and Recording of Meeting 

• 2020-2024 Lake Whatcom Accomplishments Report and Institute for Watershed Studies Lake Whatcom Annual Report 

The Aquatic Invasive Species program had a busy and successful 2024, working with boaters to protect our local lakes. Our 2024 Whatcom Boat Inspections Annual Report is now available and details program highlights, accomplishments, and the ongoing efforts to protect Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish from harmful invasive species. Learn more about this vital work 2024 Whatcom Boat Inspections Annual Report.

Published May 10, 2025

Do you care about clean water, healthy forests, and recreation in the Lake Whatcom watershed? Now’s your chance to let us know. Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham are teaming up with ecological forestry experts to create our first-ever Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan. This plan will guide how we care for more than 13,000 acres of forested land, including parks and protected properties, while meeting our goals of protecting water quality, boosting forest health, and increasing resilience to climate change, wildfire, and disease. 

We want to hear from you! Share your goals for Lake Whatcom's forests on our engagement page and join us for an in-person community meeting on Thursday, May 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Silver Beach Elementary School (4101 Academy Street) to learn more and share your thoughts. 

Posted: May 2, 2025

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) boat inspection stations officially opened April 26 for the 2025 season. We look forward to seeing you at the stations and enjoying the lakes! A 2025 AIS permit is required for all boats, canoes, rowboats and kayaks, so hitch up your vessel and swing by to get set up to safely enjoy our stunning Whatcom County lakes. Don't forget that you can earn a $10 discount on your permit by taking the AIS Awareness Course today.

Learn more and purchase your permit on the Whatcom Boat Inspections website. Please note that AIS permit fees increased this year, marking the first increase since 2019. Due to growing visitation to our lakes and increased proximity of AIS detections to Whatcom County, additional efforts are needed to protect our drinking water, recreational access, and lake health. The fee increases will help fund crucial enhancements to inspection efforts and support continued access for boaters and recreators.

Posted: April 29, 2025

The Lake Whatcom Management Program invites the community to attend its annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be in person with an online option available via Zoom. Local leaders from the Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners will gather to hear about the progress that has been made to protect and preserve Lake Whatcom and discuss future actions. This public meeting will also be aired live on cob.org/btv.  

Read more at the event page here.

Updated: March 24, 2025

Check out the January Issue of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, our quarterly e-newsletter with watershed updates and stewardship opportunities. This latest issue provides information on private property improvement programs, the 2024 boating season, our local native plant sale, how to report pollution and more.  Click here to subscribe! Links to past issues are available in our Lake Whatcom Lowdown Archive.

Updated: January 27, 2025

The following maps highlight some of the data collected by Whatcom boat inspectors in 2024. Learn about infested water bodies, where boats visit from, how many decontaminations our staff performed and more! Visit https://cob.org/whatcomboatinspections. 

Updated: January 23, 2025

Check out the October Issue of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, our quarterly e-newsletter with watershed updates and stewardship opportunities. This latest issue provides information on:

• Lake Whatcom Management Program work plan

• Managing leaves

• Preparing outdoor spigots for winter

• Photo contest winners

• Free household hazardous waste disposal

• Watershed work window closure

• Completed projects at Bloedel Donovan Park, Silver Beach Creek, and Academy Road

Click here to subscribe! Links to past issues are available in our Lake Whatcom Lowdown Archive. 

Posted: November 1, 2024

Leaves and other yard debris can pollute our water and cause flooding when managed incorrectly. Instead of piling debris where it may leach excess nutrients or block drainage, try one of the following options:

• Use FoodPlus!

• Bring them to a local disposal service

• If composting at home, use a covered and contained compost system

If you can do so safely, please clear storm drains of leaves and debris or report blocked drains:

• Whatcom County: (360) 778-6400 or report online at whatcomcounty.us/contactpublicworks

• City of Bellingham: (360) 778-7979 or report online at cob.org/SeeClickFix

Posted: October 15, 2024