Property Acquisition Program
In 2001, the City began a program to purchase available land in the Lake Whatcom Watershed, funded by watershed fees. Watershed protection is the first and most basic step in a multi-barrier approach to insuring pure drinking water. Our duty to provide clean water for over 100,000 residents begins with careful land management.
Lands Protected by the Property Acquisition Program
Visit the City of Bellingham's Lake Whatcom Acquisition and Preservation Program page or view the Lake Whatcom Watershed Protected Properties Map below for a list of protected properties and more information about this program.
Interested in selling your property in the Lake Whatcom Watershed? Learn how you can sell your property and leave a legacy of protection in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
Selection Criteria
The City has set essential criteria to rate properties for acquisition. These ratings include density potential, slope and physical features of the land which relate to drainage, proximity to the lake, and the parcel's potential water quality benefit. Property selection has prioritized large parcels with the most development potential as well as properties that are adjacent to already protected lands or sensitive areas.
Property Management
Management activities on protected properties include regular property inspections, removal of invasive species and the planting of native species, and the mitigation of multiple encroachments through the use of letters, gates, and signage.
Sign installation at property
House removal from property
Native planting at property