The Lake Whatcom Policy Group typically meets every other month to discuss Lake Whatcom policy topics and provide policy guidance to staff. You can find a list of all proposed 2026 meeting dates on this webpage. 

The next Policy Group meeting is Wednesday, February 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This meeting will include an orientation for new group members, preparation for the annual Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting, a summary of the AIS program's achievements in 2025, and an update on forest practices and water quality. This is a hybrid meeting with an in-person option at the Pacific Street Operations Center and a remote option on Zoom. Meeting materials will be available on the Lake Whatcom Policy Group Meeting Materials webpage. 

These meetings do not include a public comment period, but public comments related to Lake Whatcom can be submitted by email at any time to lakewhatcom@cob.org or mailed to City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham WA 98225. 

Posted January 27, 2026

2026 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permits are on sale for Whatcom County lakes. Inspection stations will open on April 25, but all boats, canoes, and kayaks are required to have a valid 2026 AIS permit any time they launch or operate on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. You can buy your permit online or at one of our local check stations when they open. The AIS Program offers year-round inspections at a location convenient for you - just give us a call at (360) 778-7975 to schedule one. By purchasing your permit, you’re helping protect our valuable local waters from invasive species, which can impact lake ecosystems, water quality, water supply infrastructure, and recreation. 

Posted January 27, 2026

The Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group is meeting Wednesday, December 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to hear project updates and discuss Policy Group administration and meeting schedule for 2026. This is a hybrid meeting with an in-person option at the Pacific Street Operations Center and a remote option on Zoom. Meeting materials are available on the Lake Whatcom Policy Group Meeting Materials webpage. 

The group typically meets every other month to discuss Lake Whatcom policy topics and provide policy guidance to staff. The group includes representatives from Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners, and Sudden Valley Community Association, as well as staff. These meetings do not include a public comment period, but public comments related to Lake Whatcom can be submitted by email at any time to lakewhatcom@cob.org or mailed to City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham WA 98225. 

Posted November 20, 2025

Check out the Winter issue of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, our quarterly e-newsletter with watershed updates and stewardship opportunities. This latest issue provides information on the success of the Walrath's HIP landscaping project, securing gear and dock toys for a healthier lake, the watershed work window closure and more. Click here to subscribe! 

Posted October 31, 2025

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 23, 2025

Thank you for a great season of fun and safe boating at Whatcom County lakes! The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check stations are now closed for the season as of October 10. However, a current permit is still mandatory for all vessels launching during the off-season. Permits for the upcoming 2026 season will become available for purchase starting January 2, 2026, and the check stations will re-open April 25, 2026. 

Boat owners who plan to winterize their vessels are strongly encouraged to arrange for a wire seal by our personnel. A secure seal confirms that your boat has remained Clean, Drained, and Dry, guaranteeing a speedy inspection when the 2026 check stations open.  

To get your vessel wire sealed or purchase a permit, please contact the AIS Inspection Hotline at: (360) 778-7975.  

Thank you for a great year and we look forward to a stellar 2026! 

Posted: 10/10/2025

The Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group is meeting Wednesday, October 1 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a hybrid meeting with an in-person option at the Pacific Street Operations Center and a remote option on Zoom. Meeting materials are available on the Lake Whatcom Policy Group Meeting Materials webpage. 

The Lake Whatcom Policy Group typically meets every other month to discuss Lake Whatcom policy topics and provide policy guidance and direction to staff. The group includes representatives from Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners, and Sudden Valley Community Association, as well as staff. These meetings do not include a public comment period, but public comments related to Lake Whatcom can be submitted by email at any time to lakewhatcom@cob.org or mailed to City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham WA 98225. 

Posted: 9/26/2025

September 30 is the last day of the work window for ground disturbing activities in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Ground disturbing activities include clearing vegetation, adding topsoil or fill, and other activities that move or expose soil. Special regulations apply to prevent erosion during the rainy season from October 1 to May 31. Dirty water flowing into Lake Whatcom adds phosphorus, harming water quality and aquatic life. Learn more:

• Whatcom County watershed regulations

• City of Bellingham watershed regulations

Posted: 9/8/2025

The Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group is meeting Wednesday, September 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a hybrid meeting with an in-person option at the Pacific Street Operations Center and a remote option on Zoom. Meeting materials are available on the Lake Whatcom Policy Group Meeting Materials webpage. 

The Lake Whatcom Policy Group typically meets every other month to discuss Lake Whatcom policy topics and provide policy guidance and direction to staff. The group includes representatives from Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners, and Sudden Valley Community Association, as well as staff. These meetings do not include a public comment period, but public comments related to Lake Whatcom can be submitted by email at any time to lakewhatcom@cob.org or mailed to City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham WA 98225. 

Excess phosphorus can enter waterways, where it causes algal blooms that lead to depleted oxygen in the water. You can limit the amount by learning environmental-friendly gardening techniques and by using phosphorus-free fertilizers when necessary. The WSU Extension Gardening Green Course is a great place to learn.

Fertilizer products list three numbers from left to right for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).  For a phosphorus-free fertilizer, make sure the middle number is zero. Local laws prohibit using fertilizer containing phosphorus in the Lake Whatcom watershed and State law prohibits the sale and application of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus.

August 13, 2025

Check out the Summer issue of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, our quarterly e-newsletter with watershed updates and stewardship opportunities. This latest issue provides information on new aquatic invasive species check station gates at Bloedel Donovan Park, construction on Northshore Drive, smart watering practices and more. Click here to subscribe! Links to past issues are available in our Lake Whatcom Lowdown Archive.

Posted August 7, 2025

Looking for more ways to reduce your water bill and help keep more water in Lake Whatcom this summer? Follow the voluntary watering schedule. Let your lawn get a tan! Visit https://www.whatcomwateralliance.org/lawns-and-landscaping for more tips. 

Posted August 4, 2025

We're excited to share that construction will begin this week on the installation of new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check station gates at the Bloedel Donovan Park boat launch. The gates will help ensure uninspected boats don't enter Lake Whatcom during hours when seasonal AIS staff are not working on-site. Construction for this project will begin July 30 and continue over the coming weeks. Rest assured, the boat launch and access to the lake will remain open during this time, although a few parking spots may be temporarily unavailable. You'll see crews installing the gates and the necessary conduit for the gate system. While working in the area, we will also be removing non-native vegetation to re-plant with native species that can better filter stormwater to protect lake water quality.  

These gates are a vital step in our ongoing efforts to protect our drinking water source from invasive species as visitation to our local lakes grows and AIS detections occur closer to Whatcom County. Boaters play a critical role in protecting the lake. Learn more about Bloedel Donovan Boat Launch Automated Gates.

Posted July 30, 2025

The Bloedel Donovan Park Boat Launch station will be closed July 12th from 4am-2pm to accommodate the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. The other boat launches around Lake Whatcom will remain open according to their usual schedule. More information about the Lake Whatcom Triathlon can be found here: https://www.lakewhatcomtriathlon.com/. 

Posted June 25, 2025

Check your motor before you head out onto the lake this season: cleaner, low emission motors are required on Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish to protect water quality. Look for the label on your motor and make sure it has at least one star. Visit our Check Your Motor page to learn more.

Posted June 23, 2025

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.

Posted June 13, 2025

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. 

Posted June 11, 2025

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 

Posted June 5, 2025

June 1st is the first day of the work window for ground disturbing activities in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Ground disturbing activities include clearing vegetation, adding topsoil or fill, and other activities that move or expose soil. Dirty water flowing into Lake Whatcom adds phosphorus, harming water quality and aquatic life. Special regulations apply to prevent erosion during the rainy season, and as such, the work window is only open from June 1st through September 30th. Learn more:

• Whatcom County watershed regulations

• City of Bellingham watershed regulations

Thank you for timing your work to prevent erosion!

Posted May 31, 2025

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