Lake Whatcom is a vital resource, providing drinking water, recreation and wildlife habitat to our community. The City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District formed the Lake Whatcom Management Program in 1998 to coordinate programs and projects that restore, protect and preserve Lake Whatcom and its surrounding watershed.
Our Progress
Learn more about program goals and actions. Track our progress.
Get Involved
Learn more about actions you can take to help prevent pollution and protect Lake Whatcom.
What's New
Learn more about Lake Whatcom Management Program news, meetings, and events.
Latest News
Lake Whatcom Watershed Work Window Closes
September 30th 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 1st to May 31st. Dirty water flowing into Lake Whatcom adds phosphorus, harming water quality and aquatic life. Learn more:
Thank you for timing your work to prevent erosion!
Posted September 18, 2023
Walk and read the Lake Whatcom self-guided hike as part of Whatcom Water Week 2023!
As part of Whatcom Water Week, which runs from September 9th to the 17th, the Lake Whatcom Management Program is hosting a self-guided hike on the Railroad trail by Bloedel Donovan Park. Walk the Railroad Trail and learn the history of Lake Whatcom and the current challenges the lake faces. This nature walk is great for kids, families, or anyone who wants to learn more about Lake Whatcom. The hike begins at the corner of Electric Avenue and Alabama Street, north of Bloedel Donovan Park and the signs will continue for roughly a mile. Get involved and learn about other events during Whatcom Water Week at https://www.whatcomwin.org/water-week-events
Fires Being Managed in South Lake Whatcom; What to Know
*The Blodel Donovan and Sudden Valley boat launches have reopened as of 9/3/2023
The Bloedel Donovan Park and Sudden Valley boat launch will be closed and boating traffic not allowed until further notice to keep Lake Whatcom clear while fire crews fight wildfires on the lake’s southeast shoreline, likely caused by lightning Monday evening. In addition, Whatcom County’s Hertz Trail on Lake Whatcom is closed and Blue Canyon Road is closed at South Bay Drive and Park Road; please do not drive past road closed signs. Officials also ask that drones stay clear of wildfire fighting efforts to ensure firefighting aircraft are not hindered in their response. State Department of Natural Resources ground and aerial firefighting teams are onsite, with support from other agencies. A Level II evacuation advisory has been issued to alert Blue Canyon Road residents to prepare for possible evacuation. Please respect the closures and advisories that are in place for public safety and protection. See Whatcom County Sheriff's Office for more information.
Posted August 29, 2023
South Bay Boat Launch Closed Aug. 21- Sep. 30
The South Bay boat launch will be closed from August 21 through September 30, 2023 for redevelopment. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife will construct a new concrete boat launch, dock, vault toilet, pave the parking lot and create parking stalls. More information on the project and closure is available at the WDFW Lake Whatcom webpage.
Posted July 10, 2023