The Lake Whatcom Management Program invites the community to attend its annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be in person in City Council Chambers, 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 on the event page.

Posted March 13, 2026

Discover the secrets to vibrant, lower-maintenance, and environmentally friendly landscaping with WSU Whatcom County Extension's Gardening Green courses. You’ll learn how to cultivate healthy soils, conserve water, protect local waterways, reduce maintenance, and create a customized landscaping plan.

Location: Sudden Valley Recreational Center multipurpose room
Dates: Saturdays: 2/28, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, and 4/18 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Cost: $42 fee for soil testing

Participants will receive a coupon from a local nursery! Online courses are also available. To learn more and register, visit the website.

Posted February 2, 2026

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