2020 Highlights
In 2020, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, as well as WSU Extension and the Sudden Valley Community Association, continued to jointly implement programs and activities with the goal of improving Lake Whatcom water quality and protecting the Lake Whatcom ecosystem.
Stormwater: Capital Projects
Whatcom County completed the Northshore Drive/Edgewater Lane stormwater improvement project. The project included the installation of a stormwater vault and 600 feet of new storm pipe. Photo: Installation of filter vault.
Recreation
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation continued to maintain over 15 miles of hike and bike trails within the Lake Whatcom watershed. Photo: Trail maintenance at Lake Whatcom Park.
Education and Engagement
Stewards of the Lake: A Guide to Living in the Lake Whatcom Watershed was mailed to 7,412 watershed residents in July. The guidebook provides information and resources to help residents protect water quality and watershed health. Photo: Cover of guidebook.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors conducted 14,777 watercraft inspections to prevent the spread of AIS to Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish. Photo: Boat being inspected at South Bay Check Station.
Land Preservation
The City of Bellingham acquired four new properties in 2020 bringing the total area of land protected in the watershed to 11,178 acres. Photo: Planting at Uy Property.
Stormwater: Homeowner Incentive Program
New Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) outreach videos were developed in 2020 to share project examples in a virtual format. Photo: BTV staff filming HIP video.