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 Closing for the Season
The work window for ground disturbing activities closes September 30 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:
Thank you for taking care to prevent erosion during the rainy season.
Posted September 30, 2021
Take the Self-Guided Lake Whatcom Tour Virtually
Water Week is over, but if you missed the self-guided Lake Whatcom tour on the Hertz Trail you can still learn about the lake’s history, fun facts, and stewardship opportunities. The signs are now on our website to enjoy year-round. Take a look then get out on a walk at one of the many great trails in the watershed.
Posted September 21, 2021
New Volunteer Program in the Lake Whatcom Watershed!
Do you live, work, or play in the Lake Whatcom watershed? To serve the interests of the community and protect watershed health, we have developed some opportunities to volunteer in the Lake Whatcom watershed. We are currently offering three ways to volunteer:
Watershed Watchers: Activities include reporting flooding, erosion, and pollution problems, picking up litter with a provided kit, and/or keeping storm drains free of debris.
Photo Sharing: Share your photos of Lake Whatcom, the surrounding forests and trails, and the people and wildlife that call this beautiful place home.
Pet Waste Ambassador: help us spread the message that picking up after your pet is the right thing to do!
Visit our website to learn more. If you’re interested, scroll down and fill out the volunteer interest form. We will get back to you with more information.
Posted August 31, 2021