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
December 20th LWMP Policy Group Meeting
The LWMP Policy Group is meeting December 20, 2024 at 8am and will review the Revised 2025-2029 Work Plan Draft (November 2024). Meeting details, agenda, and materials are available on the Lake Whatcom Policy Group Meeting Materials webpage. More information about the work plan can be found on our 2025-2029 Work Plan webpage.
Updated: December 11, 2024
October Lake Whatcom Lowdown Now Available
Check out the October Issue of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, our quarterly e-newsletter with watershed updates and stewardship opportunities. This latest issue provides information on:
Lake Whatcom Management Program work plan
Managing leaves
Preparing outdoor spigots for winter
Photo contest winners
Free household hazardous waste disposal
Watershed work window closure
Completed projects at Bloedel Donovan Park, Silver Beach Creek, and Academy Road
Click here to subscribe! Links to past issues are available in our Lake Whatcom Lowdown Archive.
Posted: November 1, 2024
Manage Your Leaves to Protect Our Water
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 15, 2024
Bloedel Donovan and Lake Samish AIS Inspection Stations Close for the Season
The Bloedel Donovan and Lake Samish AIS inspection stations closed for the season on Monday September 30th. Permits for the 2025 season go on sale January 2nd and the season starts April 26th 2025!
If boat owners do not plan on using their boat throughout the winter months, they are encouraged to have their boats wire sealed to ensure a speedy and efficient start to the 2025 boating season. If you happen to miss us at the boat launch, don’t worry! Our year-round staff are available (starting October 1st) Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM to meet you and seal your boat. Just be sure to call with advance notice.
To find out the most current hours of operation, to schedule an appointment, or to have your vessel wire sealed, please call the AIS Boat Inspection Hotline at: (360) 778-7975.
Thank you all and see you in 2025!
Posted: October 1, 2024