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
2020 Boat Inspection Report Now Available
The Whatcom Boat Inspections 2020 annual report is now available. The report details efforts of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program’s rigorous boat inspection program, which strives to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species to Whatcom County waters.
Despite a delayed start and closure of the Canadian border, a total of 14,777 watercraft inspections were conducted—a 14 percent increase compared to the 2019 season.
Inspection crews followed strict COVID-19 safety protocols to keep both our staff and community healthy. Crews intercepted over 1,200 boats that were carrying standing water, vegetation, or were otherwise considered high-risk for transporting invasive mussels.
More detailed results from the 2020 boating season can be found in the Whatcom Boat Inspections 2020 Annual Report and the AIS program’s interactive Story Map.
Posted: February 11, 2020
Lake Whatcom Policy Group Meeting February 17, 2021
The Lake Whatcom Policy Group will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, February 17 at 3:00 p.m. This meeting is a public meeting. To attend, use the link and instructions provided on the meeting agenda.
Posted: February 11, 2021
We Need Your Help!
To serve the community's interests and protect Lake Whatcom watershed health, we have developed this volunteer interest survey. The information gathered will help Lake Whatcom Management Program partners provide more opportunities for community members to get involved in watershed stewardship activities. Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LakeWhatcom2021
Posted: February 1, 2021
Subscribe to the Lake Whatcom Lowdown
The first edition of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown is here! Do you live, work, or play in the Lake Whatcom watershed? Subscribe now to receive quarterly updates about the Lake Whatcom watershed. You can view the first edition and subscribe here.
Posted: February 1, 2021
2021 permits available
AIS boat permits are now available for the 2021 season. Even during winter months, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permits and inspections are required. Schedule your inspection by calling (360) 778-7975 at least 24 hours prior to launch. Learn more about the AIS program at www.whatcomboatinspections.com.
Posted: January 27, 2020