Our Programs

The City of Bellingham's Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program uses watershed fees paid by all City of Bellingham water users to purchase land for watershed protection. 

The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program aims to prevent the introduction of zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species to Lake Whatcom.

Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham are implementing capital improvement projects in the watershed to help reduce the amount of stormwater runoff entering Lake Whatcom. 

The Homeowner Incentive Program provides assistance to Lake Whatcom watershed residents to complete water quality landscape improvements on their property that reduce runoff and pollution entering the lake.  

The Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program (NNLP) invites Birch Bay and Lake Whatcom watershed homeowners (outside city limits) to convert existing lawns and landscaping into native landscapes.  

The implementation of the Lake Whatcom Management Program is guided by five-year work plans that are organized around ten program areas.