HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Special Council Apr 2 2025Whatcom County
Council (Special)
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
6:30 PM
Hybrid Meeting - Bellingham Council Chambers (2nd Floor, 210 Lottie
Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
ANNUAL LAKE WHATCOM JOINT COUNCILS AND COMMISSION MEETING
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Elenbaas
Kaylee Galloway
Jon Scanlon
Mark Stremler
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
Council (Special) Meeting Agenda April 2, 2025
See attached agenda
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 71812025
Lake Whatcom Cooperative Management Program
Annual Joint Councils and Commissioners Meeting
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Meeting begins: 6:30 PM
This meeting will be a hybrid meeting, both in -person and via Zoom. Elected officials
and staff will receive a personal link. Members of the public can access the meeting at
https:././cob.org./lwjcc, or by phone at +1(253) 215-8782.
Meeting ID: 880 0476 6584; Password: 779350
Meeting Chair: Todd Citron, Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District
Agenda Topic
Start Time
Minutes
1. Meeting Convened
6:30
0
2. Opening Comments
6:30
10
• Satpal Singh Sidhu, Whatcom County Executive
• Kim Lund, Bellingham Mayor
• Justin Clary, General Manager, Lake Whatcom WSD
3. Public Comment Period
6:40
20
4. Lake Whatcom Monitoring Program Annual Report —
7:00
25
Dr. Angela Strecker, Institute for Watershed Studies, WWU
5. Lake Whatcom Management Program Annual Report —
7:25
25
Interjurisdictional Coordination Team
• 2024 Accomplishments and 2025 Preview
• 2025-2029 Work Plan Development Overview
6. Councils and Commissioners response and discussion
7:50
40
7. Adjourn
8:30
r0M COG
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
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(360) 778-5010
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Elenbaas
Kaylee Galloway
Jon Scanlon
Mark Stremler
Notice is hereby given that a quorum of the Whatcom County Council will attend
and participate in a Special Meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.,
at Bellingham City Hall in the Council Chambers (210 Lottie Street, Bellingham,
WA, 98225) for the Annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and
Commissioners Meeting. Local leaders from the Bellingham City Council,
Whatcom County Council, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board
of Commissioners will gather to hear about the progress that has been made to
protect and preserve Lake Whatcom and discuss future actions.
The public may attend or participate in this meeting in -person in Bellingham City
Council Chambers, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, or remotely through the Zoom
platform. The Zoom meeting link can be accessed directly at:
https://cob.org/lwjcc or by calling (253) 215-8782 and using Meeting ID 880 0476
6584 and Passcode: 779350
This meeting will also be streamed live via the City of Bellingham's website at
meetings.cob.org and on the City of Bellingham's YouTube channel.
A detailed agenda will be available at whatcom.legistar.com or meetings.cob.orq
in advance of the meeting.
For more information, please contact the County Council Office at 360.778.5010.
Notice Distribution Date: March 20, 2025
{
ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPORT
Prepared by the Lake Whatcom Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Kim Lund, City of Bellingham Mayor
Satpal Singh Sidhu, Whatcom County Executive
Justin Clary, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District General Manager
Meghan Bugaj, City of Bellingham
Aaron Burkhart, City of Bellingham
Stefanie Cilinceon, City of Bellingham
Justin Clary, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District
Cathy Craver, Whatcom County
Amy Dearborn, City of Bellingham
Kyle DelCampo, City of Bellingham
Holly Faulstich, Whatcom County
Riley Grant, City of Bellingham
Bryan Hatchell, City of Bellingham
Steven Janiszewski, City of Bellingham
Renee LaCroix, City of Bellingham
Nelson Lee, City of Bellingham
Eli Mackiewicz, City of Bellingham
Kraig Olason, Whatcom County
Michael Parelskin, City of Bellingham
Joan Pickens, Western Washington University
Jason Porter, City of Bellingham
Kate Rice, Whatcom County
Becky Snijder van Wissenkerke, Whatcom County
Gary Stoyka, Whatcom County
Dr. Angela Strecker, Western Washington University
Cliff Strong, Whatcom County
Steve Sundin, City of Bellingham
Christ Thomsen, Whatcom County
Peg Wendling, City of Bellingham
City of Bellingham
Whatcom County
Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District
Western Washington University Institute for Watershed Studies
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ProgramOverview..................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................................................
2024 Highlights................................................................................................................................................................................................
ProgramAreas and Objectives.........................................................................................................................................................................
Program Area 1: Land Preservation........................................................................................................................................................................
ProgramArea 2: Stormwater..................................................................................................................................................................................
ProgramArea 3: Land Use.......................................................................................................................................................................................
ProgramArea 4: Monitoring & Data.......................................................................................................................................................................
Program Area 5: Hazardous Materials....................................................................................................................................................................
ProgramArea 6: Recreation....................................................................................................................................................................................
ProgramArea 7: Aquatic Invasive Species..............................................................................................................................................................
Program Area 8: Utilities & Transportation............................................................................................................................................................
Program Area 9: Education & Engagement............................................................................................................................................................
ProgramArea 10: Administration...........................................................................................................................................................................
ClimateAction.........................................................................................................................................................................................................
2020-2024 Accomplishments Report Expenditures...............................................................................................................................................
2020-2024 Accomplishments Report Reporting Metrics........................................................................................................................................
Resources................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Since time immemorial, Lake Whatcom has played an important role in the quality of life for the people and ecosystems surrounding it. The Lake Whatcom watershed was first
inhabited and utilized by Coast Salish tribes, who cared for the land long before European settlers arrived. Today, Lake Whatcom is the drinking water source for more than
100,000 people, valuable habitat for plants and animals unique to our region, a recreational destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and home to more than 19,000 people.
Improving the health of the lake and its surrounding forests and ecosystems while balancing human activities is no small task. Watershed residents and visitors play a critical role
in this effort through stewardship of this shared resource. The Lake Whatcom Management Program (LWMP) brings together local governments who work with organizations and
the community to promote stewardship and take cooperative action to restore water quality, protect environmental health and preserve healthy forests in the watershed.
Recognizing the critical role Lake Whatcom plays in the region, the LWMP has established a comprehensive framework for action. This framework, outlined in five-year work
plans, guides the collaborative efforts of local governments, organizations, and the community to achieve tangible improvements in the lake's health. Progress Reports are created
annually to showcase the specific actions taken and the measurable results achieved in our shared commitment to protecting this vital resource.
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Osprey on Lake Whatcom I Photo by Brian Piotzen, 2024
Paddle on Lake Whatcom I Photo by Zach Griffin, 2024
This 2020-2024 Accomplishments Report presents a summary of achievements for
the fifth and final year of the Lake Whatcom Management Program 2020-2024 Work
Plan, in addition to highlighting the cumulative progress of Lake Whatcom protection
efforts across all five years of the work plan. Coordinated work plans are created
every five years to provide a broad overview of the actions planned to protect Lake
Whatcom, and then the results of these efforts are shared out through annual
Progress Reports and five-year Accomplishments Reports.
This report is organized around 10 program areas and includes a section on Climate
Action, which highlights how the different program areas incorporate climate change
knowledge, principles, and mitigation efforts into their work. For each program area,
the report includes summaries of 2020-2024 activities, accomplishments, reporting
metrics, and expenditures. It also lists highlighted metrics for 2024.
The work highlighted in this report is overseen and completed by the Lake Whatcom
Management Program (LWMP), which is comprised of the City of Bellingham,
Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District. Each of these
three jurisdictions assign staff to the Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team (ICT). ICT
team members implement the work plan, recommend changes or additional tasks,
and contribute to the annual reports.
Tasks included in the five-year work plans reflect the goals of the joint resolution
adopted by the three jurisdictions in 1992. Work plans also include actions to
address high levels of phosphorus and bacteria in Lake Whatcom as detailed in the
Lake Whatcom Watershed Total Phosphorus and Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load
water quality study and improvement reports. In addition, the work plan provides
the framework for meeting community expectations to protect Lake Whatcom's
water quality.
Nor"IlIr- .0
Sunrise over Lake Whatcom I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
IaMOICIM.Al 84 KOW a&TJIANTA
Postcard
Email I IM6 (n=106)
923
VMS Text (n=266) total surveys
Phone pM(n=67)
Landline calls averaged 18 minutes.
Cell phone calls averaged 18 minutes.
The City of Bellingham administered the Lake
Whatcom 5-year survey to assess changes in
watershed residents' attitudes, behaviors and
understanding of a variety of Lake Whatcom issues.
This survey builds on an initial 2018 Lake Whatcom
Survey and will be used to inform programs moving.
The City of Bellingham's property acquisition team
purchased 52.47 acres of land for preservation,
spending $2,991,000 and removing 17 potential
development units from the watershed.
Whatcom County completed the Academy Road
Stormwater Treatment Facility Improvement Project
which improves stormwater quality from the
Academy subbasin before entering Lake Whatcom.
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The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program inspected
12,304 boats, conducted four decontaminations, and
found zero new invasive species during lake surveys.
The City of Bellingham made improvements to the
Bloedel Donovan Community Center, which included
significant stormwater repairs.
The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County
completed 30 residential property improvements
through the Homeowner Incentive and Neighborhood
Native Landscaping Programs.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The LWMP focused efforts in 10 program areas in
2024, which were the same
program areas as in the previous five-year plan. As LWMP partners, the City of
Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatco ater and Sewer District lead
the work described in this plan.
Preserve ri resforTd that might otherwise be susceptible to
development or other land disturbance to protect water quality, fish
and wildlife habitat, and forest health.
m and its tributaries
by using best management practices to collect, treat, and manage
stormwater runoff.
redevelopment, and forest practices.
4_ Menitering & D;
Collect and manage data to increase our un erstanding of water
quality and pollution sources, reduce uncertainty in the Lake
Whatcom loading and response models, and guide management
decisions.
Prevent water quality impacts associated with improper storage and
handling of hazardous materials, and ensure that spill prevention and
response programs adequately protect water quality.
Additional partners play important roles to help achieve work plan goals. Key partners
include: The Sudden Valley Community Association, Washington State Departments of
Ecology and Natural Resources, Washington State University Whatcom County Extension,
Water Resources Advisory Board members, Western Washington University Institute for
Watershed Studies, Whatcom Conservation District, and Whatcom Land Trust.
water quality goals.
Whatcom and minimize impacts associated with established invasive
species.
Transportation
reveni wa er qua i y ana quan y impac s rom water, sewer, and
transportation systems.
facilitate the adoption of behaviors that protect water quality.
provide opportunities for public input.
4
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development or
other land disturbance to protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and forest health.
Preserving undeveloped land within the Lake Whatcom
watershed is a critical strategy for protecting water
quality and ensuring a sustainable water supply for
future generations. By acquiring and managing sensitive
properties, the Lake Whatcom Management Program
(LWMP) reduces development pressure, restores natural
habitats, and safeguards the ecological integrity of the
watershed. This section highlights key accomplishments
of LWMP efforts to preserve land in the Lake Whatcom
watershed in the past five years.
Land Acquisition and Preservation Program
From 2020 to 2024, the City of Bellingham Lake
Whatcom Land Acquistion and Preservation Program
acquired 40 properties in the Lake Whatcom watershed,
totaling 607 acres and removing 86 potential
development units. To solicit interest in the program,
the City mailed 2,063 letters to undeveloped property
owners in the watershed with information about selling
their property to the City for preservation. To inform the
Planting at Agate Bay Preserve I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
public of the land acquired and demonstrate the scale of
acquisitions, in 2023, the City developed an interactive
map that highlights acquisitions, donations, and
conservation easements secured by the City, Whatcom
County, and the Whatcom Land Trust to date.
Land Management for Forest Health
The City completed several projects on acquired
properties to improve forest health and water quality in
Lake Whatcom. In 2021, at Anderson Creek Preserve, a
creosote bridge was removed, and large woody debris
was installed to stabilize the stream bank, improving
water quality and fish habitat. From 2022 to 2024, a
multi -phase reforestation project was completed at
Agate Pond Preserve. This involved demolishing and
cleaning up a derelict dairy farm, removing nearly
17,000 square feet of impervious surface, and planting
over 3,800 native plants. Since 2020, over 11,500 native
plants have been installed on City -owned preserves
within the Lake Whatcom watershed.
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
12!1 Acres protected (to date)
52 Acres protected in 2024
2024 Expenditures: $''
693
N = 12,649 ACRES Map by City of Bellingham, 2024
PROGRAM AREA
Land Preservation
-i
As more land is acquired, there are increased
management and coordination needs across all
properties to protect water quality and promote
climate resilience. To address this, the City and
Whatcom County began contracting with a consultant
in 2024 to create a forest management plan for City -
and County -owned forest land in the Lake Whatcom
watershed. The forest management plan will present
management strategies and silvicultural practices
to improve forest health, improve water quality and
watershed health, and increase wildfire resistance
and climate resilience in our forests. These practices
include regular property inspections, removing
invasive species, and reducing encroachments with
letters, gates, and signage.
C
Wildfire Resilience Outreach
In 2024, the City continued its partnership with Whatcom
Conservation District (WCD) that began in 2021 to
provide wildfire resilience outreach to Lake Whatcom
watershed residents. This year, WCD provided Wildfire
Risk Assessments to 12 properties in the Lake Whatcom
watershed and provided follow-up technical assistance
on two residential properties. The WCD promoted
wildfire awareness through social media and held four
in -person and virtual wildfire risk reduction workshops
in collaboration with local agencies and first responders,
reaching over 150 people. From 2020-2024, the WCD
hosted 10 wildfire risk reduction workshops.
Agate Bay Preserve Foundation Demolition I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
Additional property management accomplishments in
2024 included:
• 135 acres managed for invasive species and
restoration
• 4,644 native plants installed
• 336,000 pounds of impervious concrete foundation
removed and recycled
• 1,584 feet of trail maintained to improve water
quality
• 12 Wildfire Risk Assessments provided to properties
in the Lake Whatcom watershed
New Property Acquisition I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
2020-2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTSREPORT
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
management practices to collect, treat, and manage stormwater runoff from developed areas
throughout the watershed.
Managing stormwater runoff is crucial for minimizing
phosphorus pollution in Lake Whatcom and meeting
the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements
placed on Lake Whatcom and its tributaries by the
Washington State Department of Ecology. In the
past five years, both the City and County prioritized
stormwater management efforts, focusing on upgrading
infrastructure, implementing innovative treatment
technologies, and collaborating on projects that benefit
the entire watershed.
Stormwater Facility Upgrades
From 2020 to 2024, the City continued to build,
replace, and upgrade stormwater treatment facilities
that were reaching the end of their functional life
or were in locations that previously did not receive
adequate treatment. The Park Place Water Quality
facility and retrofit is the first of its kind, utilizing
the Bellingham -sponsored Phosphorus Optimized
Stormwater Treatment (POST) system to provide
enhanced phosphorus reduction at this vital location
in the watershed. The City's ownership of this media
blend and facility type and sponsorship through the
approval process means that all data, design standards,
and construction guidelines are available for free to
others looking to provide the best -available phosphorus
treatment, anywhere in the Puget Sound region. This
facility reduces phosphorus in stormwater runoff by at
least 64% and up to 87%, while costing about 60% less
than similar proprietary media systems treating the same
area in the same footprint.
Stormwater Treatment Projects
From 2020-2024, Whatcom County built three new
stormwater treatment projects, retrofitted two existing
stormwater treatment facilities, and completed one
riparian and stream restoration project. The Geneva
Pilot Proiect, completed in 2023, retrofitted existing bio
infiltration swales in the Geneva neighborhood that are
being used to pilot a High Performance Bioretention
Soil Media (HPBSM) and will provide treatment for
phosphorus and other pollutants. This project was funded
by a $971,000 grant from the Department of Ecology.
Whatcom County has been monitoring the media's
performance since 2023 and will continue to do so into
2025.
The City and County partnered on the Academy Road
stormwater treatment facility improvement project, which
was originally built in 2015. The property is owned by
the City, the facility was built by Whatcom County, and
it treats stormwater from both the City and County. It
was later determined that modifications were necessary
to improve the facility's treatment effectiveness. In
2024, the Academy Road retrofit was completed by
Whatcom County, and the ownership of the facility will be
transferred to the City in 2025.
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
135 stormwater treatment
facilities managed
10,E square feet improved through
HIP and Neighborhood Native
Landscaping Program in 2024
2024 Expenditures:
$3,076,227
(Including Capital Projects)
Park Place Facility Retrofit I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2022
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
Small Works Program and Maintenance
In 2024, Whatcom County's Small Works Program
completed several stormwater projects. These
included regrading all Lake Whatcom treatment
swales to improve their functionality, replacing 192
filter cartridges in stormwater treatment systems, and
replacing a culvert at the Cedar Hills' capital project
site. The County also inspected and maintained 246
of the 904 catch basins in their jurisdiction of the
Lake Whatcom watershed. The County and City own
and operate many stormwater treatment facilities
throughout the watershed. Annual inspection and
maintenance of these facilities ensure they function
as designed to protect water quality. Collectively in
2024, the City and County managed 90 treatment
facilities, serviced 454 filter cartridges, and inspected
and maintained about 1,400 catch basins, bioswales,
ditches, and culverts in the public right-of-way.
Optimizing Operations and Maintenance
In 2023, the City began a major three-year effort to
better understand the operations and maintenance
procedures that ensure that infrastructure investments
remove the most pollution for the lowest costs. Called
the Phosphorus and Bacteria -Optimized Operations and
Maintenance (PBOOM) Project, this project collects data
to assist jurisdictions across Washington in providing
the best outcomes to their ratepayers. The City selected
a professional consultant to manage the research
project in November 2023. Since then, City staff and the
consultant have worked to define the best strategies to
maximize the performance of these systems resulting
in the publication of an Enhanced Maintenance Plan
(EMP) for all publicly owned lands and infrastructure
in the watershed. The EMP, and the improved actions
it prescribes, will result in increased pollution removal
without additional capital investments in stormwater
treatment facilities.
Stream Restoration and Erosion Control
Whatcom County completed the second phase of the
Silver Beach Creek Restoration Project in 2024. This
phase consisted of bank stabilization of Silver Beach
Creek, which is directly upstream of a stormwater
Academy Road Stormwater Facility I Photo by Whatcom County, 2024 Silver Beach Creek Restoration I Photo by Whatcom County, 2024
treatment vault system installed in 2021 in the
Savannah Park subdivision. The project restored
important fish habitat and minimized significant
erosion of the creek through a redesigned channel
that will better accommodate increased stormwater
flows.
Street Sweeping
From 2020-2024, Whatcom County continued
monthly street sweeping with additional sweeping
during October and November due to the increased
number of rain events and runoff. The program
covered roughly 723 centerline miles each year
and removed an annual average of 32 pounds of
phosphorus. The City's program to sweep streets
covered 345 curb miles (180 centerline miles) and
prevented approximately eight pounds of phosphorus
per year from entering the lake.
Homeowner Incentive Programs
Between 2020-2024, the City and County helped
homeowners make voluntary water quality
improvements to their property through the Lake
Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) and
Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program (NNLP).
To date, these programs have worked with 96
property owners and converted over 335,000 square
feet of existing lawns and landscaping into native
plant gardens and runoff filtering infrastructure that
protects water quality.
IaCZ9Ze1M.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
OBJECTIVE: Prevent water quality and quantity impacts from new development, redevelopment,
and forest practices.
Protecting Lake Whatcom requires careful management
of land use within its watershed. Both the City of
Bellingham and Whatcom County have development
regulations and programs in place to minimize the
impact of land use on water quality and quantity. These
regulations guide development, promote responsible
land management practices, and help preserve the
natural environment of the watershed.
Development Regulations and Permitting
The City and County continue to implement
development regulations aimed at preventing negative
water quality and quantity impacts to Lake Whatcom.
In 2020-2024, Whatcom County issued 711 permits in
the Lake Whatcom watershed, including permits for
new homes, additions, and miscellaneous projects,
with low -phosphorus development regulations applied.
During the same period, the City issued 14 building
permits for new structures and/or redevelopment in
the watershed. Each new and redeveloped home is
required to provide a forested condition on 30% of
the lot as a Native Vegetation Protection Area (NVPA).
NVPAs are protected by a conservation easement and
establishment of revegetation is ensured during a five-
year monitoring period. The City preserved 0.65 acres
of NVPAs during this five-year reporting period.
Lake Whatcom Overlay District Code Updates
In 2022, the Whatcom County Council updated the Lake
Whatcom Overlay District (LWOD) code to strengthen
requirements for managing stormwater runoff from
construction projects near Lake Whatcom. The updated
code lowers the size threshold for projects that need to
include stormwater management systems, meaning even
smaller projects that add hard surfaces like driveways
or patios must now install these systems to prevent
pollution. The MOD was also amended to reduce the
amount of tree canopy removal allowed in the watershed
Build -Out Analysis and Development Projections
In 2023, the City released the Lake Whatcom Watershed
Build -Out Analysis, which estimated the number of
existing dwelling units in 2023 to be 7,214 compared
to 7,123 in 2019. The estimated number of potential
development units remaining in the watershed was 1,370
in 2023 compared to 1,563 in 2019. Starting in 2024, the
Build -Out Analysis will be released every five years due
to the extensive staff resources required to conduct the
analysis and the minimal changes observed annually.
Recent Ordinances for Enhanced Protection
In June 2024, the City Council adopted two ordinances
to further protect Lake Whatcom's water quality.
The first ordinance established new stormwater
management rules for multi -family zones in the Silver
Beach Neighborhood, aligning them with stricter single-
family standards. The second ordinance rezoned these
multi -family areas to lower density, limiting further
development.
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
52% of homeowners aware of
regulations applying to
seasonal timing of construction,
determined by 2024 Lake
Whatcom survey.
130 Acres of timber harvested and
replanted
2024 Expenditures:
$363,350
Native Vegetation Protection Area I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
PROGRAM AREA
water quality and pollution
sources, reduce uncertainty in the Lake Whatcom loading and response models, and guide
management decisions.
Understanding the health of Lake Whatcom and the
effectiveness of management strategies requires
continuous monitoring and data collection. This
ongoing effort tracks water quality trends, assesses the
effectiveness of management strategies, and provides
crucial information for informed decision -making.
The Lake Whatcom Data Management Team, with
representatives from the City, County, Lake Whatcom
its third year of storm event tributary sampling at Austin,
Silver Beach, and Euclid Creeks. In 2024, they completed
their third year of sampling at Carpenter, Olsen, and
Smith Creeks, adding to the data collected from all major
lake tributaries since 2012. These data are then used
to populate watershed computer simulations, identify
water quality trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of
various water quality improvement efforts. This scientific
Water and Sewer District, Department of Ecology, and foundation informs management strategies and helps
Western Washington University (WWU), meets monthly ensure the long-term health of the lake.
to coordinate these monitoring efforts and ensure a
comprehensive and unified approach.
Water Quality Monitoring
The team's work encompasses a wide range of activities,
from routine water quality monitoring to specialized
studies and assessments. One of the longest -running
efforts is the City's contract with WWU's Institute for
Watershed Studies (IWS) to conduct routine monitoring
of Lake Whatcom and its tributaries. IWS collects
long-term water quality data on various parameters,
including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll,
nutrients, total organic carbon, algae, sulfide, and E. coli.
IWS also assesses streamflow from Smith and Austin
Creeks, two tributaries of Lake Whatcom.
From 2020-2024, IWS continued their multi -year efforts
to monitor and sample Lake Whatcom and its tributaries,
especially during storm events. In 2021, IWS completed
Modeling the Data
The County and the City continued to support updates
to lake loading and lake response models. These models
provide information to evaluate phosphorus loading
reduction targets and guide the City and County's Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) response efforts. To further
refine these models and inform management strategies,
various studies and monitoring initiatives have been
implemented.
In 2024, the County continued their focus on
coordinating efforts to refine the lake hydrologic model.
This involved incorporating data from various sources,
including inputs from a separate lake loading model,
water quality datasets, streamflow gauges and weather
stations. This work culminated with a TMDL reassessment
that was submitted to the Department of Ecology in July
2024.
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
1194 Lake water quality samples
collected in 2024
131 Tributary water quality
samples collected in 2024
2024 Expenditures: $72,01
Lake Water Quality Samping I Photo by IWS, 2024
2020-2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTSREPORT
IaCZ9ZeIC7_\► I.111 10
Tributary Water Quality Samping I Photo by IWS, 2021
On -Site Sewage System Study and Sub -Watershed
Monitoring
In 2020, the District and County partnered on a second
study to assess water quality impacts from on -site
sewage (OSS, or septic) systems. The study found that
the concentrations of total phosphorus, fecal coliform,
and E. coli bacteria were relatively similar between
the OSS-served and sewer -served drainages. This
indicated that the elevated presence of contaminants
in both shorelines is likely due to development -related
sources rather than OSS. In 2024, the County began
sampling on Northshore Drive at three sites that were
identified in the 2020 study as having potentially high
bacteria contributions. Three monthly grab and storm
sampling events occurred in 2024. Further investigation
will continue in 2025 with the County sampling three
additional Northshore Drive sites identified in the 2020
study. Additionally, baseline data collection for the
County's next Sub -Watershed Master Plan, focusing on
Britton/Hillsdale, West Geneva, and Northshore, began
in October 2023. Since then, 55 storm event and monthly
samples have been collected within the proposed sub -
watershed boundary.
Stormwater System Effectiveness
The City and County continue to conduct stormwater
sampling to assess the effectiveness of constructed
stormwater treatment systems, as well as to determine
the contributions of contaminants from Lake Whatcom's
major tributaries. The County began monitoring the
retrofitted treatment swales from the Geneva Pilot
Project in 2024, following the project's completion in
2023. Similarly, the City is doing a thorough assessment
of constructed stormwater treatment devices in
the Lake Whatcom watershed with the information
gathered from these assessments to inform future Best
Management Practices (BMP) selection and to improve
pollutant removal performance of City stormwater
systems. The City continues to work to optimize the filter
media installed in existing BMPs and will have sampling
conducted to determine pollutant removal effectiveness.
Hydrology Data Collection
Finally, the City continues its contract with the United
States Geological Survey (USGS) to collect hydrology
data for eight Lake Whatcom tributaries as well as the
Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. All of these stations
are on telemetry and several have real-time turbidity
monitoring.
Sampling for Dissolved Oxygen I Photo by IWS, 2023
2020-2024 AC• '•'
Ia1091c]C7_\► I.111 10
C
oper storage and handling of
hazardous materials and ensure that spill prevention and response programs adequately protect
water quality.
Protecting Lake Whatcom from hazardous materials
requires efforts to rapidly respond to and minimize the
risk of spills and contamination. Both Whatcom County
and the City of Bellingham play a crucial role in this work,
with trained field staff ready to respond to incidents and
support programs dedicated to pollution prevention City -
and County -wide.
Incident Response
From 2020-2024, staff received and responded to 62
reports of illicit discharges or stormwater pollution within
the Lake Whatcom watershed. The incidents typically
involved evidence of fuel or other oily compounds found
on roadways or ditches, a response to an automobile
accident, or overflows within the Lake Whatcom Water
and Sewer District's infrastructure that were immediately
managed and confined for cleanup.
Pollution Prevention Assistance Programs
The City and County's Pollution Prevention Assistance
(PPA) programs continued to help local businesses
reduce and eliminate dangerous waste. While providing
assistance to a business, PPA program staff evaluate and
address potential sources of pollution which may enter
stormwater, wastewater, or the air. Staff who respond to
stormwater hotline calls and stormwater code violations
situationally referred businesses to the PPA program for
free technical assistance and advice.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Graphic I by Whatcom County, 2024
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
6 New staff trained in spill
prevention and response
14 Spills/Incidents responded to
2024 Expenditures: $'5VV
Outreach Programs
In 2022, Whatcom County initiated the Household
Hazardous Waste Pilot Program, which helped identify
behavior change strategies that would enable residents
to better understand where and how to dispose of
hazardous waste. Lake Whatcom watershed residents
were one of the primary focus groups in this initial
survey. The pilot program was completed in 2023 and
the pilot results provided key strategies and a broad -
scale implementation guide for addressing the use,
storage, and disposal of household hazardous waste.
After completing the pilot, staff implemented
an outreach campaign in 2024 based on the
recommendations. This campaign consisted of in -person
events, distribution of physical materials to HOAs and
realtors, and digital communications. The pilot program
results are helping inform current and future outreach
campaigns in the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Parks
and Recreation Departments continue to manage park
usage and facilities in the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Both jurisdictions work to limit recreation impacts to
water quality through efforts such as providing pet waste
stations, maintaining stormwater facilities, educating
park visitors, and maintaining trails.
Bloedel Donovan Park
From 2020 to 2024, Bloedel Donovan Park continued
to be a popular water recreation destination with peak
visitation from May through September. In 2021, new
swimming docks were donated by the Bellingham Bay
Rotary Club and the City ran the Lifeguard Program from
2021-2023. From 2021-2024, the City hired a private
contractor to provide weekend traffic control and
flagging services to ease parking congestion. In 2024,
the City completed a variety of improvements to the
Bloedel Donovan Community Center, which included
with water quality goals.
the electrification of all park buildings, stormwater
repairs, mechanical and electrical upgrades, a new roof
at the community building, and electric vehicle charging
stations added to the parking lot.
During the summers of 2020-2024, two City of
Bellingham Park Ambassadors were assigned to
Bloedel Donovan and Whatcom Falls Parks to promote
compliance with park regulations, which included
educating park users about staying on designated trails
and properly picking up and disposing of pet waste and
litter. They also helped with public safety, coordinated
with the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program, and
assisted park visitors.
From 2021 to 2023, the City of Bellingham Parks
Volunteer Program, in collaboration with Park
Ambassadors and the Whatcom County Public Works
Stormwater Division, facilitated "We Scoop' events
at Bloedel Donovan Park to promote responsible
dog ownership and waste disposal. Staff engaged
144 community members on the environmental and
health risks of dog waste. This community engagement
initiative also educated attendees on proper dog waste
disposal practices and local dog regulations to help
improve the safety and cleanliness of Bellingham's parks
and trails.
Whatcom County Parks
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation continued to
manage more than 9,500 acres of land in the Lake
Swim Docks at Bloedel Donovan Park I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2021 Whatcom watershed contained in several parks.
6.5
Miles of forest roads
maintained
22 Miles of trail maintained
31 Pet waste stations
maintained in watershed
2024 Expenditures:$620,463
Staff performed regular maintenance and repair on
27 miles of trails, including resurfacing the Hertz Trail
at Lake Whatcom Park in 2020. That same year, the
Chanterelle Connector Trail was completed, adding 4.5
miles to the Lake Whatcom Park trail system, featuring
a stunning viewpoint overlooking Lake Whatcom.
Additionally, the County Parks Department completed
30% design drawings for the Lake Whatcom Trailhead.
In 2024, parking lot paving and the installation of green
infrastructure to improve stormwater management
were completed at the Stimpson Family Nature
Reserve.
Ikq1 2020-2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPORT
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
minimize impacts associated with established invasive species.
Preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic
invasive species (AIS) is crucial for protecting the
ecological balance and health of Lake Whatcom, Lake
Samish, and our drinking water infrastructure. Invasive
species can outcompete native plants and animals,
disrupt food webs, and damage water treatment
infrastructure. To safeguard local lakes, the LWMP
oversees a comprehensive AIS prevention program,
combining watercraft inspections, monitoring, public
education, and enforcement.
2024 AIS Inspection Stations
Bloedel Donovan
L
3
Whatcom and
Boat Inspection Program
Between 2020-2024, seasonal inspectors conducted
over 70,000 watercraft inspections at Lake Whatcom
and Lake Samish for the AIS prevention program.
Inspectors issued 13,824 registered annual permits,
1,618 small vessel annual permits, 1,004 three-day
passes, 2,882 one -day passes, and 18,208 non -
motorized annual permits, resulting in fee revenue of
$810,546 during the five-year reporting period. There
were 51,027 watercraft inspections conducted at
Lake Whatcom and 19,046 inspections at Lake Samish
in the last five years. Watercraft that participated in
the programs had last visited 23 different states or
provinces prior to launching at Lake Whatcom or Lake
Samish.
From 2020-2024, 46 boats were fully decontaminated
with hot water prior to being allowed to launch. All 46
boats were considered to be high -risk for the potential
transport of zebra and/or quagga mussels to Lake
Whatcom based on their recent waterbody history and
vessel features that are more likely to hold standing
water.
Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring
To keep track of new and existing aquatic invasive
species, program staff monitor the lakes with support
from Whatcom County, the Washington Department of
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
12,304 Boats inspected
1066 Boats with standing water
I that had to be drained
101 Boats with aquatic plants that
had to be removed
Boats decontaminated for
If a
invasive mussels
Known invasive species
0 introductions in Lake
_ Whatcom
2024 Expenditures: $a1
2020-2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPORT
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
Aquatic Invasive Species
Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington State Department
of Ecology. This monitoring includes annual visual
shoreline surveys at various locations on Lakes Whatcom
and Samish.
Lake Padden was also sampled for New Zealand
mudsnail density and distribution in 2019, 2020, 2021,
and 2024. Although sampling methods differed across
these years, the snails do not appear to have spread
significantly from the heavily infested areas identified
in 2019. Extended shoreline monitoring is planned for
2025.
In 2024, AIS staff began conducting plankton tows
to supplement the Department of Fish and Wildlife's
efforts to detect Zebra or Quagga mussel (ZQM)
juveniles. These tows ensure that Lake Whatcom is
tested at least monthly during the boating season. No
new aquatic invasive species were detected in Lake
Whatcom or Lake Samish during this reporting period
AIS Boat Inspection I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
Enforcement
In 2020, a pilot program to provide AIS regulation
enforcement on Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish
through an interlocal agreement with the Whatcom
County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) was initiated. The WCSO
patrolled both lakes during the summer to check for
AIS violations in addition to their work patrolling for
boater safety and enforcement of state laws. The AIS
patrols were continued in 2021 through 2024. From
2020 to 2024, WSCO issued 1,604 written inspections
and documented 74 AIS violations. All boaters with
AIS violations were sent to the AIS inspection station
for compliance. Four infractions were issued for motor
boaters who did not follow up with compliance.
Education and Outreach
From 2020-2024, inspectors increased awareness about
AIS by participating in events at both Lake Whatcom and
Lake Samish, and by providing outreach and education
on the New Zealand mudsnail at events hosted at Lake
Padden. Bloedel Donovan Park also continues to host a
AIS Staff Decontaminate Boat I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
variety of events, including bass tournaments, Nooksack
Canoe races, the Lake Whatcom Classic, and the Lake
Whatcom Triathlon. AIS staff regularly tables at these
events and provides educational resources to attendees.
Staff maintain and regularly update the Whatcom Boat
Inspections website with information relevant to boaters.
This website provides information on the AIS program,
fees, inspection locations, AIS prevention, and the AIS
Awareness Course. 50,615 people visited the website
from 2020 to 2024.
Also during this time period, 8,232 people passed
the online AIS Awareness Course. The course takes
approximately 30 minutes to complete and aims to
educate participants about AIS prevention and boat
inspection practices that help stop the spread of AIS
to Whatcom County waters. Boaters are offered a $10
discount on their annual AIS permit as an incentive to
take the course. The course has been completed more
than 20,000 times since it was launched in 2014.
Sorting Invasive Asian Clams I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
systems.
Careful management of utilities and transportation
infrastructure within the watershed plays a vital role
in safeguarding Lake Whatcom, which serves as the
drinking water supply for over 100,000 people in
Whatcom County. The Utilities and Transportation
Program Area works to ensure reliable and sustainable
utility services, promote water conservation, and
minimize the environmental impact of transportation
infrastructure.
Water Conservation
The City and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District
continually track water use, which typically peaks in
the summer. To reduce stresses on water supply and
promote responsible water use, both the City and the
District continued to implement water conservation
actions identified in their Water Use Efficiency Plans
Water School Program I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
transportation
from 2020-2024. The City continued to offer water use
efficiency rebate programs for high efficiency toilets,
washers, and irrigation controllers. In the past five years,
the City issued 118 rebates for a total estimated savings
of 1,784,812 gallons. Similarly, the District offered a
rebate program through their partnership with the
Whatcom Water Alliance (WWA), issuing 28 rebates.
Rebates and water -saving practices like letting lawns
go dormant, finding and fixing leaks and following the
voluntary outdoor watering schedule were promoted
through social media, utility bill inserts, a Lake Whatcom
newsletter, and radio ads. Additionally, the District and
the City continued their engagement in the WWA, whose
mission is to promote coordination and collaboration on
water conservation throughout Whatcom County.
Water School
The City's Water School program continued in 2020 to
2024 with over 3,700 students participating, including
all Bellingham Public elementary schools, reaching the
District student population as well. Water School teaches
5th graders about Lake Whatcom and its watershed,
stormwater pollution and prevention, and the City's water
and wastewater treatment systems.
Sanitary Sewer System Maintenance
Both the City and the District maintain sanitary sewer
systems in the watershed. Maintenance includes
replacing older infrastructure, following capital
improvement plans to reduce sewer overflows, and
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
Gallons conserved with
4559397 water use efficiency
iiI.P.1YRIMI
Sewer system preventative
0 maintenance actions taken by
The District
100
Community members attended
water treatment plant tours
Households that participated in
31 the residential rebate program
(City and Whatcom Water
Alliance)
Septic system rebates
6 issued in 2024
2024 Expenditures: $'V'
176
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
finding and fixing leaks within sewer lines. The City's
maintenance crews fulfilled 7,917 work orders in the
Lake Whatcom watershed from 2020 to 2024. These
projects ensured that the water, sewer, and drainage
infrastructure remain in good working order to prevent
spills, leaks, and flooding.
The District operated and maintained 26 sewer pump
stations and replaced or renewed one to two stations
annually. During this reporting period, the District
completed several significant projects, including:
• Replaced five sewer pump stations: Dellesta,
Edgewater, Euclid, Lakewood, and Rocky Ridge.
• Rehabilitated sewer conveyance lines: This included
relining 3,100 feet of the Lake Whatcom Boulevard
sewer interceptor, one of two pipelines that
convey wastewater from Sudden Valley out of the
watershed.
• Made 137 new sewer connections within 200 feet
of the sewer line, including the conversion of three
homes from septic systems.
Septic System Maintenance and Education
As of 2024, there are 793 septic systems on record in the
Lake Whatcom watershed. Whatcom County programs
help septic system owners keep their systems in good
working order. For example, Whatcom County Health
and Community Services (WCHCS) offers a free septic
system maintenance training workshop. Homeowners
who complete the training are eligible to receive a
rebate to offset maintenance costs. Six rebates were
issued to watershed homeowners in 2024, with a
total of 50 issued between 2020-2024. WCHCS also
NMI
enforced septic system evaluation and maintenance
requirements and mailed letters to septic system icy
owners who were out of compliance. In fall 2024, all
septic system owners in the watershed were sent fliers
on how to protect their drain fields during the rainy
season.
Road Maintenance
The City and County continued their ongoing enhanced
road maintenance program, which included street
sweeping and catch basin cleaning to remove pollutants
from stormwater runoff entering the lake. The City
and County also aim to prevent water quality impacts
by employing road design standards with stormwater
best management practices and by making bike and
pedestrian mobility improvements.
Replacement of Dellesta Sewer Pump Station I Photo by The District, 2020
Relining of the Lake Whatcom Boulevard Sewer Interceptor I Photo by The District, 2022
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
adoption of behaviors that protect water quality.
The Lake Whatcom Management Program (LWMP)
continued to educate and engage members of the
community in lake protection and pollution prevention
by providing information, offering incentives, and
removing barriers to help people take action. Education
and engagement activities in this program area are
categorized as general Lake Whatcom outreach,
program area specific outreach, and community -wide
outreach. Additionally, program area specific outreach is
mentioned in their respective program areas throughout
the report.
General Lake Whatcom outreach highlights include:
• The City administered the Lake Whatcom 5-year
survey to watershed residents in 2024 to assess
their changes in attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge
nd facilitate the
on various topics. Roughly 18,000 watershed
residents were contacted to participate with 933
residents completing the survey. This survey built
on the 2018 Lake Whatcom Survey and the results
were used to inform programs in the 2025-2029
Work Plan. Changes in key metrics over this five-
year period are captured in most program areas.
Results of the 2024 survey can be viewed on the
Lake Whatcom Management Program Resources
webaage.
• The Lake Whatcom Lowdown e-newsletter
launched in 2021 to provide quarterly updates on
watershed programs, stewardship opportunities,
seasonal code requirements, best environmental
practices, and more.
Swimming, wading, and non -motorized boating are the most common activities that respondents partake in.
Same as in 2018.
In the past year, have you used Lake Whatcom for any of the following activities?
Swimming or wading
Boating (non -motor)
Boating (motor)
Fishing
Other
None of the above
Lake Whatcom Five -Year Survey Results I Graphic By City of Bellingham, 2024
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
85898 Unique visitors to website
over County watershed residents
59500 received Our Watershed
newsletter
921
Students participated in
the Water School Program
People subscribed to The
477 Lake Whatcom Lowdown
e-newsletter
Residents attended Lake
56% 9 2018 Whatcom Wildfire Risk
s?% zoza 53
Reduction workshops
2024 Expenditures:$193122
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
Education and Engagement
• The Stewards of the Lake: A Guide to Living in the conservation easements secured by the City to date.
Lake Whatcom Watershed was first published in Stormwater: From 2020 to 2024, 96 landowners
2020 and mailed to 7,412 watershed homeowners.
Between 2021 and 2024, it was mailed to 2,255 new
homeowners.
• Our Watershed, a newsletter for the County's Lake
Whatcom Stormwater Utility, was mailed to over
5,500 County utility ratepayers each year.
• The City advertised in Bellingham utility bills to
educate about drinking water topics, such as aquatic
invasive species, drinking water treatment, water
conservation, pollution prevention, and more. Each
utility bill insert was mailed monthly, reaching roughly
29,000 households.
• Staff managed the LWMP website as a resource to
share information about the watershed, management
activities, programs, and stewardship practices.
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) staff distributed
outreach materials and communicated with boaters
about clean engine, speed limit, and wake zone rules.
Program area -specific outreach highlights include:
• Land Preservation: From 2021 to 2024, the City
partnered with the Whatcom Conservation District, to
completed projects on their property through the
Homeowner Incentive and Neighborhood Native
Landscaping programs, resulting in the conversion
of over 335,000 square feet of existing lawns and
landscaping into native plant gardens that protect
water quality.
community events, while the City hosted the Bark
Stewards Program at popular trailheads.
• The City and County used mailers, social media,
radio ads, bus ads, and events to promote scooping
pet waste throughout the year.
• Over 3,700 fifth grade students, teachers, and
chaperones learned about Bellingham's water
resources in Water School from 2020 to 2024.
• Stormwater: The County worked with Washington 0 From 2020 to 2024, the City developed its Manage
State University Extension to host a free, five -week
"Gardening Green Sustainable Landscaping" course
at the Sudden Valley Community Association in
2023 and 2024.
• Hazardous Materials: The City ran advertisements
promoting the Stormwater Hotline and See -Click -Fix
as ways to report pollution and harmful runoff.
• AIS: AIS permit and inspection requirements were
promoted using social media, print and digital
advertisements, and utility bill inserts.
• Utilities and Transportation: Residential water
use efficiency rebate programs were offered and
promoted by the City and the Whatcom Water
Alliance (WWA).
promote wildfire awareness through social media and Community -wide outreach highlights include:
hold virtual workshops. Since 2020, the County's and City's pet waste
• Land Preservation: In 2023 and 2024, the City mailed programs received over 2,561 community
2,063 letters to residents in the Lake Whatcom pledges from dog owners to scoop the poop.
watershed seeking interested sellers for the Lake Additionally, Whatcom County has run a successful
Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program
• Land Preservation: In 2023, the City developed the
Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition interactive map,
which highlights all acquisitions, donations, and
neighborhood pet waste ambassador program
engaging 190 residents over the past four years.
• Whatcom County hosted over 50 pet waste pop-
up events at local parks, trails, pet stores, and
Weeds Naturally program, and in 2024, conducted
a survey to evaluate outreach efforts, with 149
participants providing input.
• Whatcom County initiated a community -based
social marketing pilot project about household
hazardous waste disposal in 2022 and implemented
an outreach campaign in 2024.
• Additional education and engagement
accomplishments can be found under their
respective program areas.
County Scooping Ambassadors Photo by Whatcom County, 2024
Ia091CIR.Al 84 I.\:iIF_1
Work Plan.
During 2020-2024, Lake Whatcom Management
Program (LWMP) administrators coordinated the
Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team (ICT) and program
Management Program
Work Plan Development
In 2024, ICT administrative work focused on developing
the 2025-2029 LWMP Work Plan. Staff facilitated a public
area activities to support the successful implementation comment period and received over 300 comments. Input
of the 2020-2024 LWMP Work Plan. was also received from the Lake Whatcom Policy Group
and Water Resources Advisory Board. This input was
Interjurisdictional Coordination integrated into the plan, which was then approved by
Over the last five years, ICT administrative work focused policymakers in January 2025.
on completing the annual progress reports, coordinating
work plan activities, and preparing topics for Lake
Whatcom Policy Group meetings. Lake Whatcom Policy
Group meetings were held approximately quarterly,
with additional meetings added as needed, to discuss
work plan activities and policy issues with elected
representatives from each jurisdiction and the Sudden
Valley Community Association. These meetings were
open to the public. Information on all public meetings
and opportunities for public involvement were posted
on the Lake Whatcom Management Program website.
Civic Center I Photo by Whatcom County, 2023
Funding and Financial Reporting
The County continued to fund Lake Whatcom programs
and projects through a combination of funding sources
including the Flood Control Zone District taxes, real estate
excise taxes, and the Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility
(LWSU) fees. The utility fees are assessed on developed
lots with impervious surfaces in the watershed outside
of City limits. Quarterly and year-end financial reports, as
well as annual reports and newsletters, were uploaded
to the LWSU and LWMP websites for public review. More
information is available on the County's website.
The City continued to fund Lake Whatcom programs
and projects through a combination of funding sources
including the water and stormwater utilities, watershed
surcharges on water bills, grants, and Aquatic Invasive
Species permit fees. The City manages its Storm and
Surface Water Utility funds to construct stormwater
capital projects to protect Lake Whatcom water quality.
The City also supplements utility funds with substantial
grants from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
2024 HIGHLIGHTED METRICS
6 Lake Whatcom Policy Group
meetings held
11 ICT meetings held
2024 Ex endi res: 11893
Joint Meetings and Information Sharing
Annual joint meetings of the City Council, County Council
and District Board of Commissioners were held in March
of each year. At these meetings, information was shared
on the Lake Whatcom water quality monitoring program,
work plan accomplishments, and future planned work.
Pacific Street Operations Center I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2023
Climate Impacts to Lake Whatcom
Climate models indicate that the Pacific Northwest is
projected to warm significantly by 2100, a result of
greenhouse gases emitted from human activities. Higher
average annual temperatures, higher average summer
temperatures, and longer and more frequent extreme
heat events will impact water quality and forest health
of the Lake Whatcom watershed. Lake Whatcom and
its watershed will be impacted by increasing ambient
air temperatures and changes in precipitation cycles.
These impacts will have wide-ranging effects including
drinking water treatment, fish mortality, tree species
distribution, and stormwater system design, among
others. This section highlights ways in which climate
change adaptation and mitigation were addressed in the
2020-2024 work plan.
Anderson Creek Preserve I Photo by City of Bellingham, 2024
Program Area 1: Land Preservation
Protecting the health of the watershed's forested areas
helps reduce the impacts of climate change on our
community. Forests absorb carbon dioxide, create shade
that cools streams, and direct rainfall underground for
storage and slow release.
Less summer precipitation and increasing temperatures
will further stress watershed forests. The combination
of changes in temperature and precipitation will cause
trees to be more vulnerable to disease and pests and
exacerbate conditions that contribute to wildfires. To
offset dangerous forest fire conditions caused by the
changing climate, the City contracted with Whatcom
Conservation District's Wildfire Risk Reduction Program
to work directly with watershed landowners to reduce
wildfire risks on private and public property. This work
creates a defensible space around homes by clearing
leaves and other flammable debris, removing dead
vegetation, and pruning shrubs and limbing trees. Also,
LWMP staff continued active management of acquired
forested lands to reduce fire load, decrease disease and
pest infestations, and select tree species and varieties
that are acclimated to warmer conditions.
Program Area 2: Stormwater Management
The amount and timing of rainfall is changing as
regional climate patterns trend toward longer, drier
summers and wetter shoulder seasons. Increases in
the intensity, frequency and duration of precipitation
events add to winter stream flows, increasing stream
bank erosion, destabilizing slopes and transporting
temperatures in streams and the lake itself will also
contribute to increased growth of bacteria already in
the waterways.
Due to these changes in rainfall patterns, LWMP
partners have designed stormwater infrastructure
using site -based measurements, instead of historical
precipitation, so systems designed today will be
resilient to future shifts in rainfall timing and intensity.
Furthermore, stormwater projects that replaced
lawns and hard surfaces with native plants and
natural stormwater systems created carbon sinks that
help balance the carbon budget in our developed
areas.
Program Area 3: Land Use
Converting forested land into development and its
accompanying roads, lawns, and hard surfaces leads
to higher temperatures in the lake and its tributaries.
LWMP development regulations require the addition
of native plants and natural stormwater systems
to help offset the loss of carbon storage caused by
replacing forests with developed areas.
Program Area 4: Monitoring and Data
Climate change affects many of the parameters that
lake managers use to assess the health and recovery
of Lake Whatcom. The watershed faces increased
evaporation due to heat waves, more frequent
flooding due to heavy rains, and natural changes
in chemistry and biology that occur under warmer
temperatures. Monitoring efforts provided baseline
additional phosphorus laden sediment to the lake. Rising data to help understand and evaluate climate related
changes. LWMP staff used recent rainfall patterns,
which have changed significantly over the past few
decades, in the latest updates of lake loading and
response models. In addition, a Climate Fellow from the
Western Washington University Institute for Watershed
Studies completed a fuller assessment of climate
impacts to Lake Whatcom.
Program Area 6: Recreation
As population in the Pacific Northwest grows, increased
pressure will be put on recreational resources around
the lake. As summers become warmer and drier, and
heat dome events become more common, peak usage
of park facilities can result in negative impacts to water
quality. Whatcom County, in conjunction with the City,
began development of a forest management plan for
County and City -owned forest lands in the watershed
that will incorporate climate change to build and
maintain a resilient forest ecosystem.
Program Area 7: Aquatic Invasive Species
As a result of warming waters and changing water
chemistry, the range of aquatic invasive species may
change, leading to new or more resilient infestations.
City and County staff participated in regional -level
discussions about how to prevent this outcome as our
climate becomes more habitable for non -desirable
species. In addition, intensive monitoring was
conducted annually to characterize invasive species
populations and assess potential for new infestations.
New program considerations will be needed to address
increased risk of new infestations as they are identified
and recognized as local concerns.
Program Area 8: Utilities and Transportation
A changing climate can impact the provision of
reliable utility service and a robust transportation
network for watershed residents. To address
these challenges, LWMP partners ensure that
climate change is included in the planning
and implementation of these services. Water
conservation, when widely employed, can help offset
the effects of drought by preserving the volume
of water in surface and groundwater reservoirs.
Furthermore, drought patterns increase wildland fire
risk to utility and transportation infrastructure. To
address this risk, the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer
District conducted wildfire resilience audits of their
facilities and implemented wildfire risk mitigation
measures at over 40 water and sewer facilities.
Other Program Areas and Activities
Many other activities conducted by LWMP staff may
have a nexus with climate action that is not described
in this document, in most cases because that activity
is conducted jurisdiction -wide and not specifically
limited to the Lake Whatcom watershed. More
information on how the City and County intend to
address climate change, including work that applies
to Lake Whatcom Management, can be found in each
agency's Climate Action Plan.
• City of Bellingham Climate Protection
Artinn Plan
• Whatcom County Climate Action Plan
Stormwater Sampling I Photo by Whatcom County, 2024
Program Area
1. Land Preservation
2020-2024
Staff Costs
Work•- •
Capital Costs
Other Costs*
$608,460
Total
$14,812,650
$1,321,578
$12,995,218
2. Stormwater
$2,391,216
$6,232,734
$2,387,211
$10,872,964
3. Land Use
$1,793,912
$0
$0
$1,793,912
4. Monitoring & Data
$350,419
$0
$2,812,452
$3,162,871
S. Hazardous Materials
$70,012
$0
$20,150
$90,162
6. Recreation
$1,541,122
$755,770
$386,718
$2,683,611
7. Aquatic Invasive Species
$2,967,989
$0
$489,439
$3,457,428
8. Utilities & Transportation
$2,301,978
$5,871,000
$3,554,514
$11,727,492
9. Education & Engagement
$489,567
$0
$450,605
$940,171
10. Administration
LWMP Work Plan Total
$772,011
:04
$0
$47,810
.0
$819,821
* Other costs include supplies, materials, equipment, consultant fees, interfund charges, taxes, bank charges, and procedural costs.
Land Preservation
Total Value Since
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Data Recorded
Number of development units
847 total units
removed from the watershed per
removed since
15 units removed
3 units removed
9 units removed
42 units removed
17 units removed
year
2001
Acres in protected status: New
acres acquired or otherwise
12,649 acres
147 acres
113 acres
134 acres
161 acres
52 acres
protected per year
Stormwater Total Value Since 2024
Data Recorded
Pounds of phosphorus reduced
per year through phosphorus
179.95 pounds
13 pounds
16 pounds
12 pounds
0 pounds
21.4 pounds
treatment and flow control
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
capital projects
Pounds of phosphorus reduced
-1.23 pounds
0.5 pounds
-.95 pounds
per year through Homeowner
7.92 pounds
1.51 pounds
0.78 pounds
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
Incentive Program (HIP)
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
(COB only, revised
(COB only)
(COB only, revised
improvements
accounting)
accounting)
Pounds of phosphorus reduced
1.95 pounds
0.02 pounds
0.21 pounds
0.85 pounds
phosphorus/year
0 pounds
.37 pounds
per year through land use
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
(COB only, revised
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
regulations
(COB only)
(COB only)
mapping)
(COB only)
(COB only)
Pounds of phosphorus reduced
10 pounds
40-46 pounds
40 pounds
40 pounds
40 pounds
per year through operations and
40 pounds
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
phosphorus/year
maintenance activities
phosphorus/year
(estimate, COB
(Estimate, COB &
(Estimate, COB &
(Estimate, COB &
(Estimate, COB &
only)
WC combined)
WC combined)
WC combined)
WC combined)
Properties with completed
280 new properties
6 new properties
14 new
24 new properties
20 new properties
27 new properties
residential stormwater projects
(since 2011)
properties
2020-2024 Accomplishments-••rt — Repo
Land Use
Total Value From
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2020-2024
Acres of native vegetation
protected as forest in perpetuity as
.65 acres 4.95 acres since 2009
0 acres (COB only)
0.2 acres (COB only)
0.45 acres (COB only)
0 acres
0 acres
a result of land use regulations
Acres of developed surface treated
by phosphorus -limiting Best
1.7 acres
0.02 acres (COB
Management Practices (BMPs)
7.88 acres since 2009
only)
0.20 acres (COB only)
1.11 acres (COB only)
0 acres
.04 acres
installed to meet requirements of
land use regulations
2024 survey results:
2018 survey results:
Proportion of homeowners who are aware
Proportion of watershed residents
Proportion of homeowners who are aware of regulations
of regulations applying to seasonal timing of
who are knowledgeable of
o
applying to seasonal timing of construction: 51/
construction: 52/
phosphorus -neutral development
Proportion of homeowners who intentionally do construction
' Proportion of homeowners who intentionally
regulations measured every five
only during the seasonal work window: 55/ o
do construction only during the seasonal work
years through the Lake Whatcom
Proportion of homeowners who are aware of special
o
window: 52/
Watershed Survey Land Use
regulations that apply to construction and landscaping
proportion of homeowners who are
Program key metrics
activities in the watershed: 37/
aware of special regulations that apply to
construction and landscaping activities in the
watershed: 35%
Acres of timber harvested and
replanted on public and private
1,605 acres
916.8 acres
289.3 acres
250.8 acres
18 acres
130.1 acres
forest lands per year
Feet of road constructed on public
47,411 feet
21,316 feet
18,472 feet
7,623 feet
0 feet
0 feet
and private forestry lands per year
Feet of road abandoned on public
1,588 feet
1,588 feet
0 feet
0 feet
0 feet
0 feet
and private forestry lands per year
Acres treated with herbicides on
public and private forest lands per
411.8 acres
0 acres
43.4 acres
304.4 acres
0 acres
64 acres
year
Monitoring & Data
Total Value From
2020-2024
20;
2021
2022
2023
2024
Number of lake water quality
5,757 samples
1,051 samples
1,170 samples
1,170 samples
1,172 samples
1,194 samples
samples collected per year
Number of tributary water
quality samples collected per
864 samples
324 samples
150 samples
128 samples
131 samples
131 samples
year
Hazardous Materials
Total Value From
2020
6 2022
2023
MML
2020-2024
Number of spills, illicit
discharges, or hazardous
62 incidents
10 incidents 13 incidents
9 incidents
16 incidents
14 incidents
material incidents reported in
the watershed per year
Proportion of watershed
residents who are
knowledgeable about proper
hazardous materials disposal
2018 survey results: 57%
2024 survey results: 61%
measured every five years
through the Lake Whatcom
Watershed Survey
Proportion of watershed
residents who are
knowledgeable about how to
0
2018 survey results: 36/
0
2024 survey results: 48/
report spills measured every five
years through the Lake Whatcom
Watershed Survey
Staff trained in spill prevention
254 (COB only)
32 (COB only)
37 (COB only)
28 (COB only)
151 (COB only)
6 (COB only)
and response per year
Total or Average Value
Recreation
From
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2020-2024
Miles of user -built trails
7•95 miles
2.5 miles
0 miles
3.25 miles
1.7 miles
.5 miles
decommissioned per year
Miles of new trail constructed
4 miles
0 miles
0 miles
2.5 miles
1.5 miles
0 miles
per year
95.6 miles total
Miles of trail maintained per year
15.6 miles
18 miles
18 miles
22 miles
22 miles
19.12 annual average
Miles of forest roads maintained
41.9 miles total
in accordance with Forest
Spot repair as
8.38 miles annual
11.8 miles
11.8 miles
11.8 miles
6.5 miles
Practices Act requirements per
needed
average
year
Number of pet waste stations
Max: 31
maintained in the watershed per
Min: 27
27 stations
27 stations
29 stations
30 stations
31 stations
year
28.8 annual average
Estimated number of individuals
1,339,008 total
using parks/trails in watershed
326,465 visitors
293,537 visitors
252,659 visitors
259,965 visitors
206,382 visitors
267,802 annual average
per year
Aquatic Invasive Species
Total Value From
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2020-2024
Number of new AIS introductions
0
0
0
0
0
0
per year
Number of watercraft inspections
conducted per year
70,034
14,777
14,415
14,305
14,233
12,304
Number of watercraft
decontaminations conducted per
56
6
10
24
12
4
year
Number of people who
completed online AIS Awareness
8,232
1,060
548
672
2,920
3,032
Course per year
Number of non -boating visitors
interacted with at check stations
5,443
1,186
1,157
1,206
1,156
738
per year
Proportion of watershed
2018 survey results:
2024 survey results:
residents who are
• Proportion of respondents who are aware of AIS
• Proportion of respondents who are aware of AIS
knowledgeable about AIS and
concerns in the lake: 55%
concerns in the lake: 55%
compliance with inspection
• Proportion of recent boat users who are aware of
• Proportion of recent boat users who are aware of
requirements measured every
AIS concerns in the lake: 76%
AIS concerns in the lake: 75%
five years through the Lake
• Proportion of recent boat users who participated in the
• Proportion of recent boat users who participated in the
Whatcom Watershed Survey
boat inspection program: 69%
1 boat inspection program: 71%
Utilities & Transportation
Total Value From
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2020-2024
Estimated gallons of water conserved in City
10,121,812 gallons
3,345,000
300,000 gallons
5,090,000
931,415 gallons
455,397 gallons
and District service areas per year
gallons
(COB only)
gallons
Number of students participating in Water
3,770 students
300 students
750 students
700 students
1,100 students
920 students
School Program per year
Number of households participating in
145 households
39 households
20 households
31 households
24 households
31 households
residential rebate program per year
Number of OSS failures reported in the
15 failures
3 failures
3 failures
6 failures
2 failures
1 failures
watershed per year
Number of sewer overflows into Lake
6 overflows
0 overflows
4 overflows
0 overflows
1 overflow
1 overflow
Whatcom per year
Number of bike and pedestrian mobility
n/a
2 projects (COB)
0 projects
0 projects
0 projects
0 projects
improvements made per year
Proportion of watershed residents who
are knowledgeable of water conservation
concerns in regards to water supply from
2018 survey results:
32%
2024 survey results:
36%
Lake Whatcom measured every five years
through the Lake Whatcom Watershed
Survey
Proportion of watershed residents
who have used alternative methods of
transportation in the past year measured
2018 survey results:
46%
2024 survey results:
32%
every five years through the Lake Whatcom
Watershed Survey
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Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners Meeting
ApriL2,2025
Lake Whatcom
Management Program
Goals
• Ensure a clean, safe, drinking water supply
• Protect, preserve, and enhance water
quality
• Prioritize protection over treatment
• Ensure opportunities for public comment
and participation
2020 - 2024
Lake Whatcom Work Plan
Lake Whatcom
iiianagement Program
2020-2024 Work Plan
March 2020
Prepared by the Lake Whatcom
Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team
Lake Whatcom
Management Program
12 Program Areas
1. Land Preservation
2. Stormwater
3. Land Use
4. Monitoring & Data
5. Hazardous Materials
6. Recreation
7. Aquatic Invasive Species
8. Utilities & Transportation
9. Education & Engagement
10. Administration
11. NEW: Climate Action
12. NEW: Forest Management
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Management Program
ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPORT
Prepared by the Lake whatcom Interjurisdicdonal Coordinating%am
- A•-: - +ram
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Lake Whatcom Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL)
Lake Whatcom Watershed
Total Phosphorus and Bacteria
Total Maximum Daily Loads
Volzme _ Water QuaiiiyvImpravement-Report
anr implementation Simteg
6 E#POTL+&E�Hl'Y N6VffiibPL M4 h+ed F¢ 2GI6y
Sk.%&uI W..I.kwiiii rkbheaticn Q 13-10-G12
TMDL Progress Over Time (County)
GJ
4{�y' V 0 V{/�'{/y�
V
3500
3000
2500
Q
a
m
2000
4J
o
3
E
1500
>
v
1000
w
500
a�
v
0
W
Effective Developed Acres Reduced, Whatcom County
All County Developed Area; regulated and non -permit area
87% Reduction = 2,680 EDA reduced
County Regulated Area;
87% Reductioq = 1.300 EDA reduced
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060
Year
t Legend
- VOLA, BELUN GiAtd
V&A, WHATGOM
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e l r pWLA, WHATCOM
4 ! o - LA, COUNTY
fic�_ I, . •
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lmigure S. dapped Areas of WLA, proposed WLA and LA.
TMDL Progress Over Time (City)
Effective Developed Acres Reduced, City of Bellingham
a�
4000
c�
3 3500
3000
2500
2000
1500 All Developed Area Draining to City; including from County:
87% Reduction = 532 EDA reduced
1000 Area in City Limits: 87% Reduction = 373 EDA reduced ............
500 ,
0
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060
Year
Above: Green areas drain to Phosphorus
Treatment systems (blue dots).
Over 90% of runoff to city infrastructure
is treated.
2024 Highlights and Successes:
Lake Whatcom Work Plan
Lake Whatcom
vaanagement Program
2020-2024 Work Plan
March 2020
Prepared by the Lake Whatcom
Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team
2024 Highlights,: Education and Engagement
Are LWMP Education and Engagement Efforts Working?
WATERSHED RESIDENT.
WE NEED YOUR INPUT! �
WM��3�1 wEu
2023
Lake Whatcom 5-Year Survey
Sent to all watershed residents:
5,400 households and 18,000
individuals.
ELLMetrics and Measurements:
pF N
c
3 17 Stewardship Activities and
�qs,p� 26 Unique Metrics to track
2024 Highlights: Lake Whatcorn 5-Year Survey
Next Step: Improve Programs based on Survey Findings
Momentum To Build On
Areas to Improve
• 96% report they bagged and carried dog
• 67% are concerned about wildfire,
waste to the trash (83% in 2018).
but only 45% have heard about
wildfire risk reduction practices.
• 11% fewer residents report leaving
• 52% of respondents know about
grass clippings on lawn.
seasonal restrictions
on construction. No improvement
over 2018 survey.
Climate Change Responses
77% of respondents are concerned about climate change.
36% report observed changes in the watershed over the last five years due to changing climate.
Top concerns related to climate change:
wildfire, poor water quality, water supply, degraded habitat, extreme heat
1�
2024 Highlights: 2025m2O29 Work Plan
Photo by Katheryn Moran
Lake Whatcom
Management Program
2025-2029 Work PlanIAkUARY 2025
Prepared Oy the late whatcom
mtequnsdtcuonal Coordlnaunt Team
• Coordination between Joint Policy Group (JCP) and
Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team (ICT)
• Draft for public comment -August 2024
• 307 comments from 37 people and 6 organizations,
including Watershed Resources Advisory Board
• Significant reorganization of Plan in response
• Final approved by City Council, County Council, and
LWWSD Board of Commissioners
1
110,11
ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPORT
Prepared by the Lake Whatcom interjurisdictionalCoordinadngTeam
a • •
t
202Om2O24 Milestones:
Land Preservation / Forest Management
Whatcom County & City of Bellingham Forest Management Partnership
I
Total: 12,649 acres of protected forest
and Acquisition Program (2020-2AI
• 40 parcels / 607 acres acquired
• 2023: record number of transactions (16) and most
Land purchased (162 acres)
• 2,062 letters to owners of undeveloped land
Combined Management Efforts
• Forest Management Plan Partnership launched
• Wildfire Risk Assessments
• Home Ignition Zone treatments
202Om2O24 Milestones,: Stormwater
Capital Facility Construction
Whatcom County
• Silver Beach Creek
• Marigold Lane
• Academy Facility Upgrade
• Geneva Swale Retrofit + Media Study
City of Bellingham:
• Park Place Retrofit / POST Media R&D
• Donald Avenue Facility Upgrade
• Filter Vault Conversions
Combined Capital Planning
• Sub -Area and Retrofit Plans
• Enhanced Operations and Maintenance
Assessment (aka PBOOM)
202Om2O24 Milestones: Stormwater
Residential Programs (2020-24)
Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program
(N N LP) - Whatcom County / Whatcom
Conservation District (WCD)
24 projects, 57,695 square feet improved
Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP)
City / County / WCD Partnership
65 projects, 234,215 square feet improved
20 projects partially complete (N94,000sf)
Combined Program Milestones
(Since 2011; reached in 2023/2024)
350+ projects complete
$1,000,000+ reimbursed to homeowners
110001000+ square feet improved
ev ACtIVItILmS: ACIUCOR
0
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Planning to boat in Whatcom County?
Protect our local lakes and drinking water from aquatic invasive species.
Get your boat inspected to obtain a valid 2025 AIS permit today! 0
WhatcomBoatInspections.com o�
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2025 Key Activities: Climate Action
Climate Vulnerability Assessment
• Actions for future work plans
• Water quantity and quality
• City Water System Plan
• City water conservation measures
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Questions and Discussion
Today's Presenters
��1NH4T�`
Justin Clary, General Manager
=, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District
Ei° iustin.clary(a)lwwsd.org
Gary Stoyka, Natural Resources Program Manager
Whatcom County Public Works
gstoyka@co.whatcom.wa.us
Jason Porter, Storm and Surface Water Manager
City of Bellingham Public Works — Natural Resources
jporter _ cob.org
Pr Education & Engagement Total Value From 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 '
2020-2024
Number and type of informational materials 84,783 mailers 19,213 mailers 15,284 mailers 20,994 mailers 17,053 mailers 12,239 mailers
sent to watershed residents per year.
Number of unique visitors to Lake Whatcom
35,004 visitors 6,095 visitors 6,924 visitors 6,359 visitors 6,728 visitors 8,898 visitors
Management Program website per year
Level of watershed residents' knowledge
oKey metrics that increased in value: 21
f and participation in key stewardship
practices measured every five years through
Key Metrics that decreased in value: 9
the Lake Whatcom Watershed Survey
Land Preservation
Lake Whatcom Property Acquisition Program
cob.org/lw-property
Whatcom County Parks & Recreation —Reconveyance
whatcomcounty.us/625
Stormwater
Lake Whatcom Management Program Capital Improvement Projects
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/our-programs/capital-projects
City of Bellingham 2020 Surface and Stormwater Comprehensive Plan
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/resources
Whatcom County Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Plans
whatcomcounty.us/3788
Whatcom County Private Stormwater System Maintenance Program
whatcomcounty.us/2877
Homeowner Incentive Program
IakewhatcomHlRorg
Land Use
Bellingham Municipal Code (BMQ 16.80 (Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory
Chapter), 15.42 (Stormwater Regulations), 16.55 (Critical Areas Ordinance), Title 22
(Shoreline Master Program) codepublishing.com/wa/bellingham
Whatcom County Code (WCQ 20.51 (Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District &
Stormwater Regulations), 16.16 (Critical Areas Ordinance), Title 23 (Shoreline
Management Program) codepublishing.com/wa/whatcomcounty
Lake Whatcom Watershed Annual Build -Out Analysis Report
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/resources
Short -Term Rental Regulations: City of Bellingham
cob.org/services/planning/development/Pages/short-term-rentals.aspx
Monitoring and Data
Lake Whatcom Monitoring Reports
cedar.wwu.edu/lakewhat annualreps
Lake Whatcom Reports and Resources
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/resources
Hazardous Materials
Whatcom County Emergency Management Plan
whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/39311
Whatcom County Disposal ofToxics
whatcomcounty.us/3298
Whatcom County Pollution Reporting: (360) 778-6230
whatcomcounty.us/2882
City of Bellingham Pollution Reporting/Stormwater Hotline: (360) 778-7979
cob.org/services/environment/stormwater/hotline
Recreation
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation —Reconveyance
whatcomcounty.us/625
Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park Recreational Trail Plan
whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/23920
Whatcom County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/82252
City of Bellingham Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
cob.org/2020-pro-plan
Aquatic Invasive Species
Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Program Annual Reports
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/resources
Whatcom Boat Inspections
whatcomboatinspections.com
Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Course
whatcomboatinspections.com/ais-awareness-course
2023 Inspection Data Story Map
whatcomboatinspections.com/story-map
Whatcom Boat Inspections Hotline: (360) 778-7975
Utilities and Transportation
Lake Whatcom Water Quality
cob.org/water-quality-lw
Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Consumer Confidence Reports
lwwsd.org/for-customers/quality-consumer-confidence-reports
City of Bellingham Water Conservation Resources
cob.org/conserve
City of Bellingham 2020-2025 Water Use Efficiency Program Report
cob.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-2025-WUE-Work-Plan-FINAL-2.pdf
Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Water Use Efficiency Plan 2021 Update
lwwsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-Water-Use-Efficiency-Plan-FINAL-W-App.pdf
Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District 2018 Water System Comprehensive Plan
lwwsd.org/resources/water-system-comprehensive-plan
Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District 2020 Sewer Comprehensive Plan
lwwsd.org/resources/comprehensive-sewer-plan
Whatcom County Septic System Maintenance and Evaluation
whatcomcounty.us/septic
Whatcom Smart Trips
whatcomsmarttrips.org
Community Energy Challenge
sustainableconnections.org/energy/energvchallenge
Education and Engagement
Lake Whatcom Management Program
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org
Stewards of the Lake: A Guide to Living in the Lake Whatcom Watershed
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/guide
City of Bellingham Lake Whatcom Stewardship
cob.org/stewardship-solutions
Bellingham Water School - Water and Me
cob.org/water-school
Bellingham's Stormwater Discovery Tours
stormwater.cob.org
WSU Whatcom County Extension Sustainable Landscaping
extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/nr/sustainable-landscaping
Homeowner Incentive Program
IakewhatcomHlRorg
Lake Whatcom Watershed Survey
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/resources
Whatcom Conservation District: Wildfire Information
whatcomcd.org/wildfire
Administration
1992 Lake Whatcom Joint Resolution
cob.org/1992-joint-resolution
Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plans and Progress Reports
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/resources
Lake Whatcom Meetings and Agendas
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/news
Lake Whatcom Management Program Contacts
lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/contacts
Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility
whatcomcounty.us/2830
JG
Lake Whatcom Management Program Contacts:
City of Bellingham Public Works —Natural Resources
(360) 778-7966, askpw@cob.org
Whatcom County Public Works
(360) 778-5000, WaterResources@co.whatcom.wa.us
Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District
(360) 734-9224, info@lwwsd.org
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