HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2025-045Whatcom County
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
F
(360)778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2025-793
File ID:
AB2025-793
Version: 1
Status: Approved
File Created:
10/31/2025
Entered by: jsmiley@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department:
Public Works
File Type: Resolution
Department
Assigned to:
Council Climate
Action and Natural Resources Committee
Final Action: 12/09/2025
Agenda Date:
12/09/2025
Enactment #: RES 2025-045
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: SDraper�co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution adopting the Lake Whatcom Invasive Freshwater Mussel Rapid and Extended Response
Plan
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Please see attached Memo
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
12/09/2025 Council Climate Action and Natural RECOMMENDED FOR
Resources Committee APPROVAL
Aye: 3 Donovan, Galloway, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Sent To:
12/09/2025 Council APPROVED
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 Elenbaas
Attachments: Staff Memo, PublicProposed Resolution, Lake Whatcom Mussel Rapid Response Plan
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 1211012025
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2025-793)
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 1211012025
PROPOSED BY: _
INTRODUCED:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-045
Public Works
December 9, 2025
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BELLINGHAM CITY COUNCIL, WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNCIL, AND LAKE WHATCOM WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING THE LAKE WHATCOM INVASIVE FRESHWATER MUSSEL
RAPID AND EXTENDED RESPONSE PLAN
WHEREAS, Lake Whatcom is the source of drinking water for more than 120,000 people,
valuable habitat for plants and animals unique to our region, a recreational destination for
outdoor enthusiasts, and its watershed is home to more than 19,000 people; and
WHEREAS, in 1992 and again in 1998 the City of Bellingham (the "City"), Whatcom County
(the "County"), and the precursor to the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District (the
"District") formed the Lake Whatcom Management Program and thereby declared their
intention to work together to protect and manage Lake Whatcom; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has designated the Washington State
Department of Fish and Wildlife (the "Department") as the lead agency for managing invasive
species in the animal kingdom statewide in Chapter 77,135 Revised Code of Washington; and
WHEREAS, quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), zebra (Dreissena polymorpha), and
golden (Limnoperna fortunei) mussels ("Invasive Mussels") pose an imminent and serious
threat to the water supply infrastructure, ecology, recreational use, and water quality of Lake
Whatcom; and
WHEREAS, should Invasive Mussels become established, significant resources must be
expended to control the damage to water supply infrastructure, habitat, property, watercraft,
recreation activities, and water quality with potentially severe economic impacts; and
WHEREAS, if any Invasive Mussels are detected in Lake Whatcom, a prompt, coordinated,
efficient, and effective response is necessary to defend against these threats and impacts; and
WHEREAS, the City funded development of the Lake Whatcom Invasive Freshwater Mussel
Rapid and Extended Response Plan with input from the Department, County, District, partners
and stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, the Lake Whatcom Management Program partners desire to jointly adopt and, if
necessary, implement the Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that:
The Lake Whatcom Invasive Freshwater Mussel Rapid and Extended Response Plan, attached
hereto as Exhibit A, is hereby adopted.
APPROVED this 9th day of December 2025
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ATTEST:;
®C INTY
27
Cathy Hlka,q r - . i0Cq,,- ycil
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APPROVED AS .TO i ORM
Christopher Quinn by email (10/20/25-gs)
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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Kaylee Iloway, Council Chair