Lake Whatcom 2025-2029 Draft Work Plan

Thank you for your interest in the health and future of Lake Whatcom! The engagement period for the draft Lake Whatcom Management Program 2025-2029 Work Plan is closed and the final work plan is now available. All comments received by August 25, 2024 were considered by the Lake Whatcom Management Program partners during the development of the final draft plan.

In fall 2024, staff incorporated public comments in an updated draft of the work plan that was shared with the Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group and the Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB). Both groups supported bringing the work plan to the relevant Councils and Commissioners. The final draft was shared with and approved by Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners in January 2025.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to review and provide input on the five-year work plan. We will continue to consider these comments through our work to protect Lake Whatcom. View a summary of public comments received as well as staff responses to each comment.

Background

Lake Whatcom plays an important role in the quality of life for Whatcom County residents. It is the drinking water source for more than 100,000 people, a recreational destination for outdoor enthusiasts and provides valuable habitat for plants and animals unique to our region. Keeping the lake clean and its forests and ecosystems healthy is no small task. Watershed residents and visitors play a critical role in this effort through stewardship of this shared resource. Local governments and organizations work to promote stewardship and take cooperative action to restore water quality, protect environmental health and preserve healthy forests in the watershed.

The 2025-2029 Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plan represents this coordinated endeavor, bringing together the planned efforts of the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District and consolidating them in one place to ensure actions are efficient and effective. The work plan outlines the efforts that these local entities will implement over the next five years to further the goals of the Lake Whatcom Management Program.