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 now closed. All comments received by August 25, 2024 are being considered by the Lake Whatcom Management Program partners during the development of the final plan. Staff are working on reviewing these comments and updating the work plan accordingly before sharing an updated draft with the Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group in December 2024. The Policy Group was provided an overview of the comments at their September 18 meeting. A summary of all comments received, staff responses to each comment and how comments are being addressed in the updated plan will be shared on this page once the work plan draft has been updated.

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.