Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan

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Help shape the future of forests in the Lake Whatcom Watershed

Do you care about forest health, clean water, and outdoor recreation in the Lake Whatcom watershed? We want to hear from you as we begin the development of our first-ever joint Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan.

Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department (County) and the City of Bellingham (City) are working together with ecological forestry consultants from Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG) to create a long-term plan that will guide forest management across more than 13,000 acres of forests that we collectively manage in the Lake Whatcom watershed, with

Help shape the future of forests in the Lake Whatcom Watershed

Do you care about forest health, clean water, and outdoor recreation in the Lake Whatcom watershed? We want to hear from you as we begin the development of our first-ever joint Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan.

Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department (County) and the City of Bellingham (City) are working together with ecological forestry consultants from Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG) to create a long-term plan that will guide forest management across more than 13,000 acres of forests that we collectively manage in the Lake Whatcom watershed, with the goals of protecting water quality, improving forest health, and supporting responsible recreational access (where applicable). This plan also advances the Forest Management program area within the 2025-2029 Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plan.

Which forests are included?

  • County-managed forest lands with recreational access: Whatcom County manages approximately 9,600 acres of parklands, including Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park, which were reconveyed from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. These areas support passive recreation activities such as hiking and biking.
  • City-managed forest lands preserved for water quality: The City manages more than 3,500 acres of land acquired through the Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, which purchases land to prevent development and safeguard forests that protect Lake Whatcom, Bellingham's drinking water source. This program is ongoing, with new properties regularly added.

See an interactive map of these lands in the Lake Whatcom watershed.

What will the plan do?

The Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan will inventory and assess existing forest conditions and provide recommendations for enhancing forests to reduce water quality impacts in Lake Whatcom, promote forest health, and increase resilience to climate change, wildfire, and disease. The recommendations in the plan will be site-specific, since forest management needs may vary from site to site. The plan will also recognize the unique purposes of each property. For example, County parks have management goals related to providing passive non-motorized public recreation, while City-acquired lands focus on forest preservation for water quality protection.

đź“· Photo of Lake Whatcom Overlook by Hannah Montroy

  • How do I provide input?

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    We’re in the early stages of developing the plan, and your input is essential. At this point in the process, we're focused on listening—what are your goals, concerns, and questions about the future of forested lands in the Lake Whatcom watershed? Your feedback will help shape the plan’s objectives and guide our work moving forward. Here's how you can share your thoughts:

    • Share your input online: Use the comment tools below to tell us about your overall forest management priorities and any specific goals you have for County- or City-managed properties. Have a question about the process? Use the Questions tab to ask!
    • Attend our in-person community meeting:
      • Thursday, May 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
      • Silver Beach Elementary School Cafeteria (4101 Academy Street, Bellingham, WA, 98226)
      • Presentation slides will be posted on this page following the event.
    • Join a summer forest tour: Get a closer look at the lands we manage and learn about the plan while on an education tour with us. More details coming soon!


  • General Forest Management Comments

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    We want to know what you care about when it comes to managing forests in the Lake Whatcom watershed. What values, concerns, or priorities should guide our decisions? Are there specific issues or goals you believe the Forest Management Plan should focus on? Let us know here or in the comment boxes below - your input will help shape how we care for these forests now and into the future.

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  • County-Managed Parks Comments

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    Do you have thoughts about how the County should manage forests on the properties they manage, such as Lake Whatcom Park and Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve? We’re especially interested in your ideas about how to balance ecological health with recreational access and use. Are there specific concerns, priorities, or suggestions you’d like us to consider? Share your feedback here.

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  • City-Managed Protected Properties Comments

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    Share your thoughts on how the City should manage protected forested properties in the Lake Whatcom watershed. These lands—acquired through the Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program—are specifically managed to protect water quality in Lake Whatcom, Bellingham’s drinking water source. The City currently oversees more than 3,500 acres of these conservation-focused properties, with more added each year. What goals, concerns, or ideas do you have for the long-term stewardship of these lands? Let us know here.

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Page last updated: 07 May 2025, 09:21 AM