Draft Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan Feedback Survey

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on the draft Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan, a document that will help guide how the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County manage public forestlands to protect drinking water, improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support recreation and wildlife. This survey closed on November 20. The feedback we received will help us understand if the Plan's objectives align with community values as we finalize the plan and begin implementing its recommendations. 

This survey built upon the community input we received online and in person between April and July 2025 during an earlier phase of plan development. 

Read the plan below:

• Main Plan Document (Draft) 

Supplementary documents:

• Management Recommendations for County-Managed Properties (Draft) - 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 and provide passive recreation activities. 
• Management Recommendations for City-Managed Properties (Draft) - 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 protect Lake Whatcom.