Bloedel Donovan Changes Proposed to Park Master Plan

Public Meeting
Thursday,
March 29
7pm
Bloedel Donovan Park Community Building

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Vacancies exist on several citizen committees that advise the City on important, high-profile topics, including Lake Whatcom watershed protection, community development and housing needs, and more.

Watershed protection fee -- Council Public Hearing

Monday

January 23rd, 2012

7 pm

Bellingham City Council Chambers

The fee increase is a recommendation of the Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board, a citizen advisory committee that advises City officials about the watershed land acquisition program and other lake protection efforts.

Under the board’s proposal, the current $5 per month watershed charge would increase to $12 per month for all flat-rate customers, with a comparable increase for metered customers. The proposal also includes expanding possible uses of the fund, designating approximately 30% of the total revenue for capital projects.

More information:

City website - http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1264/1282211/

Invasive Asian clams found in Lake Whatcom

From City of Bellingham

Local and state officials recently confirmed the presence of invasive Asian clams in Lake Whatcom, and are working to determine the extent of the infestation and how best to respond. Area residents are asked to assist by being aware of the infestation and reporting any clams they see in the lake.

Report describes City drinking water safety, need for lake protection

A report published by the City of Bellingham says our drinking water meets all health requirements, and reminds area residents that protecting the Lake Whatcom Reservoir depends on the involvement of individuals, businesses and governments. The annual report, called a Consumer Confidence Report, arrived in Bellingham water customers' mailboxes at the end of May.

“The water we deliver every day to our customers meets or exceeds safe drinking water standards," said Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike. "But studies show us the health of the Lake Whatcom Reservoir continues to decline and will require more extensive and expensive treatment to keep our drinking water safe unless we all work together to protect it.”

The City of Bellingham provides drinking water to nearly 100,000 people. The Consumer Confidence Report, along with other information about the Lake Whatcom Reservoir, is available at www.cob.org/services/environment/lake-whatcom/index.aspx .
  

Lake Whatcom fishing season opener emphasizes invasives prevention

City and County staff will greet boaters at the Bloedel Donovan Boat Launch on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 7 a.m. to noon, to provide information on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. 

Boaters will be asked about their boating habits, boat cleaning practices, and knowledge of invasive species impacts and prevention techniques. Responses to these questions will be used to design an effective invasive species prevention strategy for Lake Whatcom. 

Aquatic invasive species can spread from one water body to another by attaching to boat hulls, motors, trailers, and recreational equipment. Lake Whatcom is particularly at risk because it is a popular site for boaters who may be transporting aquatic invasive species from infested waters. 

“We are in a good position to prevent the introduction of invasive species into Lake Whatcom,” said Laurel Baldwin, Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board Coordinator. “We should not miss this opportunity to pay attention and take small actions to prevent impacts which might be costly and irreversible later,” she added.

An Aquatic Invasive Species Action Plan for Lake Whatcom is scheduled for release next month by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County.  This Plan will guide aquatic invasive species prevention, monitoring, control, and education/outreach strategies in the Lake Whatcom watershed. 

“A solid, well executed prevention strategy will be much cheaper than the price other communities are paying to respond to infrastructure and environmental damage caused by invasive species infestations,”  said Clare Fogelsong, Environmental  Resources Manager for the City.

For more information, see the City’s website at www.cob.org and search for "aquatic invasives".

Media Contact:
Clare Fogelsong, Environmental Resources Manager
City of Bellingham Public Works
(360) 778-7900
cfogelsong@cob.org