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