The City of Bellingham invites boaters to learn more about the Aquatic Invasive Species Program at the next public meeting.
• Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Geneva Elementary School cafeteria, 1401 Geneva St.
New rules require aquatic invasive species inspections and purchase of an Annual Permit or Day Pass for all motorized or trailered watercraft prior to launching in Lake Whatcom. The Whatcom County Council is expected to finalize similar regulations in April 2013.
Annual Permits can be purchased online at www.cob.org/pay for $50 and include unlimited inspections. Purchasers need to print their receipt for a subsequent inspection and the permit sticker. To schedule your pre-season watercraft inspection, call the Boat Inspection Hotline at 360-778-7975.
Day Passes can be purchased for $20 only at the time of inspection and include one inspection. A 2013 permit is not required for non-motorized, hand-carried watercraft, however all boats may be inspected at the launch.
Starting April 27, annual permits and day passes can be purchased with a credit card at Bloedel Donovan boat launch, where the inspection station will be available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to dusk, with hours adjusted based on length of daylight. Inspection services will be available by appointment at other sites around Lake Whatcom.
Inspectors will be checking watercraft to be sure they are cleaned, drained, dried and are not at risk for transporting aquatic invasive species prior to launching in the lake. Boats that are contaminated or infested will require decontamination, and an additional decontamination fee, prior to launch.
Aquatic invasive species of particular concern are zebra and quagga mussels. If these muscles are introduced to Lake Whatcom, they could result in serious and costly impacts by fouling public and private water intakes, docks, boats and other shoreline infrastructure. Shoreline areas could be rendered hazardous and uninviting for recreational users and property owners. Mussel infestations cause long-term taste and odor problems in drinking water and displace native aquatic species.
Additional information will be made available on both the City of Bellingham and Lake Whatcom Management Program websites. The 2012 AIS Annual Report also provides additional recommendations.
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Media Contact:
Jon Hutchings, Assistant Director Natural Resources
Public Works Department
(360) 778-7977
jjhutchings@cob.org
