Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board

Watershed Advisory Board dissolved

The enabling ordinance for the Watershed Advisory Board was repealed and the board dissolved in June 2023 by the Bellingham City Council via Ordinance 2023-06-015. The information below will be archived soon. A new Water Resources Advisory Board, with an expanded mission and scope, is being established to help inform and guide the City’s planning and policy regarding the protection and management of water resources.

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The Watershed Advisory Board (WAB) provides community advice to the City regarding the protection, clean-up, and restoration of the Lake Whatcom reservoir and watershed. The WAB further advises on the acquisition and management of properties in the City’s watershed land acquisition program.

With respect to property acquisition, the WAB and the City staff are guided by the baseline criteria adopted by Joint Resolution of the City, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, as well as upon consideration of the City of Bellingham Overlay Criteria adopted by the City Council. The WAB shall review the baseline criteria and recommend amendments to the City Council as appropriate.

Typical Decisions and Activities

Provide advice and input to the City staff regarding recommended land acquisitions in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
Consult with and make recommendations to the City staff regarding policies for the management of the Lake Whatcom Reservoir and watershed.
Stay informed of various issues and activities that impact the Lake Whatcom Reservoir and watershed via City staff, County staff, and invited experts.
Write letters of support or dissent on issues affecting the Lake Whatcom Reservoir and watershed.

Meetings

The WAB typically meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. When in person, meetings will take place at the Public Works Building in the main conference room at 2221 Pacific Street (view map). The public is encouraged to attend either in person or via the hybrid Zoom link in the calendar event. The Board does not meet the months of December and August.

Agendas & Meeting Materials

Directions to Public Works Operations

Directions via Bus or Bike: Several Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) bus routes serve the downtown area. Find your bus route using the online trip planner at http://www.ridewta.com/. Or, find your bike route by visiting www.cob.org/bike.

Driving Directions to Public Works Operations Traveling North on I-5

Take exit 254 for Iowa St toward State St
Turn right onto Iowa St
Take the first left onto Pacific St
Destination is on the left

Driving Directions to Public Works Operations Traveling South on I-5

Take exit 254 for Ohio St toward State St
Turn right onto King St
Take the first right onto Iowa St
Turn left onto Pacific St
Destination is on the left

Board Member Requirements

The Board shall consist of up to eleven members appointed by the Mayor. Appointments shall be for three-year terms, and a member may be reappointed. Members must be a Whatcom County resident for at least one year. Members are expected to attend all regular meetings. Members who miss excessive meetings without due cause may have their appointments automatically terminated by the Mayor. Please refer to the Bylaws and BMC 2.90 for more information.

Interested in Applying?

Applications for prospective Board members are available on the Boards and Commissions Application Process webpage. Selection of members of the WAB shall be made with due regard for diversity in all its forms to ensure full community representation and perspectives from a broad range of backgrounds and interests. Knowledge of lake, stream, and/or watershed processes is encouraged in prospective members. It is also recommended that prospective members review the resources located under the “Resources” section on this page.

The following are considered positive attributes for potential WAB member candidates:

Be willing and able to regularly attend monthly meetings;
Be willing and able to regularly attend other board meetings as an appointed liaison;
Be prepared for said meetings and provide appropriate and timely follow-up;
Always act as an advocate for all Bellingham community members;
Keep an open mind during discussions;
Set-aside personal issues, agendas and disagreement;
Be considerate of others and other opinions.

Resources

Members

Roster (PDF)