The Lake Whatcom Management Program will host its annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be in-person with an online option via Zoom. Members of the Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners will be in attendance. The meeting is open to the public and aired live on cob.org/btv.
“This annual meeting provides an important opportunity to update the community on progress towards our Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plan, and enhances our multi-jurisdictional communication, coordination, and collaboration,” said County Councilmember Kaylee Galloway, Chair of the County’s Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee. “When it comes to protecting the Lake Whatcom watershed, we work better together.”
Participants will hear reports on the lake’s environmental health, progress made towards phosphorus reduction goals, and an overview of capital investments in stormwater management as well as updates on Aquatic Invasive Species prevention and other program areas. Additionally, staff will present summaries and findings from the 2023 Lake Whatcom Survey and current actions addressing climate goals.
“Bellingham has consistently developed clear policy direction and budget commitments to meet the Department of Ecology’s requirements for reduced phosphorus flows into the lake. Our collective work with Whatcom County and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District has built a firm foundation for continuing water quality improvements,” added Hannah Stone, chair of Bellingham City Council’s Public Works and Natural Resources Committee.
Attend in person at the Bellingham City Council chambers in City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, watch live on BTV, or join virtually through Zoom using the link on the meeting page. An in-person public comment period is scheduled for this meeting and members of the public will be given two minutes to speak. Public participation is crucial for the continued success of the management program’s efforts.
Visit the Lake Whatcom Management Program page for additional meeting resources including the Lake Whatcom Management Program 2020-2024 Work Plan, the 2023 Lake Whatcom Management Program Progress Report, and the Lake Whatcom Monitoring Project 2022/2023 Report.
Additional meeting details can be found five days prior to the meeting at cob.org/meetings.
