Preserving land in its natural forested condition is an important way we protect Lake Whatcom. Forested land soaks up and naturally filters rainwater, reducing impacts to the lake from high flows and pollution. Our responsibility to provide clean water for more than 100,000 residents includes protecting and restoring these forests to improve water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and forest health and resilience in the watershed.
In 2001, the City began a program to purchase available land in the Lake Whatcom watershed, funded by watershed fees on utility bills. As of December 2025, we have protected more than 3,800 acres in the watershed through property purchases, conservation easements, and restrictive covenants.
This program is one of many efforts to protect Lake Whatcom.
Selling property in the watershed
Interested in selling your property in the Lake Whatcom watershed and leaving a legacy of protection? Learn how.
Protected lands in the watershed
Visit the interactive Lake Whatcom Watershed Protected Properties Map to view the land currently protected in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
Additional Information
- Lake Whatcom Watershed Protected Properties Map
- Resolution Adopting Property Management Plan
- Lake Whatcom Reservoir
- Lake Whatcom Advisory Board
- Selling Property in the Lake Whatcom Watershed
For more information, please contact the Property Acquisition Specialists at lwwacquisitions@cob.org or (360) 778-7985.
