Lake Whatcom Preserve
A plan is underway to protect two important parcels of forest around Lake Whatcom as a forest preserve. 8,400 acres of forest will be left standing to protect the lake's drinking water.
Protecting forests in a drinking watershed
In October 2008 and again in November 2009 Whatcom County approved the first steps in creating a new Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve, protecting forests and nearly 25% of the lands in this important, drinking watershed from commercial logging. The plan would transfer from state to county management 8,400 acres of county forest board lands, replacing commercial logging with restoration of the forests to old growth. For a decade we've worked to protect this important drinking water source.
See our history with other state trust lands, where we've worked to show that ecological and educational futures can both be protected.
Details and resources on the proposed new preserve
Frequently asked questions about the new preserve
Two key parcels comprise the proposed preserve, one north of the lake, one south: Stewart Mountain above the lake's Northshore Trail and Lookout Mountain above Sudden Valley.
Natural resources
Lake Whatcom provides drinking water for 90,000 people in the county. Sustaining the quality of that water protects both people and wildlife.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the preserve forests are home to marbled murrelets, a rare seabird which nests in inland old-growth forests. Other wildlife include bald eagle, osprey, tailed frog, and Salish sucker (a small native fish). The north shore parcel already retains beautiful, remnant old growth on its steeper slopes. Forest cover is important to stabilize the naturally unconsolidated soils and to prevent landslides into the lake.
About the new preserve
Conservation Northwest was part of a stakeholder review panel
convened in March 2008 by County Executive Pete Kremen to assess the
feasibility and desirability of the proposed preserve. During their
weekly open meetings, the panel reviewed the potential environmental,
recreational, financial, and other impacts of the proposed
reconveyance. 
In their recommendation, they voted 8 to 3 to approve establishment of the new preserve. The land exchange process is expected to take until sometime in 2010, when a final Whatcom County Council vote is expected.
Conservation Northwest has long worked long and hard to protect state lands in the Lake Whatcom watershed. We're pleased that the preserve will:
- Protect forests, wildlife habitat, and drinking water in the watershed
- Provide a wild and natural recreation experience
- Protect nearby residents from landslides that can be triggered by logging
- Restore old-growth forests and diversity for future generations
