As an important block of remaining wild habitat in the ever expanding I-5 corridor, a popular recreation destination, and our first "hometown", Conservation Northwest sees Whatcom County and the Chuckanuts as a vital ecosystem link between the BC Rockies and the WA coast.

Here in Bellingham, our drinking water comes from Lake Whatcom, which faces over-development on private, previously forested lands; extensive logging on state lands to finance school building; and significant water quality degradation as the town grows.

Yesterday, at a Bellingham City Club luncheon, Department of Ecology's Steve Hood, Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen, and Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike discussed the opportunities and challenges facing our drinking water and natural resources around the lake. You can read the Bellingham Herald's take on it here.

We have been hard at work raising awareness and educating "Hamsters" on one important project that not only protects drinking water but also vital wildlife habitat. The Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve is a proposal to reconvey 8400 acres (25% of the watershed) of state-managed lands to the county for a park. Instead of being commercially logged the preserve will be managed for low-impact recreation and to restore old-growth forest. This park will ensure home for wildlife like the endangered marbled murrelet; act as an important filter for stormwater runoff that affects water quality, and protect nearby homes from landslides that logging on the steep slopes can precipitate. Please take a moment to contact the council and voice your support. Keep and eye out for a council vote soon on our calendar.

[Tell the council to protect Lake Whatcom]    [Herald story]    [Lots of maps and details]