### Meeting Overview The Water Resources Advisory Board met on November 26, 2024, to review the revised Lake Whatcom 5-Year Work Plan (2025-2029) and discuss proposed increases to aquatic invasive species permit fees. The board approved both items despite some concerns about the work plan's approach to goal-setting and public transparency. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Lake Whatcom Management Program:** Joint effort between City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District involving 20-30 staff members working to protect the city's primary drinking water source. **Phosphorus Reduction:** The primary water quality goal for Lake Whatcom, required under federal Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regulations to improve dissolved oxygen levels in the lake. **SMART Goals:** Strategic, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives that some board members felt were missing from the work plan's reporting metrics. **Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS):** Non-native species like zebra and quagga mussels that threaten freshwater ecosystems. A new detection in Idaho's Mid Snake River has increased risk concerns. **Adaptive Management:** Approach allowing flexibility to adjust work plan activities based on new information, data, or changing priorities over the 5-year period. **Risk-Based Permit Structure:** Proposed fee system charging higher rates for boats from distant locations that pose greater invasive species risks. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Bret Beaupain | WRAB Chair | | Jason Porter | City Storm and Surface Water Manager | | Renee LaCroix | City staff, Lake Whatcom Management | | Michael Parelskin | City Natural Resources Field Manager | | Becky Snijder | Whatcom County Public Works | ### Background Context Lake Whatcom serves as Bellingham's primary drinking water source and faces ongoing challenges with declining dissolved oxygen levels due to phosphorus inputs. The 5-year work plan guides collaborative efforts between three jurisdictions to address these issues through stormwater management, land acquisition, forestry practices, and other programs. Meanwhile, the 2023 discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Idaho's Snake River system—connected to the Columbia River—has heightened risks for Washington water bodies. These mussels could cost Washington State an estimated $100 million annually for water and power infrastructure management if they establish in local lakes. ### What Happened — The Short Version Staff presented the revised Lake Whatcom 5-Year Work Plan after incorporating 307 public comments received earlier this year. Key changes included better goal organization, more reporting metrics, hyperlinks to supporting documents, and new sections on adaptive management and challenges. The board approved the plan 6-3, with some members expressing concerns about lack of specific targets and insufficient transparency about program challenges. The board also unanimously approved increased aquatic invasive species permit fees using a risk-based model that charges higher rates for out-of-state boats. The new structure aims to both discourage risky boat traffic and generate additional revenue for enhanced inspection services. ### What to Watch Next • Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group meeting December 4th for work plan review • City Council consideration of work plan in December 2024 or March 2025 • Implementation of new AIS permit fee structure in 2025 • Installation of gates at boat launches to improve inspection oversight ---