Get ready to hit the water! 2026 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permits are on sale for Whatcom County lakes. Inspection stations will open on Saturday, April 25, but all boats, canoes, and kayaks are required to have a valid permit any time they launch or operate on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. You can
During the off-season (primarily mid-October through late April), access at Bloedel Donovan Park will now be managed by the newly operational AIS check station gates. The gates ensure uninspected boats do not enter the lake when staff are not present. If you plan to launch during off-hours, you will need to call a dedicated hotline
Thank you for a great season of fun and safe boating at Whatcom County lakes! The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check stations are now closed for the season as of October 10. However, a current permit is still mandatory for all vessels launching during the off-season. Permits for the upcoming 2026 season will become available
We're excited to share that construction will begin the week of July 30 on the installation of new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check station gates at the Bloedel Donovan Park boat launch. The gates will help ensure uninspected boats don't enter Lake Whatcom during hours when seasonal AIS staff are not working on-site. Rest assured, the
The Bloedel Donovan Park Boat Launch station will be closed July 12th from 4am-2pm to accommodate the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. The other boat launches around Lake Whatcom will remain open according to their usual schedule. More information about the Lake Whatcom Triathlon can be found here: https://www.lakewhatcomtriathlon.com/.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with local partners, is hosting a free vessel turn-in event for Whatcom County. This initiative provides an opportunity for owners of aging or unwanted vessels 34 feet or less in length, including freshwater boats, to dispose of them responsibly and prevent potential abandonment. The deadline
The Aquatic Invasive Species program had a busy and successful 2024, working with boaters to protect our local lakes. Our 2024 Whatcom Boat Inspections Annual Report is now available and details program highlights, accomplishments, and the ongoing efforts to protect Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish from harmful invasive species. Learn more about this vital work
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection stations officially opened Saturday, April 26 for the 2025 season. We look forward to seeing you at the stations and enjoying the lakes! Don't forget that a 2025 AIS permit is a must for all boats, canoes, rowboats and kayaks, so hitch up your vessel and swing by to get
With 2025 boating season quickly approaching, we are seeking interested boaters to volunteer their vessels for our annual staff training. Volunteers will provide their boats for new and returning staff to get familiar with watercraft inspection procedures. We are looking for 4 boats to participate in our training day and need a variety of
2025 AIS Permits on Sale Get ready to hit the water! 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permits went on sale for Whatcom County lakes early this year. Inspection stations will open on Saturday, April 26, but all boats are required to have a valid permit any time they launch or operate on Lake
We need your help to protect Whatcom County waters. Together, we can stop the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect our environment, our drinking water supply, and our way of life.
Whatcom Boat Inspection Hotline
(360) 778-7975
City of Bellingham – Public Works
Aquatic Invasive Species Program
g.pw.ais@cob.org
Send us comments or feedback on the
watercraft inspection program.
The Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Program is a joint project of Whatcom County, the City of Bellingham, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District.
