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
The Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish check stations are now closed for the 2024 season, however a valid 2024 permit is still required to boat on these lakes. Permits for the 2025 season go on sale January 2nd and the season starts April 26th 2025! If boat owners do not plan on using their boat
Lake Whatcom’s South Bay boat launch will be closed to all traffic from Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 14 while it is being paved. The boat launch is scheduled to re-open Saturday, June 15.
It’s that time of the year again! April 27th marks the start of the 2024 summer boating season for the Whatcom Boat Inspection Program. Aquatic Invasive Species Program staff will be conducting watercraft inspections and decontaminations at four sites in the Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish Watershed. Our season schedule is as follows: Bloedel Donovan
Since 2012, the Whatcom Boat Inspection and Aquatic Invasive Species program has worked to keep Zebra and Quagga mussels (ZQM) out of Washington State, one of the last strongholds in the country, as well as control the spread of documented invasive species already present. Every year, the program publishes an annual report detailing data like
The final day for inspections and wire seals at Bloedel Donovan and Lake Samish is Thursday, September 28th. The final day for inspections and wire seals at Sudden Valley is Sunday, September 24th. Boat owners are encouraged to have their boats wire sealed, if they do not plan on using it throughout the winter months,
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.
