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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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