Cover Story
Four Decades of Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom County Working Together
by Claire Johnston In 1998, negotiations over protecting Canyon Lake Community Forest with trees over 1,000 years old hit an obstacle. The land was held by a timber company, the cost of the conservation deal was huge, and the County … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
Beaks and Bills by Joe Meche As Cindy and I prepare for a Monday morning departure on our annual fall trip to the east side of the Cascade Crest, I’d like to share these short clips about two of my … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at August 11, 2026 Meeting Shall the council: 207. Authorize the acquisition of certain property rights by eminent domain for the Birch Bay Lynden Road and Blaine Road intersection improvements project? (Public hearing held.) … Continue reading
Watching Government
Update The July 27, 2026 meeting, vote #125, reported the city attorney’s office would be sending information on claims form #2873 in the AFFF multidistrict PFAS litigation after Whatcom Watch had been sent to the printer. The city attorney’s office … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at August 18, 2026 Meeting Shall the commission: 94. Amend the 2026 strategic budget to create a Capital Improvement Project – Waterfront Soil Stockpile Management? At the 5/26/2026 meeting, vote #74, the commission approved three agreements related to … Continue reading
Climate
Articles You Might Have Missed
Climate Good News Around the world people are taking the initiative to mitigate climate change. Here are some good news briefs compiled and summarized by Jayne Freudenberger, climate committee chair, League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County. Good News in … Continue reading
Community Service Spotlight
Parisians Choose Bikes Over Cars
Community Service Spotlight Bellingham’s Streets Could Be Next by Jamin Agosti In the spring of 2024, Paris’ deputy mayor for transportation announced something nobody would have bet on just a decade earlier: bicycles had overtaken cars. Parisians had made a … Continue reading
Native Plant Neighbors
Native Plant Neighbors by Eric Worden “April showers bring May flowers.” This saying originates from the UK, which has a climate similar to our area. The saying is certainly true for us, and many nature enthusiasts in our area love … Continue reading
poetrywatch
“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” — John F. Kennedy _______________________________ … Continue reading
Primary Election Results
Compiled by Bill McCallum from information on the Washington Secretary of State and the state Public Disclosure Commission websites and information from the Whatcom County Auditor’s website, with thanks to Rebecca Rouse in the Whacom County Auditor’s office for additional … Continue reading
Talk to Us
Whatcom Water Works To the Editor: Thank you for Liam Walsh’s informative survey article in August, “Nooksack River Adjudication Story.” As indicated in the article, the important work for us now is to address the many water supply issues that … Continue reading
Water
The Battle of Sudden Valley’s Invasive Waterlilies
Editor’s Note: Whatcom Watch has entered a cooperative agreement with Salish Current. Salish Current, an online-only news organization, covers the North Sound area and Whatcom Watch mainly covers Whatcom County issues. Visit https://salishcurrent.org. Sudden Valley plans herbicide treatment for invasive … Continue reading
Wildlife
New Technology Tracks Bumblebees
Editor’s Note: Whatcom Watch has entered a cooperative agreement with Salish Current. Salish Current, an online-only news organization, covers the North Sound area and Whatcom Watch mainly covers Whatcom County issues. Visit https://salishcurrent.org. Researchers use miniature tags to study bee … Continue reading
