Cover Story
Train Noise: Fairhaven Quiet Zone
What Took So Long? by Preston L. Schiller The good news is that a train quiet zone for the south side of Bellingham, known as the “Fairhaven Quiet Zone” came into effect on March 10, 2025. (See the City of … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
Beaks and Bills by Joe Meche Theories abound that the north/south migration of birds might have begun during the Ice Age. The advance of glaciers forced birds southward during the colder months in search of food. Less hardy birds went … Continue reading
Being Frank
Indigenous Leaders Unite for Salmon Recovery
Being Frank by Ed Johnstone We are stronger together for a common cause. For 40 years, Indigenous nations in the United States and Canada have participated in the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) to implement the 1985 Pacific Salmon Treaty, with … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at February 11, 2025 Meeting Shall the council: 29. Authorize the executive to sign a 0,927 contract with Diking District No. 3 and landowners John and Rich Appel to provide flood control/river improvement work … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at February 4, 2025 Meeting Shall the commission: 9. Appoint Burt Webber (Cliffside Community) to the Airport Advisory Committee? Six local interest positions were advertised and one application was received. The Airport Advisory Committee reviewed Bert Webber’s application … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at February 10, 2025 Meeting Shall the council: 32. Authorize the mayor to spend million to purchase approximately 66 acres on Samish Crest from property owners Mickey and Carole Ghio, Cal and Bernetta Leenstra and Tal Property … 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 by the Climate Issue group of the LWV of Bellingham/Whatcom. Wind and Solar Cheaper Than Coal BloombergNEF (BNEF) … Continue reading
Community Service Spotlight
Foster Hearts Is Making a Difference
Community Service Spotlight Editor’s Note: There are over 100 organizations in Whatcom County working to provide supportive services to those experiencing chronic poverty and its associated effects: addiction, homelessness, incarceration, mental illness, and unemployment. We have contacted the organization appearing … Continue reading
Lake Whatcom
Land Purchase Advances Lake Cleanup
by Meghan Fenwick What does a family logger and the founder of a nonprofit dedicated to forest preservation have in common? A shared understanding of the value of forested land adjacent to a vital watershed. On February 14, the City … Continue reading
Looking Back
Billy Frank Jr.’s Teachings Endure
Editor’s Note: Whatcom Watch has entered a cooperative agreement with Salish Current. When possible, we will share each other’s content. Salish Current, an online-only news organization, covers the North Sound area. Whatcom Watch first starting printing “Being Frank” — written … Continue reading
Twenty Years Ago
Twenty Years Ago Since January 2014, Whatcom Watch has been reprinting articles from issues printed 20 years ago. The below article appeared in the March 2005 issue of Whatcom Watch. by Bob Keller In the recent past, the Skagit Valley … Continue reading
