February 2024 (volume 33, issue 2)

The Metal Pile — A Broken Promise

by Scott Jones Bellingham should be deeply concerned for its future. In a world where corporate interests all too often supersede public interests, Bellingham in many ways was moving in a different direction. Wages are increasing for all, renters are … Continue reading

Progress Made in 2023

by Marjie George In the heart of Whatcom County, a beacon of hope shines brightly — Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS). As we reflect on the strides we’ve made in 2023, it’s with a deep … Continue reading

Puget Sound Seabird Survey

by Joe Meche Similar in many ways to the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), the Puget Sound Seabird Survey (PSSS) is yet another example of citizen science at work. Volunteers take to the field at designated locations to monitor … Continue reading

21st Annual Wings Over Water

March 15-17 Blaine, WA This year we’ll be celebrating the official 21st anniversary of a birding festival that had its origins in my living room and has evolved into a vibrant event that even survived Covid. We weathered that unexpected … Continue reading

Whatcom County Council

Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at Dec. 5, 2023 Special Meeting Shall the council: 343. Certify Whatcom County’s 2024 property tax levies for taxing districts? The collection refers to the regular levy, excess levy, and refund levy. The taxing … Continue reading

Port of Bellingham Commission

Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at December 12, 2023 Meeting Shall the commission: 107. Approve the 2024 budget for the Industrial Development Corporation? (Commission meeting as the board of directors of the Industrial Development Corporation.) Anticipated revenues: ,125; interest … Continue reading

Bellingham City Council

Action Taken at December 4, 2023 Meeting Shall the council: 240. Approve the mayor’s reappointment of Kelsey Wylie to a full term on the Greenways Advisory Committee? The committee will identify, develop, review, and recommend selection criteria, relating to the … Continue reading

Articles You Might Have Missed

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. We hear a lot about switching to electric cars, but anyone … Continue reading

Questions About British Columbia’s Mega Container Terminal Answered

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 and Whatcom Watch mainly covers Whatcom County issues. Community … Continue reading

Whatcom Land Trust Earns National Recognition

Since 1984, Whatcom Land Trust has been working to protect Whatcom County’s special places for future generations. In 2023, the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission announced Whatcom Land Trust has received accreditation for the second time — proving once again … Continue reading

Whatcom Conservation District Election 

The Whatcom Conservation District will hold a poll-site and mail-in ballot election for one seat on the district board of supervisors on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The candidate filing deadline ended on Friday, January 12, 2024. Only registered voters in … Continue reading

poetrywatch

MESSAGES by Jerry Dale McDonnell Messages arrive daily from strangers, Hale chunks of words that dent the hood Of my head and scare the horses. The doves roost in the trees, patiently Awaiting the daily seeds, we scatter. The strangers … Continue reading

The Policy Piece

Editor’s Note: This is the eighth in a multipart series on the health of northern Puget Sound and Georgia Strait. It was first published in October 2002 by RE Sources and the North Sound Baykeeper under the title, “State of … Continue reading