Cover Story
Slow and Steady: Lake Whatcom Water Quality Update
by April Markiewicz When looking at the current water quality data for Lake Whatcom, our community’s primary drinking water source, it is starting to feel like nothing is changing. Those parameters that indicated stabilization or improvements (e.g., golden algal counts … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
Beaks and Bills by Joe Meche April has come and gone and the arrival of May in the Northwest means that we’re surrounded by nesting birds. Although larger birds like bald eagles, owls, and great blue herons have been at … Continue reading
Being Frank
Tribes Not Interested in ‘Museum Fish’
Being Frank by Ed Johnstone True salmon recovery will not be achieved until we have sustainable, harvestable populations that support treaty tribes’ culture and way of life. The alternative is a future where salmon are treated like museum displays—look but … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at March 11, 2025 Meeting Shall the council: 50. Authorize the executive to sign an agreement with the state of Washington accepting 5,000 to promote firearms safety, combat gun violence and support victims of … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at March 4, 2025 Meeting Shall the commission: 18. Authorize the executive to accept a 0,000 state grant for Whatcom Creek estuary habitat enhancements? The property is located at the mouth of Whatcom Creek in the estuary portion … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at March 10, 2025 Meeting Shall the council: 51. Ratify the 2025-2026 collective bargaining agreement with the Bellingham Police Guild? Wages and compensation: Effective 1/1/2025 – 4.50 percent increase, effective 1/1/2026 – 3.75 percent increase. Effective 1/1/2025 – … 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. Geothermal Is the Rare Renewable Energy Winning Favor … Continue reading
Community Service Spotlight
Building Stronger Communities Together
Community Service Spotlight by Kimiyo Bowlby In 2025, Compass Health celebrates its 123rd anniversary. What began as a community run orphanage has evolved over the past century into Northwest Washington’s behavioral healthcare leader. While it’s difficult to capture the essence … Continue reading
Gardening
Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Twenty Years Ago Since January 2014, Whatcom Watch has been reprinting articles from issues printed 20 years ago. The below article appeared in the June2005 issue of Whatcom Watch. by Susan Taylor Hummingbirds prefer natural sources of nectar to prepared … 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
Recycling
A Retrospective after 50 Years by John Lesow Bob Keller’s timely article, “No Deposit, No Return” from the March 2005 issue of Whatcom Watch was a glimpse into the past and provides a window into the future. His closing paragraph, … Continue reading
Talk to Us
Noon Road Restoration Site Being Trashed
Talk to Us The “No Deposit No Return” article from 20 years ago by Bob Keller in the April Whatcom Watch got me thinking how much I would like to publicize the very bad litter situation on Noon Road between … Continue reading
