City Acquires 754 Acres to Protect Lake Whatcom Watershed

The City of Bellingham is making a historic move to protect its drinking water by acquiring 754 acres of forestland in the Lake Whatcom watershed—the largest land purchase in the program’s history. Approved by the Bellingham City Council on January 27, 2025, this acquisition will permanently safeguard a critical area from development and timber harvesting.

Why This Matters
Mayor Kim Lund called this purchase a "major step forward" in protecting Bellingham’s drinking water while also strengthening environmental resilience. The property, located on the southeast end of Lake Whatcom, contains a mix of fir, hemlock, and cedar trees, along with seasonal creeks that help naturally filter rainwater before it reaches the lake.

Funding and Future Plans
The $3.65 million purchase from Nielsen Brothers, Inc., a local timber company, is funded through watershed fees on utility bills. While no trails are planned for the site, the City will actively manage the land to improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat, and boost water quality.

Since 2001, the Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program has purchased more than 3,500 acres to safeguard the watershed. The program allows property owners to voluntarily sell land to the City for permanent protection.

Looking Ahead
The sale is expected to close on February 14, 2025. City staff and local conservation groups, including the Whatcom Million Trees Project, played key roles in making this acquisition a reality. This purchase represents a significant step toward ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for Bellingham’s water supply and natural environment.

For more details on the land acquisition program, visit the program website.