LINKS Information regarding regulations and permitting processes for building permits from Whatcom County Planning & Development~Natural Resources Division
LINKS A selection of local, state and federal agencies that offer environmental education and opportunities for assistance with voluntary restoration projects.
Whatcom County Planning & Development Services
Natural Resources | Whatcom County, WA – Official Website
One of the greatest assets of Whatcom County is its bounty of natural resources. The forests, rivers and streams, wetlands, marine shorelines, and wildlife prevalent throughout the county play a large role in making this one of the most desirable places to live in the county.
Whatcom County ~ Environmental Permitting
The Environmental Permitting teams are tasked with reviewing land use and development permit applications for the compliance with Whatcom County codes and development standards.
Whatcom County ~ Critical Areas Regulations
WWC 16.16 Critical Areas Regulations
The purposes of this chapter are to carry out the goals of the Whatcom County comprehensive plan and the State of Washington Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) and its implementing rules by designating and classifying critical areas, and by protecting the functions and values of critical areas and the ecological processes that sustain them, while allowing for appropriate economical beneficial or productive use of land and property. Critical areas regulated under this chapter include geologically hazardous areas, frequently flooded areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, wet9 lands, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. This chapter seeks to maintain harmonious relationships between human activity and the natural environment.
A Guide to Living in the Lake Whatcom Watershed ~
Stewardship Guidebook
Lake Whatcom Management Program – Stewardship Guidebook
Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program
Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program – City of Bellingham
Provides assistance to homeowners, to make landscape improvements that reduce runoff and pollution entering the lake.
Washington State Department of Ecology
Shoreline & coastal management – Washington State Department of Ecology
Washington’s ocean and shorelines are integral to the region’s character, quality of life, and economic viability. We work in partnership to protect and restore important habitats and ocean resources, keep water clean, reduce risk from coastal hazards, preserve important areas for water-dependent uses, and provide opportunities for public access to shorelines. We pursue this mission through education and training, collaborative planning, technical assistance, scientific research, and program improvements. We invite you to explore our efforts and participate in helping us manage Washington’s important ocean and shoreline.
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Padilla Bay is “reserved” for research and education about the Salish Sea.
Our mission is to promote improved management and stewardship of estuarine ecosystems in the Puget Sound biogeographic region through research, monitoring, education, training, stewardship, and interpretation.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System
About the Reserve – Washington State Department of Ecology
Classes and events at Padilla Bay
Northwest Straits Foundation ~
Offers a range of assistance to waterfront homeowners in Whatcom County
The Northwest Straits Foundation, a Salish
Sea conservation organization, raises funds
to support locally-driven marine restoration,
stewardship and education programs.
Our award-winning projects in nearshore
habitat restoration and derelict gear removal
have restored the coastal environment in
Washington’s seven Northwestern counties.
Shore Friendly~
Shorefriendly.org is a public information website for waterfront homeowners who care about the health of Puget Sound.
Learn About Managing Your Waterfront
http://shorefriendly.org/your-erosion-risk/on-beaches/
Salish Sea Society
About the Salish Sea — SeaDoc Society
Whatcom conservation District
The Whatcom Conservation District has programs, information, and other resources available for homeowners interested in conservation.
Welcome to NSEA!
Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) is a 501 c(3) community-based, non-profit organization focused on reversing the trend of declining salmon runs in Whatcom County. We enhance river, creek, and riparian habitat while educating people of all ages to provide Pacific salmon & Steelhead the best chance at survival.
Go Native!
Native Plant Guide from King County
Create your own native plant landscape
Washington Native Plant Society
WSU Master Gardener Whatcom County ~ Diagnostic Plant Clinic
Diagnostic Plant Clinic | Whatcom County | Washington State University
Clinic location is at the County Extension office, 600 Dupont Street, Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98225 : (360) 778-5808
Master Gardener Volunteer Educators are available regularly during the gardening season to answer your questions. We enjoy the challenge of figuring out what’s wrong with your plants and helping you solve your horticultural puzzles. Whether you want to know what’s chewing on your rhododendrons, the straight scoop on composting, or how much fertilizer to put on your lawn and when to apply it, the Master Gardeners of Whatcom County can help!
We are trained to offer research-based information about what to do to prevent problems. Preventative measures may minimize the need for drastic corrective measures that are potentially more damaging to the environment as well as to the home garden.
Regional Planting Guides for Bee & Butterfly Gardens
Just enter your Zip Code!