Cover Story
Lummi Island: Aiston Preserve’s Legacy
A reflection on the Lummi Island Quarry over 10 years after its purchase by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust by Tori Lehman Only the chatter of chickadees follows Meredith Moench’s footsteps as she traverses through Aiston Preserve. Located on the … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
Beaks and Bills by Joe Meche The old slogan “California or Bust” originated during the westward expansion and gold rush eras of the 19th century. It was frequently heard concurrently during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl days of … Continue reading
Dear Watchers
We need you, if you can dedicate a couple of years to helping us at Whatcom Watch. 1) We could use help with layout, if you have experience with InDesign. You would work from home. You would work with Bill … Continue reading
Being Frank
Amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act Is Essential to Protecting Salmon
Being Frank by Ed Johnstone After sounding the alarm for decades about the need to manage outsized populations of pinnipeds, the treaty tribes are encouraged by a bipartisan bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and are grateful … Continue reading
Watching Government
Commissioner Briscoe is attending remotely. Action Taken at July 14, 2026 Meeting Shall the commission: 82. Appoint Lyle Jansma to the Bellingham International Airport Advisory Committee? He will hold the airport business position on the committee and serve a three-year … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at July 14, 2026 Meeting Shall the council: 174. Authorize the executive to sign a ,442 contract (amendment #4) with Status Electrical Corporation of Abbotsford, B.C., to provide technical support for the security electronics … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at July 13, 2026 Meeting Committee reports: Councilmember Hollie Huthman shared updates from the Tourism Commission related to the Bellingham Fan Zone activities. The Fan Zone website received 53,000+ visits. Watch parties were successful, the Commercial Street Party … 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 and summarized by Jayne Freudenberger, climate committee chair, League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County. Jimothy, Seattle’s Beloved … Continue reading
Conservation
Remotely Operated Vehicle Expands Marine Conservation Efforts
In early January, the Salish Sea Alliance received its first remotely operated vehicle (ROV). by Calvin Lowe The Salish Sea Alliance, formerly known as the Northwest Straits Foundation, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine conservation and restoration of the … Continue reading
Housing
The Cost of Calling Bellingham Home
Local leaders, housing organizations and residents discuss what’s driving the affordability challenge and what’s been done to address it. by Mabaindu Mbawa Rising rents, limited home-ownership opportunities and growing demand for affordable housing have made Bellingham’s housing market one of … Continue reading
Native Plant Neighbors
Native Plant Neighbors by Eric Worden Have you heard of the tiny angler fish Photocorynus, found in deep seas worldwide? The females of the species reach about two inches in length, while the male only reaches a quarter of an … Continue reading
Salmon Streams and Tributaries
Too Late to Save Salmon in the Nooksack Watershed?
by Eric Hirst The future of salmon in the Nooksack River watershed will be shaped by our prompt response to three realities: Climate change, including less snow, shrinking glaciers, earlierin- the-year snowmelt, higher summer temperatures, and less summer rain; Land-use … Continue reading
Transportation
Transit Advocacy Group Reacts to Unfair Bus Fare Hike
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) resists reconsidering its unfair fare hike; a new advocacy group, the Whatcom Transit Riders United (WTRU) wants to pressure it to do so. by Preston L. Schiller A little recap may be necessary in regards to … Continue reading
Twenty Years Ago
Shore Stewards Preserve Our Whatcom County Shorelines
Twenty Years Ago The below article appeared in the September 2006 issue of Whatcom Watch by Cheryl Lovato Niles I’m standing on a stretch of gorgeous shoreline on the western side of Lummi Island watching Chris Fairbanks, marine biologist and … Continue reading
