 Stormwater Division Helps Protect Birch Bay After the Fourth of July
Protecting local waterways takes more than maintaining storm drains and drainage systems. It also means working alongside the community to prevent pollution before it reaches our beaches and bays.
Following the Fourth of July, Public Works' Stormwater Division partnered with the Whatcom Conservation District and other local organizations to help organize the annual Birch Bay beach cleanup. Hundreds of volunteers removed more than eight tons of fireworks debris that could otherwise harm wildlife, impact water quality, and remain on the shoreline.
Stormwater staff distributed cleanup supplies, shared educational materials, and talked with participants about ways everyone can help protect local waterways. The Stormwater Division's contribution to the cleanup effort is funded by the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District service charge. Events like this are one of the many ways the Stormwater Division works with the community to keep Whatcom County's waters healthy year-round.
 Where We're Chip Sealing Next
Our annual chip seal program is moving right along, with another round of roads scheduled for maintenance July 20–23. Chip sealing helps preserve existing pavement, extend the life of our roads, and reduce the need for more costly repairs in the future.
If you're traveling through the work area, expect delays between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and consider using alternate routes when possible.
Roads scheduled for chip seal include:
- Bowen Rd
- Clearbrook Rd
- Garrison Rd
- Hill Rd
- Hovel Rd
- Morgan Rd
- N Telegraph Rd (north of Morgan Rd)
- Nooksack Rd
- Pangborn Rd
- Sumas Rd
- Swanson Rd
- Van Buren Rd (north of Lindsay Rd)
Loose gravel may be on the roadway during and after chip sealing. Please slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and use extra caution if you're walking, biking, or riding a motorcycle.
Check the County Travel Planner for a map of the work area, or visit our Road Closures & Restrictions webpage for the latest weekly schedule. After chip sealing, crews will return the following week(s) to sweep the remaining loose gravel and repaint the lane lines.
 Helping Native Olympia Oysters Make a Comeback
The Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is working with the Puget Sound Restoration Fund and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help restore populations of native Olympia oysters in North Chuckanut Bay and Drayton Harbor.
This spring and summer, volunteers established test plots at both locations to identify the best habitat for future restoration efforts. In Drayton Harbor, volunteers established six test plots and completed baseline population surveys. In North Chuckanut Bay, 27 volunteers representing 13 organizations helped place 200 bags of juvenile Olympia oysters, known as "spat," across three test plots.
Volunteers will return to North Chuckanut Bay in August to finish establishing the test plots. Annual monitoring in the coming years will help evaluate oyster survival and guide future restoration efforts.
 Before You Place a Sign Along a County Road
As campaign season ramps up, temporary signs are becoming more common along County roads. Before placing a sign, it's helpful to know where temporary signs—including campaign, business, and event signs—are allowed within County road rights-of-way.
Whatcom County Executive Order 89-8 establishes where temporary signs may be placed to help protect visibility and roadway safety. Signs should not be attached to County traffic signs, placed within roadway shoulders, located within 75 feet of a Stop, Yield, or Railroad Crossing sign, or positioned where they could block visibility at intersections.
Public Works may remove signs that do not comply with the Executive Order as staffing and operational priorities allow.
Upcoming Ferry Punch Card Sales & Exchanges
Need to purchase or exchange a Lummi Island Ferry multi-ride punch card? The Ferry Division has several opportunities remaining this quarter.
Upcoming sales and exchange events:
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Saturday, July 18 | 6:50 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
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Wednesday, August 5 | 5:40 a.m.–2:40 p.m.
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Saturday, August 22 | 6:50 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
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Wednesday, September 9 | 5:40 a.m.–2:40 p.m.
All events will be held at the Lummi Island Ferry Office (island-side terminal). Payment is accepted by check, valid U.S. money order, or credit card. Cash is not accepted.
Multi-ride punch card exchanges must be completed in person during one of the scheduled events.
Note: To provide additional purchasing opportunities during the busy summer season, the Ferry Division will offer one supplemental Saturday punch card sale and exchange opportunity per month. These seasonal events are not planned beyond summer 2026.
 Help Shape the Future of Walking and Biking in Whatcom County
Interested in making walking and biking safer and more accessible in Whatcom County? The Whatcom County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is seeking new members to help advise the County on improvements to pedestrian and bicycle facilities and programs.
BPAC works with County staff to provide recommendations that support safe, welcoming, and connected transportation and recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
The committee meets in a hybrid format at 6:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Learn more about the committee, current openings, and how to apply on the Whatcom County website.
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