Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District

  

              Michelle's Cypher                               Grant's Flynn                                     Marie's Bella

Congratulations to our Judge's Choice Winners in the 2021 "We Scoop" photo contest! Polling just started for our People's Choice winners on Facebook. So cast your vote on the Facebook page until October 25th! 

In addition to our photo contest winners, four pet parents who took our pledge to scoop regularly received a scooping prize pack.

Thank you to all our participants for being part of the solution to pet poop pollution in Whatcom County - Scoop it, Bag it, and Trash it!
 

What's Wrong with this Picture?

Just like human waste, pet waste is raw sewage that contains pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can transmit disease to people and pets. When high levels of bacteria are found in a body of water, activities such as wading, swimming, and shellfish harvesting are restricted due to the risk posed to human health. To help keep Birch Bay clean and healthy, always be sure to pick up your pet's poop and put it in the trash.

Take the online pledge to receive a free tagalong leash clip to help get your poop bags into the trash every time.

The Northwest Straits Foundation invites you to attend a free virtual workshop series on Thursday, October 21st from 6:00-8:00pm to learn about the benefits of using native vegetation for slope stability and habitat. Some additional workshop topics include: soil composition and drainage, removing invasive plant species, native plant selection, and planting techniques for bluffs and shoreline properties. 

To learn more or to sign up, visit the Northwest Straits Foundation website.

Terrell Creek Habitat Improvement Project Complete


 

Eight Flexi-Baffles were installed in the concrete box culvert under Kickerville Road last week! What are Flexi-Baffles, you may ask? They are flexible barriers that alter water flow through culverts, slowing the speed and raising the water level so that fish can pass through to their spawning grounds (similar to a fish ladder). This fish passage project under Kickerville Road is one of many habitat improvement projects along Terrell Creek completed by BBWARM in partnership with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association.

Nov. 6th Terrell Creek Work Party

 

Join BBWARM, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association and the Whatcom Conservation District as we continue restoration along Terrell Creek for chum, coho, and winter steelhead.

Parking is available in the lot at 7039 Jackson Rd, Blaine, WA, 98230 – look for the blue NSEA tents! Arrive anytime between 9-10 am to sign in and hop on our shuttle bus to the restoration site to the restoration site around the corner, and masks are required. Additional information and reminders will be emailed to registered participants.


Visit the Whatcom Conservation District website to sign up.

Whatcom Conservation District Offering Free Tarps


 

Whatcom Conservation District is offering free manure pile tarps to prevent nutrient runoff and improve composting. To learn more or receive a tarp, call (360) 815-5358 or email CCheever@whatcomcd.org.

Clear Leaves and Debris from Drains


 

Leaves that are blocking storm drains can cause flooding. If you see a blocked drain that can be safely cleared, use your rake to remove the leaves and dispose of them properly. You can also call 360-778-6400 to report blocked drains. Go to whatcomcounty.us/yardwaste to learn more.

In September, 1 of the 8 sites sampled in Birch Bay exceeded the water quality health standards for fecal coliform bacteria. Many sites were not sampled due to the sampling sites being dry, stagnant, or very low flow. Click here to view the latest water quality results for Birch Bay/Terrell Creek or visit the Whatcom County Public Works' Routine Water Quality Monitoring Results page for links to online maps and status reports for focus areas throughout Whatcom County.

Visit Trick-or-Treat stops along the new berm pathway on October 30th from 3:30 to 6:30pm! Activities include a costume contest at the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library Property, treats, and Halloween trivia from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
Visit the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce website for more information.