More bad news- Depends on how you look at it

[lowe1648mt]

Whatcom County and Bellingham have decided to regulate and protect Lake whatcom and lake Samish.On opening day and forever after you will have to have your boat inspected before you launch. There is to be a permit sticker for your boat. A yearly sticker costs you $50. A 1 day permit costs you $20.The permit is just the beginning of it. Your boat can only be inspected at Bloedel Donovan park. I think the park o[ens at 7:00 AM. If you want to fist Samish, first you have to take it to Bloedel Donovan and have it inspected. If you are caught without that days inspection, it's a big fine.
What if you want to start fishing at 0 dark 30? not 'til after 7:00 AM. Check it out inline in the Bellingham Herald. The article said canoes , kayaks, and other small craft are exempt. So far this affects only these two lakes.
On the other side of this issue is prior contamination. Quarga mussels were found in the lake ( Whatcom) last year at that same park. Also ignored is the real possibility that these unwanted species can be transported by ducks, or geese.
Just want you to be aware that You may not be able to launch when you want at these two lakes. Also it will cost you money.

 

[lowe1648mt]

Today I took my boat to Bloedel Donovan Park( on the west end of Lake Whatcom) to be inspected. I had looked up the Info sites on this process. The inspectors want your boat "clean, drained and dry". They want the boats emptied of gear so they don't have to move things to inspect. Seems reasonable. I think they have no idea on how much gear I carry.
I previously had checked the county site, the city site, and the Bellingham Herald site. Too much conflicting information.
When I arrived at the site, I was met by two polite city employees.. I questioned them on their requirements. I found out that for now that particular site is the only site that has ongoing inspections. There may be inspections at other sites on random occasions ( DNR sites at east end of Lake Whatcom, and Lake Samish).
The City inspectors do not have the same rules as the County inspectors. For the city, any boat needs to be inspected unless it's a rowboat or a canoe.
For the County rules, all boats 16' and over with 10 hp or more need to have the permit and inspection. My boat is 15' 10" and 9.9 hp is ok/ no inspection needed.
(This is per the city inspectors ) As the city has no patrol boats, I have no idea who will enforce the City rules. Maybe a city police officer? The county rules will be enforced by the sheriff's patrol boats. I don't often see them other than on the weekends. Fines are from $250 to $1000. This info is likely to change as time goes by. I guess next stop is the sheriffs marine patrol to see what they have to say.

 

[Kokanee-Toni]

what a bunch of stuff to go through.

 

[Kokanee Katcher]

).
The City inspectors do not have the same rules as the County inspectors. For the city, any boat needs to be inspected unless it's a rowboat or a canoe.
For the County rules, all boats 16' and over with 10 hp or more need to have the permit and inspection. My boat is 15' 10" and 9.9 hp is ok/ no inspection needed.
(This is per the city inspectors ) As the city has no patrol boats, I have no idea who will enforce the City rules. Maybe a city police officer? The county rules will be enforced by the sheriff's patrol boats. I don't often see them other than on the weekends. Fines are from $250 to $1000. This info is likely to change as time goes by. I guess next stop is the sheriffs marine patrol to see what they have to say.

I personally spoke with one of the city inspectors by phone and he said that only boats 16' or over and boats powered by 10 HP or greater are required to be inspected. The county told me the same thing and said that the state says that the rules apply only to registered watercraft which is the same criteria. Lake Whatcom is supposed to have one lane for inspection and one for previously inspected and tagged, and boats not being inspected. I'm sure there will be changes as soon as boaters get used to the present system.