Birch Bay, north of Bellingham, was closed to commercial shellfish harvesting in 2008 because of bacteria contamination, affecting a 670-yard radius around the mouth of Terrell Creek.  Local, state, and federal agencies collaborated to create a comprehensive strategy adapting to population growth and reducing bacterial pollution in the upper watershed.

In 2010, the Whatcom Conservation District began encouraging residents to adopt good stewardship habits; install low-impact development technologies; use agricultural best management practices; and participate in riparian, wetland, and stream restoration projects. A comprehensive social marketing plan called for recruiting a local resident to serve as a “watershed steward” to connect individuals with agencies and practices while nurturing relationships for sustained impact.

Watershed residents received outreach materials and options of available activities to develop a greater appreciation for the potential impacts of their individual actions. This community-based approach offered free technical assistance, project design, mentoring by staff, and financial assistance.

After only five years, 87 homeowners have acted to improve watershed health; 27 riparian restoration projects have protected 73 acres of stream; and 34 farm best-management practices have been installed to eliminate polluted agricultural runoff.

Funding Sources:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• State, local, and private funding

Congressional Districts: 1, 2

Partners:

• Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
• Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resource Management District
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Birch Bay State Park
• Whatcom County Public Works
• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
• British Petroleum
• ALCOA
• Birch Bay Water and Sewer District

Further questions? Think you can use this as inspiration for your own project? Please inquire with:

Aneka Sweeney–Education Coordinator for Whatcom Conservation District.

asweeney@whatcomcd.org