November BBWARM Newsletter

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Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District

November 2022
Monthly Newsletter with Birch Bay Watershed Updates

Photo of child along the beach in Birch Bay

Photo by Aneka Sweeney

Want to see your Birch Bay photo in the newsletter? Submit your photos here.

Are There Stormwater Issues in Your Neighborhood?

Image of reporting magnet. "See Pollution of Flooding? Report It!" go to whatcomcounty.us/contactpublicworks or call (360) 778-6230

Please report all signs of pollution and flooding. Reporting even small issues can prevent large problems down the road. Not sure what to look for? Visit our website to learn about signs of flooding, drainage, and pollution issues.

For non-emergencies, please use our online form or call (360) 778-6230. If you use the online form select “Flooding and drainage problems” or “Water quality - pollution and spills” to appropriately report the issue.

Always call 911 to report emergencies or any urgent issues over the weekend or after regular working hours.

Be Prepared for Flood Season!

It’s important to be prepared for flooding as we enter the wet season. Read this newsletter from Whatcom County Public Works on what to do before, during, and after a flood. Sandbags are a great tool for protecting your property during a flood. Public Works does not provide sandbags unless there is a declared emergency. If you need sandbags, here is a list of local resources created by the River & Flood Division. If a flood event is declared an emergency, sandbags will be available at the Central Shop on W. Smith Road as well as other facilities around the county.

Read the latest Public Works News Flash for more information.

Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program

Photo of Alan and Eileen with their "We Love Our Native Plant Garden!" sign Photo of people planting native plants

New in 2022, Birch Bay homeowners were invited to participate in a Neighborhood Native Landscaping Pilot Project. Native landscaping offers a beautiful, low-maintenance yard, protects water quality by reducing runoff, saves water, and improves habitat in the watershed. This pilot tested a new model to convert existing lawns and landscaping into native plant landscaping. A cluster of homeowners received assistance from the Whatcom Conservation District to plan and permit their projects. Mulch and plants were provided, and homeowners worked with family and friends during a planting party on October 22nd.

This year, we had five households participate in the pilot, installing over 8,500 square feet of native landscaping. BBWARM will offer another Neighborhood Native Landscaping Project in 2023 with a goal of expanding the square footage.

If you’re interested in participating in a future project, fill out the form here.

If more of your neighbors sign up, your neighborhood is more likely to be selected for a future project. Please share this link with your neighbors!

Rebates for Temporary Fencing

Have you put up your temporary fences for fall? The rains have arrived, and keeping your animals off saturated pastures is good for your soil, your grass, your animals, and local streams! Don’t have temporary fences? Take advantage of the small farm rebate program to receive up to $200 back on your purchase.

Visit the Whatcom Conservation District website for more information.

Help Track Pacific Salmon During the Fish Blitz

Photo of Pacific salmon for the November 2022 Fish Blitz. "Celebrate the spawning of Pacific salmon and track the salmon in your waterway!"

Join in celebrating the return of Pacific salmon, by participating in the November Fish Blitz! We are going to log as many observations of salmon into the Whatcom Wildlife Tracker as possible during the month of November. Find your local salmon-bearing waterway, take a photo of a Pacific salmon, and log it onto the Whatcom Wildlife Tracking Project this November!

Learn more about how to participate on the Whatcom Conservation District website.

Help Salmon in Our Watershed!

Photo of tree planting. "Terrell Creek Work Party November 19th 9am-12pm 7039 Jackson Rd. Blaine, WA 98230" Visit the NSEA website for more information. Do you want to help the salmon in your watershed? Join BBWARM, Whatcom Conservation District, and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) at a Terrell Creek Restoration Party on November 19th and November 26th!

Learn more and register on the NSEA website.

How's the Water Quality in Birch Bay?

V isit the Whatcom County Public Works’ Routine Water Quality Results page for links to online maps and status reports for focus areas throughout Whatcom County.

Quarterly Advisory Committee Meeting

The next meeting of the BBWARM Advisory Committee will be held on January 18th from 6-8pm (location TBD). The general public is invited to join us, and a public comment period will be held at the beginning of the meeting.

You can view the 2023 meeting schedule, documents, and Zoom link on the BBWARM Advisory Committee website.

Other BBWARM News and Resources:

Visit the BBWARM website to learn more about our services.
Visit the Whatcom Conservation District's website for information about their farm services and upcoming events
View the latest Whatcom County Watersheds PIC Program e-Newsletter
Learn about community events in Birch Bay on the Chamber of Commerce website.

Upcoming events:

Join BBWARM, Whatcom Conservation District, and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association at a Terrell Creek Restoration Party on November 19th and November 26th! Learn more and register on the NSEA website.
Help track the return of Pacific salmon during the month of November during FishBlitz. Visit the Whatcom Conservation District website for information on how to participate.

Please share this newsletter with your neighbors!

What is BBWARM?
The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District is the stormwater management district for the Birch Bay watershed managed by the Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater Division and a citizen advisory committee. BBWARM was established by the Whatcom County Council to address citizen concerns about water quality, flooding, and the loss of aquatic habitat. Visit our website to learn about BBWARM programs, history, and funding.

www.bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org