Lake Whatcom and Whatcom County Commissioners

Even though it's been a helluva lot of fun debating with Jake, Dana, et al, my concern right now is the Whatcom County Council race.  Ken Mann has been instrumental in ignoring all common sense regarding the invasive species threat in Lake Whatcom.  He misread a WDFW entry that provided during a committee meeting, and voted for the invasive species inspection program, emphasizing that the program should extend to every lake in the county--fees and all.  Keep that in mind when you cast your ballots, county residents.  

    On another issue, it appears that the AIS program started on opening day of fishing season and ended on October 31, the last day of fishing season.  Public works in Bellingham has said this coincides with "boating season," but I fail to see the connection, since there have been at least one and as many as four power boat trailers in the lot since November first.  The gates to the lake are wide open, the AIS kiosk is closed, and I guess the zebra and quagga mussels must have a calendar of their own, so we're officially protected. 

  Bob Harriman has requested a count and results from Public Works.  I would like to suggest that as many of us as possible request the results as well.  It's kind of a dirty trick, but that trick has been played on us as well. 

   The AIS issue is only one of several being hashed out in a few back rooms.  All programs are aimed at getting boats completely and permanently off the lake.  These talks include barricading and eventually removing all public ramps.   It's interesting that the private ramps, all of which are documented, have somehow been declared off limits.  By the way, when I say boats, most people are saying ALL boats, not just powered craft. 

   As most of you know, the private ramps also channel water directly from the street into the lake.  Here's the irony:  if I pulled the engine from my truck, put it on or near any drain in the watershed, I would be ticketed at the very least; but I can have a paved ramp on my lakeside property which, when it rains, will allow all kinds of pollutants a free ride straight into the lake, and I get a pass.  

  I'm hesitant in telling people how to vote, but I must emphasize that Ken Mann is NOT in favor of boats of any kind on the lake.  He's convinced without any proof that fishing boats which frequent different lakes are the primary threat to water quality, and has suggested a two-year plan to block all power boat access to all county lakes.  I have offered to take him out in my boat and show him exactly what is taking place, but I've been turned down--repeatedly.

  I hope those of you who appreciate the fisheries in the county will add your voices to those of us who want solutions based on science and not emotions.  Here are some websites you can visit for contacts:  Bellingham Public Works:    http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/index.aspx

Whatcom County Council:http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/council/whatcomcountycouncilcontactinfo...