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Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program
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Program level:
Local
Provider:
Whatcom Conservation District
Benefits provided:
Financial, Free technical assistance
Land use:
Forest, Agriculture
Water-focused program:
Yes
Lake Whatcom landowner projects that treat stormwater runoff
Overview
Description:
The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) is a voluntary program supported by the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Whatcom Conservation District that encourages Lake Whatcom watershed residents to install projects that treat stormwater runoff on their property.
HIP provides financial reimbursement, personalized assistance with project planning and permitting, and in some cases assistance with landscape design and construction. Some project examples include;
Native landscaping
Lake Whatcom rain gardens
Underground pollution filters, and more.
These projects are specifically designed to remove phosphorus from runoff before it reaches the lake. High phosphorus levels cause harmful algae overgrowth in Lake Whatcom, resulting in many water quality issues.
Eligibility:
If you live in the Lake Whatcom watershed, visit the new website at
www.lakewhatcomHIP.org
to find out if your property is eligible for the HIP and learn about specific resources available to you. Please note that HIP is only available to a portion of the Lake Whatcom watershed at this time.
Financial benefit:
Financial benefits vary per project.
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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