We completed the first phase of the Wiser Lake study, which began in May 2023. During this year-long data collection phase, we compiled monthly:
- Water quality parameters.
- Waterfowl counts.
- Sediment core data.
- Stream inflow/outflow information.
Entering phase two, we have hired Aquatic Insight LLC using a Washington State Department of Ecology grant. Their team has certified lake managers and environmental engineers with over 20 years of experience. Aquatic Insight will analyze last year’s data and develop a Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan (LCMP). This plan will include possible actions to:
- Reduce nutrient input into the lake.
- Sequester nutrients to prevent the growth of toxic algae.
Working with Aquatic Insight, we will review results and ask for plan feedback. Our feedback efforts will include a month-long public comment period and public meetings. The month-long public comment period will go live in late February 2025. Public meeting dates are still in discussion. Watch for meeting invites over the next few months.
Although our timeline for LCMP completion is tentative, we aim to finalize it on March 28, 2025. Once the LCMP is complete, we will communicate remediation options with the community.
Thank you for your continued interest in Wiser Lake water quality. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Local Partner Groups & Agencies
This work would not be possible without local partner groups and agencies:
- Whatcom County Public Works
- Re-Sources
- Washington State Department of Health
- Washington State Department of Ecology
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Audubon Society
- WWU Institute of Watershed Studies
- Multiple laboratories (for sample analysis)
