Bellingham weighs permits for private Lake Whatcom launches; other lakes check boats instead

The places below all use one of those tools for boats coming to the water.

• BellinghamPublic launches already have inspection stations. The Council votes Nov. 2 on a $60 yearly permit for about 15 private launches inside city limits.
• Lake ChelanFree, voluntary inspections since 2023. The local paper reported a 95% voluntary inspection rate in 2025, up from 86%. The county is studying required inspections.
• Lake TahoeMotorized boats must be inspected before launch. Since 2025, visiting motorized boats must be decontaminated, for at least $30. Lake Tahoe's planning agency said in 2023 that two boaters who launched across private land without inspection were each fined $4,000.
• Donner Lake, Calif.Before the season's first launch, motorized and trailered boats need a self-inspection form and a town sticker.

Nov. 2 update: Bellingham's City Council passed its invasive mussel rules 7-0 on the final vote.

The rules add a permit for private boat launches and requirements for short-term rentals.

They also limit launching some boats from public streets.

What's next: the City's summary does not say when the rules take effect.