BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- The City of Bellingham's new program to prevent aquatic invasive species begins this weekend.

Teegan Ward with the city's Public Works Department says staff will be at the Bloedel Donovan Boat Launch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday to educate boaters about the new rules and conduct boater surveys.



New signs are posted at the launch to remind boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats to stop the spread of invasive species.

Additional signs will be posted in the coming weeks at other launches in Lake Whatcom and Whatcom County lakes.

Ward says the city will begin voluntary boat inspections later this summer.

To learn more about what you can expect when boating on Lake Whatcom, go to www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org.