City of Bellingham Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program, City of Bellingham City of Bellingham Environmental Resources staff have conducted macroinvertebrate assessments on Squalicum, Baker, Whatcom, Padden, Cemetery and Connelly Creeks. Surveys are conducted in late summer, when the diversity of insects reaches a maximum. Assessment follows the protocols developed for the Department of Ecology’s Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biological Monitoring Protocols for Rivers and Streams (2001). Data have been used to document and monitor macroinvertebrate community structure and water quality. Data from Whatcom Creek have been used to monitor recolonization and recovery of the macroinvertebrate community following the June 10, 1999 gasoline spill and fire in Whatcom and Hannah Creeks.

Contact: Renee LaCroix, 360-778-7900, rlacroix@cob.org