The Ripple Fall 2026

3 hours ago

8 min read

Greetings!

What a summer it has been! The WALPA community has been leading some wonderful work this season, with lots to report. Keep scrolling to read about all the exciting things WALPA has been involved with this summer and opportunities to come as we welcome fall!

Final reminder to register for WALPA's 39th Annual Conference!

This year's Annual Conference will be held in Bellingham, WA starting on Wednesday, October 7th to Friday, October 9th. The conference schedule set around the theme "Celebrating Lake Heroes: Critters and Champions" will include an array of learning sessions, social activities, and a Friday workshop. The discount for room reservations has expired but you can still reserve rooms here at the Four Points Hotel & Conference Center.

Don't forget to bid on the In-Situ RDO Blue Dissolved Oxygen Meter

WALPA's fall conference auction is also now live, open for bidding until October 8th. Submit your bid now to purchase the RDOBlue, a dissolved oxygen and temperature probe (valued at $1,265)!!! Thank you to In-Situ for this generous donation. Happy bidding!

Please bring all other auction items to the conference.

And see the WALPA online store for a 20% OFF SALE during the following dates:

October 1-4

October 7-11

October 21-25

Update from WALPA's Legislative Committee

This past year, the Washington Lake Protection Association (WALPA) continued an effort initially sparked by Barry Halverson and Long Lake residents to strengthen and modernize Washington’s Lake Management District (LMD) statute (RCW 36.61). If you’ve never heard of an LMD – it is an important tool for lake communities to plan and fund lake improvement projects such as managing aquatic weeds, improving water quality, and supporting long‑term lake health.

While LMDs are a valuable tool, the current statute presents significant challenges that make districts difficult and costly for counties and cities to initiate and administer. Additionally, the law does not include clear provisions for lake‑resident input, such as advisory or steering committees, which many communities consider essential for effective lake management.

While a previous effort was introduced to the state legislature, it had stalled out. In response, WALPA’s legislative committee brought together lake residents, county and city LMD administrators, and staff from state resource agencies to identify recurring issues and identify workable solutions. After a series of discussions and a final workshop, the group produced a consensus‑based set of recommended updates to the statute.

WALPA has since engaged Senator Liz Lovelett (40^th district – Anacortes) to obtain the assistance of a legislative drafting specialist, who translated these recommendations into bill language. The committee, with support of Barry Halverson (Lake Lawrence LMD), is now working to identify sponsors and move the proposal into the legislative process.

This has been a highly collaborative, community‑driven effort made possible by many of our WALPA members. WALPA is hopeful that this draft language will advance in the upcoming legislative session. We look forward to sharing updates including a bill you can weigh in on with your local legislator as soon as the information is available.

Community Science is Making Waves: LOCSS in Washington

Across the globe, some lakes are rising, others are shrinking, and a few are disappearing altogether. Did you know that many of our local Washington lakes are part of a worldwide project working to understand why? Even better, everyday community members are helping collect the data that makes it possible.

Thirty three of Washington’s lakes are connected to a global lake‑watching network stretching across five continents. The NASA‑funded Lake Observations by Citizen Scientists & Satellites (LOCSS) project pairs satellite imagery with quick lake‑level readings from volunteers to reveal how lake volumes change over time to help learn what’s driving those changes. From Bangladesh to Chile and Spain to right in our backyard, lake users and residents are contributing valuable data.

The best part is how simple it is to take part. If you happen to visit a participating lake, you can read the gauge, tap the number into your phone, and you’ve just contributed to a global dataset. Your one observation gets combined with satellite measurements to help explain why some lakes rise, shrink, or disappear entirely. This is a growing concern worldwide as climate shifts, drought intensifies, and water demands increase. You can find LOCSS gages at lakes in the City of Kirkland and Sammamish, Snohomish and Thurston Counties, at a handful of state parks or in Gifford Pinchot National Forest and at the Cove Resort on Fish Lake. While these partners helped start the program locally, the real momentum comes from people like you!

So, if you find yourself by one of Washington’s participating lakes, take a moment to add a reading. And if you have no lakes nearby you, you can find a community science project that sparks your interest. Maybe snap pics of local plants and wildlife on iNaturalist, log birds with Merlin, track seasonal changes on Nature’s Notebook, or explore countless local

projects that help build shared environmental knowledge.

Recent news from the Department of Ecology

The Department of Ecology invites you to an online webinar on September 30th to learn about harmful algal bloom rulemaking. This webinar is an opportunity to learn about Ecology's plan to add criteria for toxins produced during harmful algal blooms in the surface water quality standards. After the presentation, Ecology welcomes questions and informal feedback on the information shared. During this webinar, Ecology will:

· Discuss rule progress and timeline

· Discuss the strategy for each cyanotoxin Ecology is considering

· Provide a preliminary view of each cyanotoxin criterion value

· Take questions and informal feedback on the information shared

This is not the only opportunity for input. Ecology will hold a formal public comment period with public hearings on the draft rulemaking in early 2027. You can also email Ecology anytime with questions. Visit our rulemaking webpage to learn more and register here!

Freshwater Algae Control & Aquatic Invasive Plant Management grant applications open October 15th for state fiscal year 2028! Applications must be submitted to Ecology’s Administration of Grants and Loans online system by December 17th.

Ecology will use updated scoring criteria and point totals to evaluate applications for the state fiscal year 2028 cycle and beyond to improve clarity and consistency for grant applicants and Ecology staff to award the highest-priority projects. The scoring criteria and guidance tables are provided as an appendix in each of the program's funding guidelines as well as on each program's website.
The Freshwater Algae Control Grant Program provides financial and technical assistance to manage excess freshwater algae in state water bodies. Grants of up to $50,000 are awarded on a competitive basis.
The Aquatic Invasive Plant Management Grant Program provides financial and technical assistance to manage excessive growth of aquatic invasive plants that threaten Washington waters. For the state fiscal year 2028 funding cycle and future funding cycles, the maximum award amounts for each project type are:
- Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan: maximum of $50,000
- Aquatic Invasive Plant Control and/or Education Project: maximum of $100,000
- Early Infestation Project: maximum of $75,000
- Research Project: maximum of $75,000
For any questions on the funding guidelines, updated scoring criteria and funding amounts, or the application process, please contact Joseph Teresi at joseph.teresi@ecy.wa.gov or 360-628-7516.

Take the survey to improve WALPA communications!

WALPA is seeking feedback to help improve our communications and understand our audience. This 5-minute survey will help us better understand what types of content are most useful, how you prefer to receive WALPA news and updates, and how often you would like to hear from us. Responses are anonymous. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

Take the survey

WALPA Updates

What else is going on with WALPA? News from the Board and more!

WALPA Mentorship Program

We’re excited to share that we’ve successfully matched more mentors and mentees through the WALPA Mentorship Program! We’re still looking for additional mentors to support students and early-career professionals in the aquatic and environmental community. Mentors are asked to make a minimum one-year commitment and provide career and professional guidance, help mentees grow their networks, and connect them with relevant opportunities. If you’re interested in sharing your experience and supporting the next generation of environmental professionals, we’d love to have you join us. Please email mentorship@walpa.org for more information.

WALPA's New Hires

WALPA has hired a freelance technical editor and graphic designer! Through our candidate search we had two individuals with great resumes that meet our mission and organization needs. Welcome Melissa Slager and Mycah Higley! Melissa will join us for more frequent technical editing needs including our online newsletters. And Mycah Higley’s graphic designing skills was something we couldn’t pass up, we’ll be working with Mycah on occasional graphic designing needs to help share our mission with our members. Meet Melissa and Mycah below.

Melissa Slager, of Everett, is a former newspaper reporter who has spent recent years working as a contract copy editor, helping nonprofits put the final polish on their hard work. In her spare time she pens novels and children's picture books and children's picture books. Some of her favorite memories are from beach days and camping trips at Flowing Lake, north of her hometown of Monroe. Learn more and check out her latest novel set in the Pacific NW at melissaslager.com.

Mycah Higley is a designer and printmaker with a fine arts background. Originally from Oklahoma, she now lives in Bellingham, WA. She has done work for REI Co-op and Oklahoma State University on infographic, illustration, and graphic design projects. She spends a lot of time outside hiking, foraging, and learning to ID plants. Her work is always inspired by nature.

Call for social media content!

WALPA is looking to feature members and their work on our social media channels! This is a great opportunity to showcase the important work you’re doing in aquatic science—whether it’s a project update, fieldwork snapshot, or an overview of your research or program. Check out a popular YouTube short below!

https://youtube.com/shorts/yJREydNe710?si=c_5bny83UyCSzN4D

If you’re interested in sharing your work, reach out to communications@walpa.org and follow us on your favorite platform!

Reminder - Become a 2026 WALPA Member

Your membership renewal plays a critical role in supporting WALPA’s financial stability and ensuring we can continue this important work. Membership fees directly support our programs, outreach, and advocacy efforts—and truly go a long way for a great cause. Plus joining gives you a conference discount! Learn more about WALPA and how your membership makes an impact.

Students - membership is free!
Early Career - just $35
Individuals & Lake Associations - $50

Renew or join today and continue supporting lake protection efforts across our region!

Renew Now

Lake News, Events, & Opportunities

Join fellow freshwater enthusiasts for upcoming events and activities and stay informed on the latest lake developments!

Job Opportunities

Lake-Related Conferences

NALMS 2026 November 3-6, Kelowna, BC: Join the North American Lake Management Society for their 46th International Symposium. Register here (student and early career grants available)! Submissions for abstracts open until May 22nd!
13th US Symposium on Harmful Algae October 25-29, Cedar Rapids, IA: Learn about the latest updates in harmful algal bloom science and management strategies.
Joint Conference between the Oregon Lakes Association and PNW Society for Freshwater Science October 27 & 28, Portland, OR: Regional opportunity to discover lake protection efforts in Oregon and the greater PNW community in water quality science!
National Water Quality Monitoring Conference - Mark your calendars for March 9-11, 2027. This conference will be held as a virtual gathering over 3 consecutive half-days.

Volunteer & Training Opportunities

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association – Stream Restoration Work Parties, Whatcom County, Oct-Dec 2026
Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group - Sammamish River Salmon Habitat Restoration, Woodinville, WA, Oct-Dec 2026
Spokane Riverbank & Coeur d'Alene Lakeshore Cleanup, October 10
Idaho Conservation League - Fall Shoreline Clean Up, Sandpoint, ID, Oct 17
Idaho Rivers United - Boise River Adopt-the-Greenbelt Cleanup, October 7

Enjoy & Appreciate Lakes

King County Lake Stewardship Program - Check out this article on how volunteer-led efforts organized by the Science Section within King County's Water and Land Resources Division is helping track the health of several lakes in the county.

Lakes News from Around the World

Algal Blooms in Lakes Increase After Wildfire Smoke Events in the CONUS
The Great Lake Divide: Collapse vs. Comeback - As some of the world's biggest lakes vanish in real time, others are proving that recovery is still within reach.
Click this link to view some videos made by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) describing algal blooms to three different age groups!