The Ripple Spring 2026
- info245928
- May 12
- 6 min read
Updated: May 13
Greetings!
Spring is here in full force, and WALPA has a ton of exciting news and events to look forward to! Lots of upcoming workshops, conferences, and other opportunities are in store for the rest of 2026. Explore below for all the ways you can become more knowledgeable and active in the lake stewardship community this spring, later this year, and beyond!
First thing's first...We have a new website!
Check out WALPA’s wonderful new website!
Navigate to the events page to register for specific workshops or conferences,
Dive into how to get more involved to donate or become a member, and
Visit the news blog (including this Ripple issue!) among many other features.
This website is still in development and a full build-out is planned for the coming months. We hope you enjoy exploring in the meantime! Special shout out to Anna Mostovetsky for all her dedication to this!
WALPA's 2026 Community Lake Workshop
Happening May 28th, 6-8pm!
Join WALPA for this FREE Community Lake Workshop, "Shared Shorelines and Watersheds", takes place on May 28th from 6-8pm. Register here!
In this town hall-style event here directly from experts from state and local agencies, academia, and environmental consulting to discuss how individuals and groups can better manage and protect their shorelines and lakes. Bring your burning questions about topics like erosion, permitting, aquatic weeds, native plants, docks and development, algae or lake stewardship in your community.
Each registrant will receive a free raffle ticket for exciting prizes such as a WALPA shirt, a bundle of lake monitoring equipment, or other WALPA swag – you must be present to win!
Check out our online shop for a sneak peak of prizes. And if you are not a raffle winner but desperately need to show off how much you love WALPA, all swag will be 20% off from June 1st - 5th!
WALPA's Spring Fundraising Auction - Now Live
Bid by June 30th!
This year WALPA will be having an online auction before the conference to raise money for student scholarships. You have until the end of June (30th) to bid on state-of-the-art water quality equipment from YSI. Start bidding now to purchase a YSI ProSolo optical dissolved oxygen handheld (value $2,182)!!!
This meter is perfect for profiling your lake or taking stream measurements, and just in time for summer monitoring! The equipment will be shipped to the winning bidder by the manufacturer with either a 10m or a 4m cable...your choice. Thank you to YSI for this genererous donation. Happy Bidding!
Announcing WALPA's 39th Annual Conference
October 7-9, 2026
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" is sure to feature plenty of enlightening presentations and networking opportunities:
Wednesday (half day) - learning sessions
Wednesday evening
Social event with poster presentations on research by students and others
Live and silent auctions to raise funds for student scholarships
Thursday (full day) - learning sessions
Friday morning - algae identification workshop by Dr. Robin A. Matthews at Western Washington University.
Submit an abstract by July 15, 2026!
Registrations details coming soon.
WALPA Updates
What else is going on with WALPA? News from the Board and more!
Early Career Panel Recap
Our Early Career Panel this April was a great success—thank you to our outstanding panelists for an insightful and engaging discussion and to our attendees. The event provided valuable perspectives for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals interested in aquatic and environmental fields. Panelists shared their career journeys, including how they entered the field, navigated early professional experiences, and practical advice for finding opportunities in the aquatic sciences. We extend our sincere thanks to panelists Dominick Leskiw, Ty Stephenson, Lauren Kemper, Cira Hirschler, and Creston Wood for generously sharing their time and insight.
Missed the panel or would like to revisit the discussion? View the full recording here!
WALPA's Mentorship Program
WALPA is excited to announce we are continuing the Student and Early Career Mentor Program for members. Mentees will receive valuable professional guidance and networking opportunities, while mentors will develop mentorship skills and give back to the community. If you are interested in serving as a mentor or mentee, or have questions about the program, please contact us at mentorship@walpa.org.
Mentorship Program Expectations:
Establish a mutually agreed-upon meeting schedule (format, frequency, and timing)
Commit to the role for a minimum of one year
Mentors:
Provide career and professional guidance
Encourage the growth of the mentee’s professional network
Connect mentees with relevant opportunities when possible
Mentees:
Come prepared to meetings with questions or an agenda
Be open and engaged in discussions about career development and opportunities
Update from WALPA's Legislative Committee
WALPA’s Legislative and Policy Committee has been actively engaged in several ongoing efforts. Current priorities include:
Expanding funding opportunities for lake management through state grant programs.
Providing input on proposed rulemaking related to water quality criteria for harmful algal blooms and lake nutrients.
Working with state and local agencies to improve clarity and streamline processes for aquatic plant management in lakes with state-owned bottomlands.
Collaborating with lake residents and local and state agencies to support proposed revisions to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) governing Lake Management Districts.
WALPA joined others in signing a joint letter of support for invasive freshwater mussel prevention funding. This letter, written and compiled by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will help us address the growing threat of invasive freshwater mussels in Washington and the broader Columbia River Basin. This funding is important to our lakes and waterways.
View the finalized FY2027 Joint Letter of Support for Invasive Freshwater Mussel Prevention Funding submitted to the State Congressional Delegation.
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. Curious what this looks like? Check out our recent feature on past WALPA president Dr. Jim Gawel’s work on arsenic in Lake Killarney as an example:
If you’re interested in sharing your work, please 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. 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!
Lake News, Events, & Opportunities
Join fellow freshwater enthusiasts for upcoming events and activities and stay informed on the latest lake developments!
Job Opportunities
WDFW - Check out Several Seasonal Fisheries Positions
ID Department of Ag - Aquatic Invasive Species Survey Technician
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.
Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting May 17-21, Spokane, WA: Opportunity to learn about the diverse ecologies, challenges, and solutions for the freshwater
Volunteer & Training Opportunities
Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park May Restoration Event, Saturday May 16, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Summer Outdoor Yoga Series, Sunday May 31, 2026, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Volunteer opportunities with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Enjoy & Appreciate Lakes
Governor Ferguson and Department of Ecology announce Washington's Water Future, and initiative to improve water supplies and conservation efforts amid statewide drought. See press release here.
Lakes News from Around the World
Do you have lake news, events, or opportunities to share? Contact communications@walpa.org to add it to a future issue!
Shout Out to Our 2026 Sponsors!
Interested in adding your company's logo here? Become a 2026 Sponsor today! Please contact WALPA's Treasurer with any questions: treasurer@walpa.org.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
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