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    • WATERLINE - March, 2026

    WALPA Board updates

    Plan for WALPA’s 2026 Conference now!

    This year’s WALPA Annual Conference will be in Bellingham, Washington! We need you to help make it a success.

    Get involved and stay connected:

    • Call for abstracts: Start thinking about the projects and research you want to share! The call for submissions will open soon.
    • Save the date: The conference date (late September/early October) and early bird details will be announced in a couple of months.
    • Stay in the loop: Make sure you’re on the list for official notifications by signing up for our emails.

    WALPA Legislative Committee update

    The WALPA Legislative Committee has launched its 2026 and is busy:

    • Coordinating bill tracking,
    • Developing perspective papers to inform potential revisions to state law governing Lake Management Districts,
    • Expanding lake management funding opportunities offered by the state, and
    • Organizing comments on Washington Department of Ecology’s water quality rulemaking for Harmful Algae Blooms and Lake Nutrient Criteria.

    Early career panel coming April 3, 1PM!

    WALPA is hosting an Early Career Panel featuring aquatic professionals from a variety of sectors. We are excited to announce our panelists, below, who will share their experiences working in the aquatic management field and offer insights into different career paths for students, early career professionals, and others interested in pursuing a career in aquatic management. Watch for a registration link coming soon!
    Sincere thanks to our panelists: Creston Wood, National Park Service; Dominick Leskiw, Snohomish County; Cira Hirschler, Coeur d’Alene Tribe; Ty Stephenson, American Rivers; and Lauren Kemper, Four Peaks Environmental.

     

    Western Washington lakes workshop coming in May!

    We’re preparing for the 2026 Western Washington Lakes Workshop, a free virtual event open to lake managers, lake association members, shoreline residents, and the general public.

    This year’s theme, Shared Shorelines and Wetlands, will cover topics such as shoreline development and native planting, dock and boat maintenance, erosion, native and invasive aquatic species, and watershed protection.

    The workshop will be held via Zoom on a weeknight in late May and will feature a town hall–style Q&A format.

    Stay tuned for more details!

    Apply for a 2026 WALPA student scholarship!

    WALPA will offer three student scholarships for 2026:

    • Nancy Weller Memorial Scholarship – $1,250 (Ph.D. student)
    • Dave Lamb Memorial Scholarship – $1,000 (M.Sc. student)
    • WALPA Undergraduate Scholarship – $500

    Each award also includes complimentary registration and a $200 travel stipend to attend the annual meeting. Applicants must submit a research statement (a maximum of three pages, including budget and justification), a 1–2 page résumé, and transcripts (unofficial accepted), and must arrange for a letter of recommendation from their academic advisor.

    Applications are due by April 15, 2026 (11:59 PM). For details, visit the www.walpa.org.

    Get social with WALPA!

    The WALPA Communications Committee is growing our social media presence to share lake science, stewardship tips, member highlights, and important announcements. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube to stay informed and help expand our reach in Washington and Idaho.

    Check out our new video series, Lake Takes, and if you’d like to contribute content or ideas, contact Darren and Elise at communications@walpa.org

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