Bellingham Signs Fish Passage Memo With Tribes
The city and its tribal and state partners updated a 2022 agreement to address barriers that block fish across city limits.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Immigration
The City of Bellingham signed an updated memo of understanding in October 2026 with the Lummi Nation, the Nooksack Indian Tribe, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The memo updates a 2022 agreement targeting fish passage barriers on city-owned property.
Why it matters
A study conducted in October 2025 found dozens of barriers that fully or partially block fish passage across city limits, and the updated memo sets priorities for addressing them. Fish passage restoration affects salmon and other fish populations that tribes and the state manage.
The study identified dozens of barriers citywide, with priority given to 7 spots on Squalicum Creek, 3 on Whatcom Creek, and 9 on Padden Creek. Replacement funding and timelines have not been finalized and will depend on future grant awards.
The players
City of Bellingham
The Washington city that signed the memo and owns the property where many of the barriers sit.
Lummi Nation
A federally recognized tribe with treaty-based fishing rights in the Salish Sea region, party to the updated memo.
Nooksack Indian Tribe
A federally recognized tribe whose ancestral territory includes the Nooksack River watershed, party to the updated memo.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
The state agency responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources and habitat, party to the updated memo.
The details
The updated memo covers barriers on city-owned property, and some projects will require approval and cooperation from private property owners, BNSF, and the Port of Bellingham. Work along the three creeks is being prioritized, but no completion dates have been set.
Timeline
October 2025: Study identifies dozens of fish passage barriers across Bellingham.
2022: Original agreement targeting barriers on city property is adopted.
October 2026: City signs updated memo of understanding with tribes and state.
Legal Context
The October 2026 memo updates the 2022 Bellingham agreement on fish passage barriers and adds priority sites along Squalicum, Whatcom, and Padden creeks. It builds on that earlier framework by naming specific barriers for action.
Residents who use trails and roads near Squalicum, Whatcom, and Padden creeks may see construction as the priority barrier projects move forward. Projects requiring private property, BNSF, or Port of Bellingham approval may take longer to begin.
The takeaway
Bellingham's updated memo shows that fish passage work now has named priority sites, but funding and timing remain open. Residents can expect progress to depend on grants and cooperation from multiple property owners.
Further reading
Explore more on Immigration coverage for Bellingham.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Bellingham Now -.
