Who is involved in the cleanup effort?
This effort brings together a wide range of stakeholders who depend on and care about Big Lake.
Residents, contractors leading the cleanup, and local and state government agencies — including Fish & Wildlife, Ecology, Planning, Public Works, and County Commissioners — are engaged in active collaboration. Nonprofits focused on protecting Skagit Valley’s natural assets are participating in discussions around regulation and Critical Areas protection.
We are also working with members of the marine industry, recreational businesses, and realtors who recognize the lake as a valued community asset.
Our Civic Hub creates space for these groups — who do not always share the same perspectives — to build understanding, trust, and shared responsibility around a common goal.
What happened to Big Lake and why is action needed now?
This summer, a combination of environmental conditions caused toxic algae blooms that lasted well into the fall, closing the lake to recreation and threatening the ecosystem that depends on it.
For the first time, our community experienced a catalyzing event that united neighbors across demographics and viewpoints. The loss of safe access to the lake became a galvanizing force — bringing residents, volunteers, and local leaders together to take coordinated action and restore this shared resource.
What are the immediate next steps?
We are moving forward with both action and coordination:
• Continuing in-person and virtual community meetings
• Maintaining ongoing communication with our growing email list
• Expanding our Hub Coordination Team with experienced organizers and fundraisers
• Collaborating with government entities on grant applications
• Launching a private fundraising campaign of $200,000–$250,000 for an initial treatment this spring to restore safe lake usage this summer
This spring treatment is a critical first step toward long-term lake health.
What does long-term success look like?
Our goal extends beyond a single treatment. We are committed to 3–5 years of continued restoration efforts to ensure lasting results.
Long-term success means:
• Measurable improvement in water quality
• Reduction in visible algae blooms
• Sustainable prevention strategies
• Strengthened coordination among agencies and community members
• A culture of shared stewardship around the lake
As cleanup progresses, we will expand our focus to prevention and long-term ecological resilience.
How will success be measured?
We will measure success through both objective and community-based indicators.
Objective measures include water testing results and visible reduction in algae growth over time.
Subjective measures include community sentiment, engagement levels, and participation in civic processes.
Beyond lake restoration, success also means something deeper: increased civic engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and stronger community relationships built through this shared effort.