We’re excited to launch the Ripple, WALPA’s new e-bulletin designed to keep members informed and engaged! This easy-to-read publication will bring you the latest WALPA board updates, upcoming events, important lake news, and featured stories that highlight the people and projects shaping lake protection in Washington and Idaho. Stay connected and dive into the Ripple!

• 2025 WALPA Scholarships – Apply today! See details below.
• Early Career Panel – Free, virtual panel featuring early career and young professionals in freshwater sciences. See details below.
• Western WA Lakes Workshop: May 2025 (TBD) – Free, virtual workshop perfect for lake residents, recreators, and enthusiasts. More details to come!

For more on WALPA’s work or how to get involved, visit our website today!

In 2025, the Washington Lakes Protection Association is offering two student scholarships. 

• The Dave Lamb Memorial Scholarship to a graduate student for $1,000.
• The WALPA scholarship to an undergraduate student for $500. 

Both scholarships will also provide complimentary registration and a $200 travel stipend towards accommodation for each recipient at the annual meeting.

All applicants should send materials in a single Adobe Acrobat PDF file clearly identified by the applicant’s last name to William Hobbs, chair of the Scholarship Committee, at william.hobbs@ecy.wa.gov.

Applications are due by 11:59 PM (PT) on April 15, 2025. The Scholarship Committee will contact applicants in May to let them know their application’s status. See the WALPA webpage for more details on student scholarships.

• WA Dept. of Ecology is starting their Triennial Review of Chapter 173-201A WAC, Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington. Learn more about the triennial review process in their focus sheet and on the water quality standards webpage.

An informational webinar will be held on March 13, 2 pm. Register here.

Ecology is accepting comments until April 22:

• Online
• By mail: Marla Koberstein, Department of Ecology, Water Quality Program, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600
• During the public hearing on April 15, 5:30 pm. Register here.



• Save the Date! The Spokane River Forum Conference – April 22 & 23 in Spokane, WA. This year's theme is "Our Community, Our River". Register by March 31 to receive a discount! Find more details online.

Do you have lake news or events to share? Reach out to info@walpa.org to add it to a future issue!

Join WALPA on Wednesday, April 9 for the 2025 Early Career Panel in Water Quality and Environmental Science! This free, virtual event features a panel of graduate students and young professionals in the field of aquatic sciences, and is perfect for students and other early career professionals. We will have panelists from environmental consulting and engineering firms, and city, state and federal agencies! More details to come.

To meet our financial goals as a non-profit organization, WALPA updated its bylaws at the fall conference to adopt an annual membership fee structure. To remain a WALPA member in good standing, all current members will need to renew their membership for 2025 and pay annual dues.



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Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at info@walpa.org.