Staff of the Lake Whatcom Management Program will share information about new boating requirements for Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in the Bloedel Donovan Gymnasium.

The event will also feature a presentation on results from the 2013 aquatic invasive species program.

Last year, the Lake Whatcom Management Program launched the second phase of its watercraft inspection program, which required all motorized or trailered watercraft to be inspected for aquatic invasive species and to display a valid AIS permit sticker prior to launching on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish.

The program’s staff completed 3,192 inspections between April 1 and October 30 of last year.

Beginning this year, permits will also be required for non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes. Inspection services will also be available at new locations, including Lake Samish and South Bay.

A new course and website on aquatic invasive species are also launching in April. Those who take the course to receive discounts when purchasing annual permits.