This year’s Washington State Lake Protection Association (WALPA) Annual Conference will take place in Moses Lake, October 8–10, 2025, at the Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel. WALPA, founded in 1986, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Washington’s lakes. The association brings together more than 1,200 participants from across the state, including lakeside residents, recreationists, scientists, educators, and local agencies. By connecting people with different perspectives, WALPA provides a strong, united voice for healthy lakes.

The three-day conference will feature keynote speakers, technical sessions, student research presentations, and opportunities for professional networking. In addition to educational talks, the program includes social events and a scholarship auction to support the next generation of lake scientists. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a hands-on workshop on water quality monitoring instruments and a local field trip to explore the Channeled Scabland lakes.

On the first day of the conference, Ron Sawyer, Conservation Director at the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) and Chair of the Moses Lake Watershed Council, and Stephanie Shopbell, Environmental Health Manager at the Grant County Health District, will present “Grant County Healthy Lakes Algae Tracker: Restoring Public Confidence in Moses Lake.” The presentation, co-authored with Deanna Elliott, CBCD, will highlight how local partners are using the Algae Tracker to monitor conditions, share timely information with the community, and build trust in the ongoing work to protect Moses Lakes' water quality.

Conference sessions will cover a wide range of topics such as lake research, management technologies, harmful algal blooms, aquatic invasive species, nutrient pollution, fish ecology, and citizen science. By gathering experts, students, and community members from across the state, WALPA provides a valuable forum for sharing knowledge and advancing the protection of Washington’s lakes.

This conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from lake professionals, explore various tools like the Algae Tracker, and engage with the latest research and strategies for protecting Washington’s lakes. Whether you are a stakeholder, student, or community member interested in water quality, the conference promises to be an informative and inspiring event that highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and stewardship in safeguarding lakes for generations to come.