BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Lake Whatcom appear to be working.

The Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program has so far resulted in more than 1,000 boat inspections at the Bloedel Donovan boat launch.

The visual inspections have also helped stop the introduction of a new aquatic invasive plant, the Brazilian Waterweed, into Lake Whatcom.

Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board coordinator Laurel Baldwin says she found the weed attached to a boat that pulled up to the aquatic invasive species check station.

The program is expected to expand to the other boat launches at Lake Whatcom before the end of the season.