The British Petroleum Oil Company (BP) Unit is privately-owned industrial land 4 miles north of the Lake Terrell headquarters, leased by WDFW for public hunting, and other wildlife recreation. A 20-acre, winter-grain farming program by BP and local farmers supports wintering waterfowl and has created a high quality waterfowl hunting area. The unit also has weekly pheasant releases for fall hunting.
The British Petroleum Unit is located about 14 miles northwest of Bellingham in Whatcom County. The unit can be accessed from Grandview Road, west of Interstate 5.
The British Petroleum Unit lies close to Puget Sound just south of the Canadian border. It is located between the Fraser and Skagit rivers, and between the largest estuaries in the Willamette Valley - Puget Trough - Georgia Basin ecoregion.
This unit is part of the Whatcom Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Two main parking areas
- No restroom
Hunting
This unit is managed to support wintering waterfowl, creating a high quality waterfowl hunting area. The unit also has weekly pheasant releases for fall hunting.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
- Maps for all hunting areas are posted at the HQ (Lake Terrell) parking lot, and unit maps are up at Marine Drive, Slater Road, and Intalco parking lots.
- Shotgun use and archery only. Pistol and rifle shooting are not allowed.
Fishing
The British Petroleum Unit has many trails throughout the various habitats that can be used for bird watching, walking, hiking, and dog walking.
Wildlife viewing
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
A 20-acre winter grain farming program by British Petroleum and local farmers, supports wintering waterfowl and has created a high quality waterfowl hunting area. The unit also has weekly pheasant releases for fall hunting.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Protect and enhance Terrell Creek for salmon species
- Maintain and improve nesting and winter habitat for waterfowl
Land stewardship
The British Petroleum Unit is privately-owned industrial land that is leased by WDFW for public hunting, and other wildlife recreation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1992.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
Management planning
2006 Whatcom Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.