North Whatcom Fire & Rescue officials say their fire-protection district is having trouble providing quality services as the area continues to grow.

Residents and taxpayers will want to show up this week at one of two public meetings at which North Whatcom officials will talk about a new report outlining facilities the fire district will need to build in the future. The goal is to maintain adequate levels of service as the population of Birch Bay, Blaine and the rural areas east to Lynden continue to grow.

We are all for good fire protection and emergency medical services. It’s an important part of public safety and of a good quality of life.

But growth continues to cost all Whatcom County residents money. It’s incumbent upon citizens to make sure their governments are collecting only what is needed and are spending the money wisely.

>> North Whatcom Fire & Rescue, public meetings At 7 p.m. Tuesday at 307 19th St. in Lynden. At 7 p.m. Wednesday at Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 7039 Jackson Road.

PORT OFFICIALS TO ADDRESS WATERFRONTS, AIRPORT

A panel made up of Port of Bellingham Commissioner Doug Smith and two port managers will speak Wednesday at the Bellingham City Club about plans for the Bellingham and Blaine waterfronts and Bellingham International Airport.

Art Choat, the port’s aviation director, and Mike Stoner, director of environmental programs, also are scheduled to speak. Stoner heads the port’s planning team for the redevelopment of the Bellingham waterfront.

The trio is expected to address planned improvements at the airport and the Blaine Harbor Marina, and to give an update about the Bellingham waterfront project.

>> Bellingham City Club luncheon Noon Wednesday at Northwood Hall, 3240 Northwest Ave.

EARTH DAY EVENTS CONTINUE TUESDAY

If you didn’t get a chance to take part in the many events in celebration of Earth Day during the weekend, there are still a couple coming up on the actual day, Tuesday. Take the Whatcom Transportation Authority where you can, as all bus rides are free Tuesday.

Blaine city officials want to brainstorm new environmentally friendly ideas for the city at a “community conversation” event starting at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 344 H. St. Organizers say the city has a unique position to make a difference because it owns its own water, sewer and electrical utilities.

National Public Radio correspondent Doug Fine talks about his attempts to live green during a 6:30 p.m. Tuesday appearance in Bellingham. Fine is the author of a new book, “Farewell, My Subaru.” He will be interviewed on the Chuckanut Radio Hour in the Crystal Ballroom at The Leopold, 1224 Cornwall Ave.

The movie “The Future of Food” will be shown from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in Heiner Theater at Whatcom Community College. The move explores unlabeled genetically modified foods as they begin to appear at grocery stores.

If you can make the trip to the eastern reaches of the county, volunteers are going to the North Cascades National Park to help clear trails near Newhalem Creek Campground. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the entrance to the campground. You will need to call organizers at (360) 854-7301 to let them know you are coming.