Michigan Clean Marina Program Certifies Three Marinas

The Michigan Clean Marina Program announced that Hartshorn Municipal Marina, Muskegon; Island Cove Marina, Harrison Township; and SkipperBuds – Lake Fenton have been Certified as Michigan Clean Marinas. This certification is valid for a three-year term through 2026.

Additionally, six marinas have been recertified for the next five years as Michigan Clean Marinas. They are: • Eagle Pointe Harbor, St. Joseph • Grosse Pointe Shores Municipal Harbor • North Star Sail Club, Harrison Twp. • Pentwater Municipal, Pentwater • Ryde Marine, Alanson • SkipperBuds – Cass Lake, Waterford

One hundred and one Michigan marinas have obtained Certified Clean Marina status and are maintaining this prestigious certification. As participants in the Michigan Clean Marina Program, marinas voluntarily pledge to maintain and improve Michigan’s waterways by reducing or eliminating releases of harmful substances and phasing out practices that can damage aquatic environments. Certified marina facilities are recognized as exemplary environmental stewards and must periodically recertify. Training and certification criteria address key topics, such as siting considerations, marina design and management, stormwater management, boat maintenance and repair, petroleum control, aquatic invasive species, sewage handling, waste containment, disposal and recycling, and laws and regulations.

“Marinas like these and the many others who participate in this disciplined program show they are aware of and practice good environmental and business stewardship practices” said Mark Breederland, Michigan Sea Grant extension educator and chair of the Michigan Clean Marina Foundation Board. “The program is a win-win by implementing and certifying on-the-dock practices to minimize potential pollution and encouraging boaters to also take good care of the water and within the marina.”

The Michigan Clean Marina Program is a non-regulatory partner program between the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan Boating Industries Association. For more details on the program and to see which facilities are designated Michigan Clean Marinas, go to: www.michigancleanmarina.org.