Michigan Clean Marina Program Grows by 20 Percent

The Michigan Clean Marina Program has increased the number of certified marinas in the state by 20 percent just in 2018. There are now 64 certified Clean Marinas bringing the program closer to meeting its goal of certifying 100 marinas by the end of the year.

“All marinas in Michigan should be a certified Clean Marina. It is not difficult, and there are both financial and environmental gains that come with this effort,” said Nicki Polan, executive director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association.

In response to feedback from marinas, the Michigan Clean Marina Program ran live classroom sessions instead of online courses, which facilitated peer mentoring and networking among traditional competitors. Those attending the sessions spent the time completing their applications and meeting site specialists to schedule the required on-site visits. This helped ensure those who took the time to train completed the certification process. Nearly all of those who attended scheduled their final walk-throughs. A total of 20 marinas were represented at the three live classroom workshops.

The Michigan Clean Marina Program is a partner program between the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan Boating Industries Association.