The Michigan Clean Marina Program welcomed Bouvier Bridge Marina of Fair Haven as the newest marina to join the ranks as a Certified Clean Marina. Initial certification is good for three years.
Eight additional Michigan facilities have confirmed their commitment to keeping the Great Lakes clean and have been re-certified for another five-year term through 2019. They include:
- Bay Harbor Company, Bay Harbor
- Eldean Shipyard, Holland
- Irish Boat Shop, Charlevoix
- Irish Boat Shop, Harbor Springs
- Kean’s Marina, Detroit
- MacRay Harbor, Harrison Township
- One Water Street (One Water Marina), Boyne City
In total, 42 Michigan marinas have obtained and are maintaining this prestigious certification.
The clean marina program was initiated to preserve and protect the Great Lakes and its connecting waterways through voluntary efforts. The certification process begins with a pledge to participate in the program, followed by an online course with an overview of the designation process and a review of best management practices. The facilities then conduct self-evaluations of their environmental practices to determine their strengths and weaknesses. After implementing improvements, the marina requests a visitation by a CMP consultant to evaluate the facility’s environmental stewardship. When the facility reaches established goals, they receive their designation.
“We welcome Bouvier Bridge Marina to the Clean Marina Program and we’re proud of the eight marinas being re-certified as Certified Clean Marinas and for their continuation of following best practices,” said Nicki Polan, executive director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association. “More boaters are becoming aware of the program and are searching out these facilities as places they want to patronize.”
MBIA encourages all marinas to seek out this certification. “It is not difficult and there are both financial and environmental gains that come with this effort,” said Polan.
The Michigan Clean Marina Program is a joint program between the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan Boating Industries Association.
For more details, see the Michigan Clean Marina Program website.
