Wisconsin Marinas Awarded ‘Clean Marina’ Status

Lucienne Van De Pas (right), general manager of the Egg Harbor Marina, and Michelle Shrider, president of the Wisconsin Marine Association, celebrate Egg Harbor Marina’s recertification as a “Clean Marina” during the Wisconsin Marine Association’s fall conference in Rothschild. Submitted.

The Wisconsin Marine Association (WMA) presented two marinas with “Clean Marina” certificates Nov. 21 at its fall conference in Rothschild. The certificates recognize marinas and boatyards that implement numerous green practices that protect water quality, public health and fish and wildlife habitat.

Southport Marina in Kenosha and Egg Harbor Marina in Door County were re-certified as Clean Marinas for another five years after passing a site inspection.

WMA has certified 21 Clean Marinas in Wisconsin and one in Iowa. Another 13 marinas are working toward their certification.

The designations are the result of a rigorous training and certification process carried out by the Wisconsin Marine Association, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. “Marinas and boatyards work very hard to achieve the prestigious Clean Marina designation and deserve recognition in their communities,” said the WMA’s Clean Marina Program Coordinator Vicky Harris. “Certified Clean Marinas are safer and healthier facilities for employees and boaters while also protecting valuable public benefits like swimming, fishing and drinking water. They are also more desirable destinations for recreational boaters who want to boat in an environmentally friendly, clean marina.” Both Southport and Egg Harbor Marinas are located next to popular coastal parks that are used for waterfront recreation.

“As one of the largest marinas in Wisconsin I believe that we need to be a leader not only in the marine industry, but in our local community,” said Barry Moreland, owner of Southport Marina. “I would like to thank Victoria Harris and the WMA for guiding us through this process.”

Marinas and related industries and services contribute more than $2.7 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. The voluntary, industry-led Clean Marina Program ensures clean boating practices that benefit the environment, and marinas alike. Best-management practices prevent the release of water pollutants from marina operations like fueling, sewage pump-outs, power washing, anti-fouling paint application, and boat and engine maintenance. Certified marinas strive for continuous improvement in daily environmental stewardship practices. Participating marinas and boatyards benefit in many ways, including cost savings from reduced hazardous waste disposal, fewer pollutant cleanups, lower insurance rates, and discounts from vendors of marine supplies.

The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program is administered by the WMA with assistance from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and Wisconsin Sea Grant. Michigan Sea Grant, as coordinator of the Great Lakes Clean Marina Network, also provided funding for this year’s work from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Additional partners include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Office of the Great Lakes and the U.S. Coast Guard.