Major stake-holders in the Bolles Harbor Waterway in SE Michigan attended a seminar hosted by Monroe Boat Club on Thursday May 4th to discuss the Michigan Clean Marina Program.
Ms. Liz Szlaga, administrator of the Michigan Boating Industries Association and Mr. Brian Kelley, Michigan Clean Marina specialist and consultant, addressed marina operators from Trout’s Yacht Basin, OPM Club, Monroe Boat Club, Detroit Beach Boat Club and the Inter-Lake Yachting Association during an hour long presentation.
The Michigan Clean Marina Program is a cooperative effort of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan Sea Grant College Program (Michigan State University and the University of Michigan). The program promotes environmentally sound marina and boating practices to reduce pollution, enhance fish and wildlife habitat and protect Great Lakes water quality. It is open to all public and private marinas in Michigan.
Recognizing that a sound environment is critical to their businesses, those in attendance investigate ways to maintain and improve the Bolles Harbor environment by reducing or eliminating releases of harmful substances and phasing out practices that can damage aquatic environments. These marinas are home to over 700 local boating families who dock, launch, store and maintain recreational boats in the area; reducing pollution and protecting wildlife habitats is a benefit to everyone in the community.
Participating in the Michigan Clean Water Program includes training, an operations evaluation checklist and a site visit. Certified marinas strive for continuous improvement in daily environmental stewardship practices.
www.miseagrant.umich.edu/michigan-clean-marina-program
