State Rep. Greg MacMaster, R-Kewadin, said marinas in Michigan have an additional role to play as community representatives, aside from the obvious services they provide boaters. MacMaster noted that people gauge communities by the roads they use to travel in and out of town.
"Marinas are another venue where there is the potential to leave an impression," he said. "This program is a shining example of the private-public partnerships we have in our state. Having a Clean Marina speaks volumes for the community that it is part of."
MacMaster spoke at the Michigan Clean Marina Open House hosted by Irish Boat Shop in Charlevoix on Thursday. Irish Boat Shop organized a tour of the facilities to showcase best management practices they implemented as a certified Clean Marina.
Representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Quality — Office of the Great Lakes, and the U-M Office of Community Relations also attended the event.
"The government, university, and boating industry partnership is what makes the Clean Marina Program successful," says Elizabeth LaPorte, director of communications and education services. "This event highlights the practices at Irish Boats and other certified Clean Marinas in Michigan."
The Michigan Boating Industries Association and Michigan Sea Grant, a collaborative program of U-M and Michigan State University, and sponsored the event.
For more information, go to www.michigancleanmarina.org.