PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHIGAN CLEAN MARINA
The Michigan Clean Marina Program is excited to welcome Bergmann Marine – Charlevoix as a newly certified Michigan Clean Marina for a three-year term through 2024. Bergmann Marine joins eight other marinas who have received their recertification for another five-year term as certified Michigan Clean Marinas, a prestigious designation that 94 Michigan marinas currently hold.
“We welcome the newly certified marina to the Clean Marina Program, and we commend Lake St. Clair Metropark Marina, Manistee Municipal Marina, Northwest Marine Yacht Basin Association, Onekama Marine, Pier 1000 Marina, Safe Harbor Grand Isle, Safe Harbor Toledo Beach, and Silver Spray Sports for their continuation of following best practices,” says 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.”
Started as a program to initiate marinas’ help in preserving and protecting the Great Lakes and connecting waterways, the Michigan Clean Marina Program helps equip and inspire marinas to prevent and reduce pollution through voluntary initiatives.
To become a certified marina, each marina must first pledge to participate, then complete a course and review of best management practices that include key topics such as siting considerations, marina design and management, stormwater management, boat maintenance and repair, petroleum control, aquatic invasive species, sewage handling, waste containment, disposal and recycling, and laws and regulations. After improvements and demonstration of competencies, the marina is evaluated and given a certification once certain goals are met.
“It is not difficult, and there are both financial and environmental gains that come with this effort,” Polan adds.
To learn more, visit michiganseagrant.org
