05-14-2011, 11:10 AM
The Portage Public Marina has been designated as a Clean Marina by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the fourth such designation in the Hoosier State's Lake Michigan region.
The Indiana Clean Marina Program is a voluntary program that encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to protect water quality and habitat by engaging in environmentally sound operating and maintenance practices. To receive the designation, marinas must implement a high number of best management practices recommended in the DNR's Indiana Clean Marina Guidebook that apply to their facility.
Portage Marina signed a pledge to become a Clean Marina in 2009. By April of this year, the marina had implemented 85 percent of the best practices recommended by the DNR, more than enough to become a designated marina.
"It takes considerable effort and commitment from marina staff and boaters to become a designated Clean Marina," said Colin Highlands of the DNR's Lake Michigan Coastal Program. "This is something that the City of Portage can really be proud of. They are proving they are environmental stewards of Lake Michigan."
The other Clean Marinas in the coastal region include the Hammond Marina, designated in 2009; Washington Park Marina, designated in 2010; and Sprague Point Marina, also designated in 2010.
A total of 78 percent of Northwest Indiana Lake Michigan coastal marinas do not have clean marina status.
"Many are small operations, and it's difficult for operators to justify the cost of improving their facility," Highlands said. "We have to remember that water pollution from marinas and other sources impose costs on those who enjoy swimming at our beaches and fishing in our waters.
"The LMCP will do its best to find the resources to assist small marinas that decide to implement best practices."
The Indiana Clean Marina Program is a collaborative effort between the Indiana DNR and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Indiana is one of 24 other coastal states with a clean marina program.
Media Contact
Colin Highlands, DNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program, (219) 921-0863.
The Indiana Clean Marina Program is a voluntary program that encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to protect water quality and habitat by engaging in environmentally sound operating and maintenance practices. To receive the designation, marinas must implement a high number of best management practices recommended in the DNR's Indiana Clean Marina Guidebook that apply to their facility.
Portage Marina signed a pledge to become a Clean Marina in 2009. By April of this year, the marina had implemented 85 percent of the best practices recommended by the DNR, more than enough to become a designated marina.
"It takes considerable effort and commitment from marina staff and boaters to become a designated Clean Marina," said Colin Highlands of the DNR's Lake Michigan Coastal Program. "This is something that the City of Portage can really be proud of. They are proving they are environmental stewards of Lake Michigan."
The other Clean Marinas in the coastal region include the Hammond Marina, designated in 2009; Washington Park Marina, designated in 2010; and Sprague Point Marina, also designated in 2010.
A total of 78 percent of Northwest Indiana Lake Michigan coastal marinas do not have clean marina status.
"Many are small operations, and it's difficult for operators to justify the cost of improving their facility," Highlands said. "We have to remember that water pollution from marinas and other sources impose costs on those who enjoy swimming at our beaches and fishing in our waters.
"The LMCP will do its best to find the resources to assist small marinas that decide to implement best practices."
The Indiana Clean Marina Program is a collaborative effort between the Indiana DNR and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Indiana is one of 24 other coastal states with a clean marina program.
Media Contact
Colin Highlands, DNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program, (219) 921-0863.