Nearly two dozen Lake Erie marinas have become certified Ohio Clean Marinas under a state-sponsored program created in 2004. The program’s coordinator, Gary L. Comer Jr., wants to see more marinas join in the growing effort to help improve Lake Erie’s water quality.
"We are hosting a free informational workshop that outlines the Ohio Clean Marinas Program as a way to encourage more direct participation from the recreational boating industry across northern Ohio," said Comer.
A total of 26 Lake Erie marinas have already attained their Ohio Clean Marinas program certifications and an additional 19 marinas are expected to become certified in 2007. Their participation in adopting a best management practices approach to marina operations began with their attending an informational workshop.
The Ohio Clean Marina workshop will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2007, from 1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the ODNR, Division of Natural Areas & Preserves Office, located at 3441 North Ridge West in Ashtabula, Ohio.
Workshop pre-registration is mandatory and can be made by contacting the Ohio Clean Marinas Program office in Sandusky at 419.609.4120 or by contacting Gary L. Comer Jr. at comer.29@osu.edu. For more information on the workshop and Ohio Clean Marinas Program, visit ohiocleanmarina.osu.edu.
The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a proactive partnership designed to encourage marinas and boaters to use simple, innovative solutions to keep Ohio’s coastal and inland waterway resources clean. The program is administered by the Ohio Sea Grant College Program in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Commerce, State Fire Marshall Division, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Greater Cleveland Boating Association, and other local public agencies, yacht clubs, and marinas.
Contact:
Gary L. Comer Jr. Clean Marinas Program
419.609.4120
Dave Kelch Clean Marinas Program
440.326.5851