Madeline Island Yacht Club Inc. Recertifies as a Wisconsin Clean Marina
La Pointe, Wisconsin – Located on the southwestern end of the largest Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, the Madeline Island Yacht Club is a full-service marina that values their boaters and environmental stewardship. This summer, the yacht club’s nine elected board members voted unanimously to recertify as a Wisconsin Clean Marina reinforcing their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
Elena Erickson, the general manager and a certified clean and resilient marina professional stated, “We, at the MIYC, are committed to keeping our Lake Superior waters clean, protecting the habitat and reducing waste and pollution.” Erickson believes it is important to maintain Clean Marina certification because it is a “strategic investment that has brought us and continues to provide us with wide-ranging benefits, from environmental protection and regulatory compliance to improved operational efficiency, reduced liability and competitive advantages.”
With 140 boating members, the MIYC is a popular island marina that has offered services since 1977. Members enjoy amenities such as transient and seasonal dockage, marine repair and restoration and fueling. Not to mention the beautiful scenery and access to local shops, restaurants and parks. Erickson attributes some of their success in the community to the Clean Marina Program, saying, “Our best management practices have led to more efficient operations and streamlined processes, increased boater and staff safety, and established us as a popular destination and a home port.”
The yacht club’s eagerness in maintaining their Clean Marina status sets them apart and led to a smooth-sailing recertification process. “MIYC’s commitment and willingness to go above and beyond implementing best management practices should be commended,” said Theresa Qualls, Wisconsin Clean Marina Program coordinator.
Marinas, related industries and services contribute more than $2.7 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. Through the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program, marinas will prevent pollution and protect fish, wildlife and public health. They know that clean water is important to boaters and Wisconsin’s coastal communities.
The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program was launched in 2010, and 23 Wisconsin marinas have since taken steps to voluntarily adopt practices to become certified. The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program is administered by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Program in partnership with the Wisconsin Marine Association, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Fund for Lake Michigan.
For more information:
Theresa Qualls, Wisconsin Clean Marina Program, (920) 465-5031, quallst@uwgb.edu