July 15, 2024
Dwight Jones (left), CEO, and Andrew Shroyer, general manager, of Lakewood and Leschi marinas
The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), Washington Sea Grant and others today announced the certification of Leschi and Lakewood Marinas, managed by Marina Management LLC, as Clean Marinas. The prestigious Clean Marina certification, established by NMTA in partnership with Sound Keepers, requires marinas to undergo a rigorous assessment of their environmental practices and plan improvements for the future.
“Recently our marinas at Leschi and Lakewood on Lake Washington were awarded the Clean Marina certification. This acknowledgement serves as a valuable reminder to staff and boaters that we are dedicated to best management practices, committed to environmentally sound business practices,” said Dwight Jones, CEO of Marina Management LLC.
The certification recognizes Leschi and Lakewood Marinas’ ongoing efforts to protect Lake Washington’s delicate ecosystem, including implementing waste management and recycling programs; utilizing environmentally friendly cleaning products; promoting sustainable boating practices; and educating staff and customers about environmental responsibility.
“We are thrilled to recognize Leschi and Lakewood Marinas for their continuing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said George Harris, president of the NMTA. “This demanding certification reflects the dedication of the entire staff to operating in an environmentally responsible manner and providing a clean and sustainable experience for their guests.”
Leschi Marina, situated adjacent to vibrant restaurants and shops, boasts a thriving sailing community. Lakewood Marina, nestled in one of Seattle’s most picturesque neighborhoods, offers easy access to the historic 300-acre Seward Park and Ohler’s Island. Both marinas cater primarily to vessels under 30 feet, with limited accommodations for larger boats.
“We are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our location and promoting sustainable practices,” Jones said. “The Clean Marina Certification underscores our dedication to providing a welcoming and eco-conscious environment for boaters.”
The Washington Clean Marina Program Steering Committee congratulates Leschi and Lakewood Marinas on this achievement and commends their dedication to environmental stewardship.
Created in 2005 as an expansion of the EnviroStars program, Clean Marina Washington helps boaters and marinas leave a healthy wake. Through this incentive-based certification program, marinas assess their operations and make improvements to better protect the environment. When they reach the qualification standards set by the Clean Marina program, they earn the right to fly the Clean Marina flag.
Washington Sea Grant has been involved since the program’s founding and took over leadership of the program in January 2022. Other partners in the program are the Northwest Marine Trades Association, Washington Department of Ecology, Puget Sound Keepers, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Envirostars Collective, Recreational Boating Association of Washington and Washington State Parks Commission.
Learn more about Washington’s Clean Marina program here.
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Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, helps people and marine life thrive through research, technical expertise and education supporting the responsible use and conservation of coastal ecosystems. The National Sea Grant College Program is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
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JUL
2024