Many people identify marinas with lakes and bays, nestled among large, majestic water bodies – Lake Michigan, Lake Winnebago, Green Bay.
But marinas are also located along riverways, and those river-based marinas have a unique responsibility to protect the waters, not only for their community but also for the benefit of those living downstream.
That includes Anchor Point Marina. Sitting just west of Appleton on the Wolf River – one of Wisconsin’s two national scenic rivers – the harbor earned a Wisconsin Clean Marina certification, highlighting the marina’s dedication to maintaining clean waters and ensuring safe boating.
“Our clean marina certification is good for the water, good for the community, and good for everyone who calls Anchor Point Marina home,” said Marina Manager Jen Mentzel.
Launched in 2010, the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program is connected to a recreational and commercial industry that contributes more than $2.7 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. The program has helped 26 Wisconsin marinas reach certification through voluntary clean boating and clean water practices.
“Earning our Clean Marina certification mattered because it reflects our commitment to protecting the Wolf River and the surrounding waterways,” said Mentzel. “It means we’re not just caring for our shoreline today – we’re leading by example, sharing best practices with boaters and neighbors, and raising the bar for safe, responsible marina operations.”
The Wolf River spans 225 miles across 12 Wisconsin counties, eventually draining into Lake Winnebago and surrounding lakes. Without clean water and boating practices like those at Anchor Point, pollution can spread far from the source into these connected waterways.
Owner Todd Gleisner believes their Clean Marina certification can also help staff continue to grow and encourage safe boating. “The Clean Marina Program is essential to protecting the health of our waterways for the future,” said Gleisner. “The program is vital to Anchor Point Marina because not only does it ensure we are doing our part to keep the marina and waterways clean, but the program requires us to implement daily best practices along with written safety manuals. As a result of this, our staff is better trained and well equipped to handle emergencies.”
The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program is administered by Wisconsin Sea Grant in partnership with the Wisconsin Marine Association, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Fund for Lake Michigan.
“We congratulate Anchor Point Marina on their certification. This designation reflects their hard work and commitment in implementing practices to protect water quality for boaters and the community,” said Theresa Qualls, Wisconsin Clean Marina Program coordinator.
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The University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Centeradministers Wisconsin Sea Grant, the Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, and Water@UW. The center supports multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. Wisconsin Sea Grantis one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of marine resources through research, education, outreach, and technology transfer.