Milwaukee, WI – Boasting extensive stormwater improvements, McKinley Marina earned their second recertification with the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program in late 2024. This recertification demonstrates their eco-friendly values and their commitment to reduce water pollution and improve Lake Michigan.
McKinley Marina is a full-service, public marina that spans a wide variety of recreational niches. McKinley is one of the largest marinas in Wisconsin, offering over 700 slips with amenities that include floating docks, security, parking, fish cleaning station, pump-out stations and more. Home to many boat charter services, the marina hosts boaters of all experience levels including those who want to test the waters. They have a convenience store stocked with marine maintenance and safety supplies so that boaters can always be well-prepared. For those who like to hang out on dry land, McKinley Marina’s roundhouse and overlook pavilion provide wonderful food, a beer garden and lakeside views.
As a Wisconsin Clean Marina, McKinley Marina operators pledge to do their part to protect the much-cherished lake with sustainable practices outlined by the program. Eric Lesch, the general manager of McKinley Marina, said, “Since joining as a founding member of this prestigious certification program in 2009, we’ve committed ourselves to uphold the highest environmental standards.”
McKinley Marina has spent the past few years working on massive improvements to its marina facilities, including upgrading their stormwater management with green infrastructure. They are currently working on replacing their boat ramp, which has deteriorated over many years of use — a project that they are hoping to complete before spring launch.
The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program was excited to welcome this ever-improving marina back with a recertification in 2024. Theresa Qualls, the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program coordinator, said that “through re-certification, McKinley Marina has once again demonstrated their commitment to protecting Lake Michigan’s water quality for boaters and the community. This is evident in the practices implemented, such installing rain gardens and pervious pavement, a boat wash area, fish cleaning station and proper fueling practices.”
“Re-certification reaffirms our ongoing dedication to best practices in marina management and our proactive efforts in combating water pollution. It is a testament to our team’s hard work and the environmental awareness we strive to promote within our community,” stated Lesch, summarizing why McKinley Marina values being a Wisconsin Clean Marina.
Marinas, related industries and services contribute more than $2.7 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. Through the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program, marinas 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 26 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