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STUART – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the
Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized Stuart’s River Forest Yachting Center as Martin County’s eighth
Clean Marina.
“As the 34th Clean Marina in the Southeast District, River Forest Yachting Center has taken the initiative to implement environmentally friendly practices at its facility,” said DEP Southeast District Director Kevin Neal. “We are proud to welcome the marina to the local boating industry’s growing efforts to protect Florida’s waterways.”
The River Forest Yachting Center has made a commitment to the environment by practicing roller painting on boat bottoms instead of spray painting. The marina also uses dustless vacuum sanders and collection tarps to dispose of sanding material. In addition, the facility has met all Marina Environmental Measures, including environmental emergency training for staff and establishing a hazardous spill protection plan.
“DEP and the Clean Boating Partnership are pleased to recognize River Forest Yachting Center as a
Clean Marina,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “The River Forest team should be proud of their achievement and the example of environmental stewardship they are setting for marine facilities throughout the state.”
With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step towards safeguarding the state’s natural resources. The
Clean Boating Partnership, which includes marina and boatyard owners and operators, DEP, the Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, developed the
Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Retailer and
Clean Boater Programs to protect Florida’s waterways. By providing ‘green’ education and alternatives, the Clean Boating Partnership helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and the billion-dollar marine industry.
“We congratulate River Forest Yachting Center for their dedication to clean water and their achievement in earning the
Clean Marina designation,” said Brad St. Coeur, Co-Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership. “Their commitment to Florida's environment is to be commended and we welcome this unique facility to the
Clean Marina family.”
For more information about the Clean Boating Partnership, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/law/grants/cmp.
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