PRESS RELEASE: April 22, 2015
LEGACY
HARBOUR MARINA RECEIVES CLEAN AND RESILIENT MARINA DESIGNATION
~Marina recognized for environmentally
responsible operations~
FORT MYERS – The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection is pleased to recognize Legacy Harbour Marina as a Clean and
Resilient Marina. As part of the successful Clean Marina Program, this designation represents the marina’s additional commitment to environmentally responsible practices and emergency preparedness. DEP presented Legacy Harbour Marina, the eighth marina in the state to receive this recognition and third in Lee County, with a Florida Clean and Resilient Marina flag and plaque.
“The Legacy Harbour
Marina is a leader in the community for preparedness and environmental stewardship,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. "We are
pleased to highlight the efforts this Florida business is making to increase its resiliency.”
Legacy Harbour Marina, a 131-slip marina located in downtown Fort Myers, is also designated as a Safe Harbor and features concrete floating docks that are built to withstand a category three hurricane. The marina is surrounded by mangroves and rock armored shorelines to further protect it from severe storms.
“We’ve had a Clean Marina recognition for over 10 years, so it’s nice to have the added recognition for our efforts,” said Captain Eric Ravenschlag, harbourmaster at Legacy Harbour Marina. “I would also like to recognize the boaters for their efforts in recycling, pumpout procedures and being stewards of the environment. We are proud to make this a great place for boaters to call their home port.”
In partnership with DEP and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), the Florida Clean Marina Program encourages a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. To be designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These practices address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, storm water control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness. Participating facilities receive assistance with BMPs through on-site and long-distance technical assistance by DEP, as well as mentoring by other Clean Marinas.
The Clean and Resilient Program improves and complements GOMA's proven Clean Marina Certification Programs already in place. Facilities like Legacy Harbour Marina employ practices that achieve an additional level of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Additionally, this program provides recommendations to strengthen local marinas’ ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters.
Florida has nearly 900,000 registered motorized vessels and more than 2,000 marinas -- the largest number of marine facilities in the country -- drawing millions of visitors each year. With more than 1,350 miles of coastline, 50,000 miles of inland and coastal rivers and streams, Floridians depend on water more than any other natural resource. In total, 287 marinas have been designated by the Clean Marina Program in addition to 44 boatyards and 19 designated clean retailers.
For more information about the Clean Marina Program, click here.
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