History

The Wisconsin Marina Association (WMA) was launched in March 2009 with the planning and support of the several WI marina operators, the Wisconsin Harbor Towns Association and funding support from Wisconsin Department of Administration's Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP). The initial focus of the WMA was marinas on our two Great Lakes coasts and in 2011 the Association expanded statewide.

Wisconsin Clean Marina Program: Since 2008, founding members of the WMA participated in the development of the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program and the Best Management Practices Guidebook with staff from the UW Sea Grant Institute, WCMP, WDNR, US Coast Guard and other state's Clean Marina programs. In 2010 the WMA received a $50,000 grant from the WCMP to manage and launch the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program with technical support from staff from UW Sea Grant. Several members of the WMA are currently on the WI Clean Marina Technical Team. In August 2011 WMA received another grant of nearly $22,000 from WCMP to continue the Clean Marina certification process and workshops through March 2012.

Mission

The Wisconsin Marina Association includes members of recreational boating facilities and marine businesses dedicated to the sharing of ideas, knowledge and experience to improve, protect, and advance the interests of the Marine Industry of Wisconsin, while acting as stewards of our freshwater resources.

Future

The Association will continue to create a forum to connect marina owners and operators and marine businesses to industry information and obtain feedback on ideas and needs to help enhance Wisconsin's great marinas and promote boating. The WMA will build a strong offering of benefits and services to help strengthen it's members businesses