It's time for marina experts and boating enthusiasts to mark their calendars, the 10th Annual Ohio Marina Conference is on the horizon. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), this milestone event is slated for February 26 at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, where topics like emergency management, boat accessibility, and environmental conservation will be front and center.
Facilitated by the joint efforts of the ODNR's Office of Coastal Management and Division of Parks and Watercraft in collaboration with the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, the conference aims to address pressing issues which marina owners, operators, and staff across the state are grappling with, including navigating ice conditions dredging, and fluctuating water levels, these insights are designed to aid in safeguarding the state's waterways. The event, now in its tenth iteration, will also be an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the latest certified Ohio Clean Marinas for their commitment to ecological excellence.
Those interested in attending have a financial incentive to act quickly; early bird registration is set for $65 until February 1, after which the price increases to $75. Included in the registration are meals and refreshments, ensuring that participants are well-nourished throughout the day of intensive learning and networking. For more details and to secure a spot at the conference, potential attendees are encouraged to visit the Ohio Sea Grant website.
The Ohio Clean Marinas Program, heralded since its inception in 2004 with backing from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is a partnership endeavor that hikes marinas and boaters alike on a trail to eco-conscious maritime practices. The program not only bolsters operations but also fortifies the environment, which these businesses profoundly rely upon. To learn more about the program and how it bolsters clean water and air, thereby supporting marina operators, enthusiasts could visit the Ohio Sea Grant web page dedicated to the initiative.
Ohio's dedication to recreational space and watercraft management has not gone unnoticed, as ODNR's Division of Parks and Watercraft snagged the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, an accolade recognizing the state's prowess in delivering on outdoor excursions and boating opportunities. For more about ODNR's commitment to balancing the careful use and conservation of natural resources, the ODNR website offers a wealth of information.
