Gov. Snyder Declares June 7-14 Michigan Boating Week

Michigan Boating Week Offers Boating Experiences, Updates and Education

Published: Friday, June 6, 2014 7:00 am
By: Department of Natural Resources

Gov. Rick Snyder this week signed a declaration establishing June 7-14 as Michigan Boating Week, encouraging residents and visitors to experience the many boating opportunities the state has to offer.

Many events are taking place throughout the state for Michigan Boating Week through a partnership including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Michigan State Waterways Commission and the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA). Events include opportunities to get started with the boating lifestyle, learn about boating updates and gain some skills to use on the water.

“As the Great Lakes State, boating is simply a part of our lifestyle in Michigan,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Michigan truly has unparalleled boating experiences and we want to share those opportunities to get more people onboard.”

June 14, the final day of Michigan Boating Week, is also National Marina Day and many local harbors will offer free boating demos and other events to celebrate. Visit www.nationalmarinaday.org for details about these local programs.

“Michigan is the third-largest boating market in the country and the boating industry has a $7.4 billion economic impact on our state’s economy," said Nicki Polan, executive director for the Michigan Boating Industries Association. “Michigan Boating Week is an opportunity to highlight the importance of this industry to our state’s economy as well as its importance to the quality of life for nearly 4 million recreational boaters.”

Michigan Boating Week also aims to educate boaters about how they can become stewards of the water by sharing information on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

“Protecting our waters is one of the most important parts of boating,” said Alicia Ihnken, with the DNR’s aquatic invasive species workgroup. “It ensures that we can continue enjoying them and that future generations can do the same.”

To support the stewardship efforts of Michigan Boating Week, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the DNR will host an outreach event called AIS Landing Blitz on June 6-7.  During the Blitz, officials from these agencies will visit select boating access sites to educate boaters on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species through boating activities. 

A full schedule of Michigan Boating Week events is available at www.michigan.gov/boating.