Inletkeeper launches clean boating program

WASILLA — Cook Inletkeeper announced this week that it is launching a Clean Boating campaign for Susitna Valley watersheds in January.

The program, which will be a partnership between the nonprofit and local businesses, will provide incentives for boaters to practice clean boating by offering them discounts at area business.

“By participating, businesses and the community acknowledge that clean water is important and that you appreciate the work that boaters to do to keep the water clean,” Cook Inletkeeper said in a press release about the program.

Since 2010, the organization has been active in the Mat-Su by educating local boaters and fishermen about clean water. According to the press release, the group’s campaign has “been successful at reaching boaters at several priority waterbodies in the Susitna Valley that are listed or at risk for being listed as polluted, including Big Lake, the Little Susitna River, and Deshka River.”

The group’s goal is to give boaters useful tips on how to reduce hydrocarbon and other pollution while recreating on area waterways.

“It is important for everyone to be on-board,” the nonprofit wrote. “The availability of clean water affects our lives, not only through the salmon we eat, but also in the beer we drink, the food we make, and the rivers and lakes we swim in.”

Businesses that are interested in participating in the program can get onboard by contacting Cook Inletkeeper by emailing heather@inletkeeper.org.