In 2007, Horicon Marsh Boat Tours became one of a select group to receive Travel Green Wisconsin certification, making it one of less than seventy businesses across the state and the first business in Dodge County to receive the honor.

Since 1963, Horicon Marsh Boat Tours has been working hard to preserve the surrounding environment. In addition to certification, Travel Green Wisconsin recognized Horicon Marsh Boat Tours for its “Innovative Best Practices,” including the use of camouflage boats and quieter, 4-stroke motors to blend with the environment and not disrupt the experience of other visitors to the marsh.

Travel Green Wisconsin, the first program of its kind in the country, is a voluntary certification program of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism in partnership with the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative. The program recognizes tourism-related businesses across the state for their efforts to preserve the environment.

In order to receive Travel Green Wisconsin certification, a business must score 30 points based on a number of criteria in nine different categories. Horicon Marsh Boat Tours scored 61 points, more than doubling the point total required, and scored especially well in the wildlife and landscape conservation and management; waste reduction, reuse and recycling; and energy efficiency, conservation and management categories.

“When tourism business owners see their role as stewards of the natural resources, amazing things happen,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble. “The Horicon Marsh is a treasure on so many levels, and with the commitment of Horicon Marsh Boat Tours, and momentum on establishing a new International Education Center in the area, it will remain a treasured destination.”