36 JUNE 2018 • FOGHORN PVA Vessel member Kenai Fjords Sea Treks LLC dba Weather Permitting is a new participating member of the PVA Green WATERS Program. A water taxi and tour and excursion provider, Kenai Fjords Sea Treks is based in Girdwood, AK, which is south of Anchorage and known for its pristine beauty. John Muir, the legendary natural- ist and the father of the U.S. National Parks idea once said, “To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.” A strong environmental commit- ment has been a linchpin to Kenai Fjords Sea Treks goals and success in ecotourism. The operation takes an active approach to its environmen- tal commitment with Greenworks, a method for evaluating and minimizing environmental impacts. Specifically, the operation schedules its vessels to reduce fossil fuel needs, has limited the use of Styrofoam products opting instead for increasing its usage of recycled-content disposable cups and lunch boxes, and encouraging pas- sengers to bring their own reusable water bottles to further reduce waste. In addition, the operation participates in ongoing ocean clean-ups to protect the waterways. All this has effort has been noticed and recognized. In October 2015, Kirk Hoessle, President and CEO (Chief Exploration Officer), was awarded the 2015 Stan Stephens Stewardship Award by Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA). This award com- memorates the passion and dedication that the late Stan Stephens, a longtime PVA Vessel member who lived by in his commitment to safeguard Prince William Sound after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and it honors Hoessle’s work in protecting wild Alaska and sharing its beauty in a responsible and sustain- able way. PVA’s Green WATERS (We Are Taking Environmental Responsibility/ Stewardship) program is a free, scalable program for U.S. passenger vessel operators, demonstrating positive envi- ronmental initiatives and best business practices for both vessels and shore- side facilities. To date, more than 54 million people are annual passengers aboard the PVA Green Fleet. n MEMBERNEWS Newest PVA Green WATERS Participant is Committed to Ecotourism and Environmental Stewardship