California’s Dockwalker Program Celebrates 25 Years!

Dockwalker Program

Dockwalkers spread stewardship by connecting and sharing
environmental information with boaters.
Photos from Dockwalker Program.

California has one of the highest levels of recreational boating activity in the nation. With approximately four million boaters, even a small amount of pollution per vessel can cause serious harm to waterways and wildlife. Since 2000, over 1,400 Partner Dockwalkers (environmental educators) have shared clean boating practices with over 130,000 boaters across the state. 2025 recognizes the 25th year of the Dockwalker Program running, and throughout these years there has been a groundswell of vital knowledge and resources shared across California. The Dockwalker Program is the first of its kind in the nation and has championed peer-to-peer education and outreach to inspire environmental stewardship in California. This program is implemented by California State Parks, the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program, and The Bay Foundation.

Dockwalkers make up an incredible statewide force that effectively interact with recreational boaters through face-to-face education about clean boating practices. This method of communication and the distribution of effective resources have proved to be powerful means to keep California’s waterways clean. How does it work? Dockwalkers engage directly with boaters at marinas, boat launch ramps, and boating events, distributing educational materials, like the highly regarded pollution prevention toolkit known as the California Boater Kit. The California Boater Kit and its components are specifically designed to prompt boaters to take action and implement at least one of the Program’s recommended best management practices. These kits provide practical guidance on curbing pollutants such as oil, fuel, sewage, trash, and marine debris, empowering boaters to adopt clean boating practices. Boaters receive a boater kit after completing a questionnaire and signing a pledge to adopt clean boating practices and steward waterways. Completed questionnaires help improve future education efforts and also identify where Dockwalker-engaged boaters live. Dockwalkers are appreciative of this dynamic program and its empowering ability to bring an impactful pollution-prevention strategy into their own communities.

Anyone from 15 to 100 years young and interested in water quality and sharing clean boating information (regardless of your background) can become a Dockwalker! Interested in the learning more about Dockwalker’s experiences with the program? View these short videos to hear from them directly.

The success of the Dockwalker Program is made possible through partnerships with organizations like The Bay Foundation (Division of Boating and Waterways Clean Vessel Act Program grantee), U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, Save Our Shores, Lake Berryessa Watershed Partnership, California Conservation Corps, and numerous marinas and yacht clubs across California.

Join us in celebrating 25 years of clean boating advocacy and contributing to a cleaner, safer environment for all! Thank you to all partner Dockwalkers for helping make a difference, cheers!

Here are some important program facts

Check out the 25th Program Birthday celebratory videos from Partner Dockwalkers across the state: