Alabama latest state to publish BMP guidelines for golf courses
The Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association leads the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. (March 24, 2020) – The work of the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “BMP for the Continued Enhancement of Environmental Quality of Alabama Golf Courses”.
The Alabama BMPs were developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and funded and supported by the USGA.
The Alabama GCSA received a $10,000 BMP grant that GCSAA funded through the association’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) in part by the PGA Tour. The BMP grant program provides funding through the EIFG to chapters for developing new guides, updating existing guides or for verification programs. GCSAA’s goal is to have all 50 states offer established BMPs by the end of 2020.
The BMPs provide guidance in 10 key areas including maintenance operations, surface water management, nutrient management, integrated pest management and pollinator protection.
Johnny Perry, superintendent at Bent Brook Golf Course in Bessemer, Ala., and president of Alabama GCSA, is part of the BMP steering committee.
“As a golf course superintendent, no one is more aware of the impact that we have on the environment, not only on the golf course but on the surrounding areas as well,” Perry said. “We all take great care to create an environmentally friendly place for golfers, workers, and wildlife to enjoy. We want to ensure the safety of our players and our personnel while creating habitats for the wildlife around us. We consider ourselves stewards of the environment while taking great pride in our work.”
In addition to Perry, other GCSAA members who helped develop the Alabama BMPs include Larry Arnold, superintendent at Cider Ridge Golf Club in Oxford, Ala.; Travis Cook, assistant superintendent at the Country Club of Birmingham (Ala.); Lee Fillingim, superintendent at Anniston (Ala.) Country Club; Neal Wisdom, superintendent at Pine Tree Country Club in Leeds, Ala.; and Ron Wright, certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) and GCSAA’s Southeast regional field representative.
To read “BMP for the Continued Enhancement of Environmental Quality of Alabama Golf Courses” and to learn more about GCSAA’s BMP program, visit www.gcsaa.org/bmp.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
