Arkansas latest state to publish BMP guidelines for golf courses
The Arkansas GCSA leads the development of statewide best management practices with a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – The hard work of the Arkansas Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Arkansas Golf Courses”.
The Arkansas 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 Arkansas GCSA received a $8,350 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 12 key areas including planning and design, pollinator protection, surface water management, and nutrient management, that speak to the superintendents’ dedication to protecting the state’s natural resources.
Jay Randolph, certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Ben Geren golf Course in Fort Smith, Ark., was part of the Arkansas BMP Steering Committee.
“It was important for us to have as many courses as we could get on the same page and be more sustainable and show the positive affect we can have in the environment,” Randolph said concerning the creation of the document.
Others who served on the committee or assisted with the document include Jason Cook, sales representative for Keeling Co. in North Little Rock, Ark.; Scott Kuhn, superintendent at Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Ark.; Brandon Nichols, superintendent at Fayetteville (Ark.) Country Club; Mike Richardson, Ph.D., department of horticulture, University of Arkansas; Brandon Wright, superintendent at Country Club of Little Rock (Ark.); and Dade Wilson, superintendent at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Ark.
To read “Best Management Practices for Arkansas 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
