Colorado golf course superintendents publish BMP guidelines for state’s golf courses
Rocky Mountain GCSA leads the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan.– The Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association has released the “Colorado Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide” to promote environmental stewardship, golf course playability and the overall health of the Colorado Golf Industry.
The Colorado 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 Rocky Mountain GCSA received a $10,000 BMP grant that GCSAA funded through the association’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) in part by 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 2020.
The document provides BMPs for all four distinct ecosystems in Colorado, including the sand hills of the eastern plains, the metropolitan corridor if the Front Range, the expanse of the Rocky Mountains and orchard and vineyard land of the western slope.
“This is an important initiative for the RMGCSA, our members are committed to operating at the highest of standards, with ongoing care for the environment,” said Lance Johnson, certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) and golf manager for the City of Westminster Parks and BMP steering committee chairman. “Golf is a significant driver for recreation, fitness and the economy within the state. This guide helps ensure our members are doing their part to support sustainability and collaboration within our communities.”
In all, 22 members of Rocky Mountain GCSA served on the Colorado BMP committee. Other groups involved in the creation of the BMPs included regulatory authorities and natural resource management groups such as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District.
To read “Colorado Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide” 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 more than 18,000 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
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Colorado golf course superintendents publish BMP guidelines for state’s golf courses
