GCSAA’s Mark Johnson appointed to EPA Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee
Johnson serves as GCSAA’s associate director of environmental programs
Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 11, 2020) – Mark Johnson, associate director of environmental programs for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has been named to the EPA’s Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC). He will serve on the committee through Dec. 9, 2021.
Established in 1995, the PPDC is a diverse group of stakeholders chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide feedback to EPA on various pesticide regulatory, policy and program implementation issues.
The PPDC is comprised of 40 members from environmental and public interest groups, pesticide manufacturers, trade associations, commodity groups, public health and academic institutions, tribes, federal and state agencies, and the general public. Since the committee’s inception, it has provided feedback about various topics including labeling, registration review, non-animal testing, outreach, public health and other issues. Other groups represented on the committee include the American Beekeeping Federation, Center for Biological Diversity, Food and Drug Administration, Tribal Pesticide Program Council, USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency and Weed Science Society of America.
“Having a voice for the golf industry on the PPDC is a testament to how our advocacy efforts have raised the profile of superintendents and their role in the communities they serve,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “With Mark’s four decades of experience in environmental protection and his dedication to our members, he is an excellent representative of GCSAA.”
Johnson has worked for nearly 40 years in outdoor recreation, environmental protection, wildlife and natural resource conservation. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in systematics and ecology. He joined the GCSAA staff in 2005 and began his current position in 2013.
He has been instrumental in GCSAA’s Best Management Practices (BMP) initiative, which is on track to meet its goal of BMP guidelines for golf courses in all 50 states by the end of 2020. Currently 32 states have published their guidelines, with the rest on a course to finish by the end of the year.
To learn more about GCSAA’s environmental programs, visit gcsaa.org.
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
