BMPs demonstrate golf course superintendents’ environmental stewardship
Lawrence, Kan. – In 2017, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) launched an initiative to create golf course best management practices in all 50 states. In January, GCSAA announced that the goal had been reached and all states now have specific BMPs featuring agronomic practices that support environmental stewardship.
Golf course BMPs offer guidelines for superintendents to manage their facilities in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner. BMP manuals document all of the science-based practices and professional course management that many people need to see. While superintendents spearhead BMP efforts, the use of BMPs benefit everyone in the community that a golf course serves.
In honor of Earth Day on April 22, here are five facts about the way golf course BMPs promote sustainability and benefit communities:
- BMPs cover key areas such as water management, water quality monitoring, integrated pest management, nutrient management, energy and pollinator protection.
- BMPs are voluntary guidelines for superintendents for managing golf facilities in an efficient manner while providing quality playing surfaces and protecting the environment.
- State BMP development was lead by golf course superintendents working closely with others in the golf industry, university faculty and officials from various state agencies around the country in creating the BMPs.
- BMP manuals provide an easy, detailed reference for golfers, lawmakers and community members to better understand the operations behind the maintenance of one of their local greenspaces.
- State BMP manuals were just the first phase. The next phase involves individual golf facilities using their state guides as a starting point to develop a BMP manual specific to the needs of the course and community.
“Golf course superintendents are committed to their role as environmental stewards,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “BMPs document and share the many ways people and wildlife benefit from the agronomic and environmental practices superintendents engage in every day.”
To learn more about golf course best management practices and see all of the state BMP guides, visit https://www.gcsaa.org/environment/best-management-practices.
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
