Golf course superintendents lead the development of statewide best management practices with a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – A collaborative effort by golf course superintendents in Idaho from two affiliated chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Northwest Turfgrass Association has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Idaho Golf Courses.”
The Idaho BMPs were developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by GCSAA and funded and supported by the USGA. The two GCSAA-affiliated chapters involved in the effort are Idaho GCSA and Inland Empire GCSA.
The Idaho 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 12 key areas including irrigation, pesticide management, pollinator protection, water quality management and energy, that speak to the superintendents’ dedication to protecting the state’s natural resources.
GCSAA member and Inland Empire GCSA President Jeremiah Farmer, superintendent at Hayden Lake Country Club in Hayden, Idaho, served on the Idaho BMP Steering Committee.
“This comprehensive document will show all community stakeholders and government entities our historical and continued commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” Farmer said.
In addition to Farmer, other GCSAA members who were on the steering committee include Kevin Hicks, regional agronomist for EarthWorks Natural Organic Products in Couer D’Alene, Idaho; Mark Spraktes, superintendent at Pinecrest Golf Course in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Kaman Zaranec, assistant superintendent at Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho; Josh Benson, superintendent at Idaho Falls (Idaho) Country Club; and Brian Roth, CGCS, superintendent at Oquirrh Hills Golf Course in Tooele, Utah.
Others organizations who played a role in the development of the BMPs Utah State University, University of Idaho, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Idaho Department of Water Rights, the Idaho Golf Association, Rocky Mountain Golf Association, Inland Empire PGA, Washington Golf Association and Kingsbury Consulting.
To read “Best Management Practices for Idaho 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
