Kanas latest state to step up with BMP guidelines for golf courses
Kansas GCSA and Heart of America GCSA lead the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. (December 3, 2019) – A collaborative effort by members of the Kansas Golf Course Superintendents Association, Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association and scientists from the Kansas State University has resulted in the publication of “Kansas Best Management Practices” for golf courses.
The Kansas 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 two GCSAA-affiliated chapters received $10,000 in BMP grants 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 2020.
The guide is focused on 12 sections: Plan, design and construct; irrigation; surface water management; water quality monitoring and management; nutrient management; cultural practices; integrated pest management; pesticide management; pollinator protection; maintenance operations; landscape; and energy
Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, director of golf course management at Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan, Kan., said the BMPs help show how superintendents are doing their part.
“At the local state and even national level, the BMPs help us tell the story of golf,” Gourlay said. said. “At the end of the day, golf courses are sustainable and are providing environmental and economic benefits.”
The BMPs for the Sunflower State not only cover issues superintendents currently face, but also those challenges that may present themselves in the future.
“We were very fortunate this year with rain, but we often face extensive periods of drought, especially in Western Kansas,” Gourlay said. “Water is always going to be one of the top issues that the BMPs address.”
To read “Kansas Best Management Practices” 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