Nevada latest state to step up with BMP guidelines for golf courses
Sierra Nevada GCSA and Southern Nevada GCSA lead the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. (Nov. 19, 2019) – A collaborative effort by members of the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “Nevada Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide”.
The Nevada 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 $15,000 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 13 sections: Plan, design and construct; irrigation; water management; nutrient management; cultural practices; integrated pest management; pesticide management; pollinator protection; maintenance operations; landscape; energy, air quality and community outreach.
The Nevada BMP Committee started the process in October of 2018 with the assistance of Radius Sports Group, a Reno, Nev.-based sustainability consulting firm. Gina Rizzi, president, Radius Sports Group, served as co-chairman of the committee along with Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Southwest regional field representative. GCSAA members who served on the committee included Scott Delpiere, superintendent at Cascata Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev.; Dale Hahn, CGCS, golf course maintenance director at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas; Jeff Lezon, CGCS at Aliante Golf Club in North Las Vegas; Scott Sutton, director of agronomy at The Club at Sunrise in Las Vegas; and Robert Williams, superintendent at The Club at ArrowCreek in Reno, Nev; and Patrick Watson, conservation services administrator for the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
“We have two very distinct geographical regions in the state,” Jensen said. “So, coming together to create a document that addresses the needs of all was extremely important.”
In addition to best management practices in each of the 13 sections, the guide features links to State of Nevada regulatory requirements as well as a color-coded guideline indicating BMPs that are required, recommended or exceed expectations in each section. With the diverse information contained in the guide, the committee was able to identify agronomic concerns in both the North and South portions of Nevada.
“(The BMPs) are going to help superintendents be able to communicate their concerns and educate golfers, lawmakers, regulatory agencies and communities on the sustainability and water management efforts of golf courses in the state,” Jensen said. “It’s important to share the message that golf is good for the state.”
To read “Nevada 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