North Dakota latest state to step up with BMP guidelines for golf courses
Golf course superintendents lead the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – A collaborative effort by golf course superintendents in North Dakota and the North Central Turfgrass Association (NCTA) has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for North Dakota Golf Courses”.
The North Dakota 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 NCTA 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 document covers 12 key issues, which include irrigation, water management, nutrient management, pollinator protection that pertain to the state’s varied terrain and climes.
“We may have different geographical climates, but there are issues we deal with in every part of the state, such as weather,” said Garrett Schultz, superintendent at Prairie West Golf Club in Mandan, N.D., and chairman of the North Dakota BMP Steering Committee. “North Dakota has the most golf courses per capita of any state, and now (with the BMPs) we have a strong basis to show that we all can provide great playing conditions using sound environmental practices.”
Others members of the steering committee include Sam Bauer, executive director, NCTA; Kyle Fick, superintendent at Bully Pulpit Golf Course in Medora, N.D.; Tyler Foster, superintendent, The Links of North Dakota in Wilston, N.D.; Victor Heitkamp, superintendent at Osgood Golf Course in Fargo, N.D.; Lucas Palczewski, assistant superintendent at Fargo (N.D.) Park District; and Joe Rolstad, superintendent at Fargo (N.D.) Country Club.
In addition to the NCTA, other organizations involved in the BMPs include North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, North Dakota Golf Association, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the State Water Commission.
To read “Best Management Practices for North Dakota 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
