The Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association Releases Colorado Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide
Guide promotes healthy green spaces, water quality and conservation, performance and environmental sustainability within the Colorado golf industry
WESTMINSTER, CO (November 6, 2019) The Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association (RMGCSA) has released a Colorado Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide. The guide, released today, promotes environmental stewardship, golf course playability, and the overall health of the Colorado golf industry through comprehensive best management practices (BMPs) covering twelve key areas.
The BMPs are divided into sections including surface water management, pollinator protection, water quality management, nutrient use, integrated pest management, energy, and others. The primary function of the BMPs is to provide guidance for Rocky Mountain golf course superintendents and maintenance professionals.
“This is an important initiative for the RMGCSA, our 567 members are committed to operating at the highest of standards, with ongoing care for the environment,” said City of Westminster Parks and Golf Manager, CGCS, and BMP steering committee co-chair Lance Johnson. “Golf is a significant driver for recreation, fitness, and the economy within the state – this guide helps ensure our members are doing their part to support sustainability and collaboration within our communities.”
The RMGCSA is the second state chapter to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout its guide. The SDGs, or Global Goals, are a universal call-to-action to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity. Each section throughout the guide aligns with its respective SDGs to demonstrate local and global impacts.
“Golf courses, and the ecosystem services they provide, can be valuable contributors of natural capital for our communities,” said sustainability consulting firm Radius Sports Group President Gina Rizzi. “Services like surface water filtration, pollinator protection, open green space, wildlife habitats, and more – are all important, especially in urban environments.”
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), supported by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and PGA TOUR, provided state chapters with a national BMP template and grant through the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) to help develop guidelines specific to each state by 2020. The RMGCSA BMP steering committee, comprised of superintendents and industry experts authored the book. Radius helped develop the guide and conduct a stakeholder review with industry leaders and officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado State University, Denver Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, and others.
“Colorado golf maintenance professionals are dedicated to their practice, they work tirelessly to create the best playing conditions, while conserving important natural resources,” said Johnson. “BMPs provide a valuable resource for every Colorado superintendent and a great reference for all stakeholders.” The Colorado Golf Industry BMP Guide is available online at www.rmgcsa.org or www.rmegi.org.
About RMGCSA, GCSAA, and the EIFG
The Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association (RMGCSA) was founded in 1936 and is dedicated to serving its members and improving golf course management practices through education, sharing knowledge, and networking. RMGCSA is the tenth largest affiliated chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. www.rmgcsa.org
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. Based in Lawrence, KS, the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 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. www.gcsaa.org
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. www.eifg.org
About Radius Sports Group
Radius Sports Group, a subsidiary of ARCUS Marketing Group, LLC., is a sustainability consulting firm focused on connecting sustainability and sports. It drives environmental, social, and economic impact through engaging leaders of sports franchises, facilities, golf courses, management companies, industry suppliers, and governing bodies, to deliver revenue growth and reduce costs, while positively impacting society and the environment. www.radiussportsgroup.com
Contact
Radius Sports Group
Amanda Aksel
(757) 348-8532
amanda.aksel@arcusmarketinggroup.com
