South Dakota latest state to publish BMP guidelines for golf courses
The South Dakota Golf Course Superintendents Association leads the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – The work of the South Dakota Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for South Dakota Golf Courses”.
The South 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 South Dakota 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 design and construction, water management, nutrient management, integrated pest management and pollinator protection that speak to the state’s three diverse climate zones.
Bryan Tipton, superintendent at Hillsview Golf Course in Pierre, S.D., was part of the South Dakota BMP Steering Committee.
“We’re a broad state with three really distinct climate areas, so this ‘owner’s manual’ for all courses as a starting point is very important,” Tipton said.
Other GCSAA members who served on the South Dakota BMPs steering committee included Dan Wegener, turf manager at Landscape Garden Centers in Sioux Falls, S.D.; Greg Brandriet, CGCS, superintendent at Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club in Spearfish, S.D.; Ross Santjer, superintendent at Moccasin Creek Country Club in Aberdenn, S.D.; and Cory Borgen, instructor at Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, S.D.
While there are differences between the east and central parts of the state, water remains a key concern in all areas and many of the state’s BMPs are aimed specifically at protecting surface and groundwater quality.
To read “Best Management Practices for South 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
