Utah latest state to publish BMP guidelines for golf courses
The Utah Golf Course Superintendents Association leads the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 10, 2019) – The Utah Golf Course Superintendents Association, along with Utah State University, has resulted in the publication of “Utah Golf Course Industry Best Management Practices Guide”.
The Utah 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 Utah GCSA received a $10,000 BMP grant that GCSAA funded through the association’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) in part by 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 BMPs provide guidance in twelve key areas including archaeological awareness, wildlife protection, surface water management and water quality, nutrient use, integrated pest management, energy and others that speak to the state’s 6 different climate zones and unique flora and fauna.
Eric Gifford, superintendent at Riverside Country Club in Provo, Utah, was chairman of the Utah BMP Steering Committee.
“This is a great resource that Utah superintendents can use to help them be even more environmentally conscious when it comes to making decisions at their facilities.” Gifford said. “The BMPs presented will be a great foundation that the UGCSA can build upon for years to come. “
GCSAA members who served on the Utah BMPs steering committee included, Dave Carruth, superintendent at Murray Park Golf Club in Murray, Utah; Pat Christoffer, director of agronomy at Red Ledges Golf Club in Heber, Utah; Ross Laubscher, director of agronomy at Entrada at Snow Canyon Golf Club in St. George, Utah; Brian Roth, CGCS, superintendent at Oquirrh Hills Golf Course in Tooele, Utah; Paul Stokes, superintendent at Logan (Utah) Country Club.
Utah State’s Paige Boyle was instrumental in assembling the document with additional support provided by Carl Adams, stormwater specialist, Utah Department of Environmental Quality; Diana Cox-Foster, research leader, USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Biology, Management and Systematic Research Lab; Kelly Kopp, professor and Extension water conservation and turfgrass specialist, Utah State University; Henry Nahalewski, pesticide program manager, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food; and Larry Rupp, professor and Extension ornamental horticulture specialist, Utah State University.
With more than 75 courses in the state covering a wide variety of climates, the Utah BMPs offers guidelines for superintendents to manage their facilities in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner in keeping with their regional needs and regulatory concerns. The BMPs cover 12 sections of topics ranging from more universal topics like water quality management and pollinator protection to irrigation and water conservation.
To read “Utah Golf Course 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
