The Vermont GCSA leads the development of statewide best management practices with a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – The hard work of the Vermont Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Vermont Golf Courses”.
The Vermont 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 Vermont GCSA received a $10,00 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 Vermont BMPs are an offshoot of the “Best management Practices for New England Golf Courses” document, which was made possible by the superintendents across the region, the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation and scientists from the University of Connecticut and the University of Massachusetts. Scientists from the University of Vermont assisted as well in the crafting of the Vermont BMPs, which have focus areas including pollution prevention, water conservation and pollinator protection.
Larry Keefe, superintendent and owner at Wilston (Vt.) Golf Club, is president of the Vermont GCSA and served on the Vermont GCSA Steering Committee.
“Vermont is very environmentally cautious and has more restrictions than some of the other New England states,” Keefe said. “With the BMPs, we can address issues before they come up and show that we are already ahead of things.”
In addition to Keefe, others who served on the BMP steering committee include Alden Maddocks, superintendent at Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester Center, Vt.; Kevin Komer, CGCS, director of agronomy at The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vt.; Ken Lallier, CGCS, golf course maintenance director at Quechee (Vt.) Club; and Matthew Wood, golf course permit specialist, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
To read “Best Management Practices for Vermont 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.
