West Virginia GCSA leads the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – A collaborative effort by members of the West Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association and West Virginia University has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for West Virginia Golf Courses”.
The West Virginia 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 West Virginia GCSA received $10,000 in BMP grants 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 guide is focused on 12 sections including irrigation; surface water management; nutrient management; pollinator protection and more.
“As managers of the land associated with golf courses, the state’s golf course superintendents are dedicated to protecting the natural resources and environmental functions of golf courses,” the guidelines state. “These guidelines not only protect natural resources, they also afford the opportunity for superintendents to be recognized as environmental stewards by club members, the community at large, and state officials.”
Those who served on the West Virginia BMP Committee include Amber Breed, executive director, West Virginia GCSA; Jason Hollen, golf course and grounds superintendent at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, W.Va.; Robert Cline, CGCS, superintendent at Guyan Golf and Country Club in Huntington, W. Va.; , Jason Hart, superintendent at Bridge Haven Golf Club in Fayetteville, W. Va.; Anthony Coppa, superintendent at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, W. Va.; Mike Bogroff, superintendent at The Pines Country Club in Morgantown, W.Va.; Kirby Lewis, Mountain State Floratine; Rich Puskavich, CGCS, Walker Supply Inc.; Mitch Roush, superintendent at Riverside Golf Club in Mason W.Va.; Tom Basden, Extension specialist, West Virginia University; Grant Bishop, assistant director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division, West Virginia Department of Agriculture; Marshall Klay, sales representative, Advanced Turf Solutions Inc.; Ronnie L. Adkins, CGCS, construction superintendent, Aspen Golf Construction in Daniels, W.Va.; and Ken Benoit, CGCS, Eco Turf Consulting.
To read “Best Management Practices for West Virginia 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.
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