Golf course superintendents lead the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – The work of the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Northern Great Lakes Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “Wisconsin Golf Industry Best Management Practices”.
The Wisconsin 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 two GCSAA-affiliated chapters received a $15,000 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.
The BMPs provide guidance in 12 key areas including, water management, nutrient management, responsible pesticide management, energy conservation and labor and staffing.
Josh LePine, CGCS, superintendent at Maple Bluff Country Club in Madison, Wis., served as chairman of the BMP steering committee.
“Sharing knowledge and resources is critical for sustainable operations and environmental stewardship,” LePine said. “We developed this guide of best management practices to serve as operating standards for superintendents to strive toward and an educational resource for all stakeholders.”
In addition to LePine, others who served on the Wisconsin BMP Steering Committee In collaboration with Radius Sports Group, a sustainability consulting firm, include Michael Bekken, graduate research assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Brian Bonlender, superintendent at West Bend (Wis.) Country Club; Todd Clendenning, superintendent at Tribute Golf Course in Wausau, Wis.; Brett Grams, chapter manager, Wisconsin GCSA; Paul Koch, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Ben LaBarre, superintendent at The Legend Clubs in Hartland, Wis.; Garrett Luck, CGCS, superintendent at Hidden Glen Golf Club in Cedarburg, Wis.; Douglas Soldat, Ph.D., professor and soil Extension specialist, Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
To read “Wisconsin Golf Industry Best Management Practices” 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.
