The guides focus on topics ranging from design and construction, irrigation, and water and nutrient management to cultural practices, integrated pest management, maintenance operations and more. The GCSAA’s goal is to have all 50 states offer established BMPs by 2020.
Superintendents Associations in Nevada and Colorado are the latest to release Best Management Practices guides. Associations in Hawaii and Delaware released theirs in October (embed https://clubandresortbusiness.com/hawaii-delaware-share-best-management-practices-manuals/).
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), supported by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and PGA TOUR, provided state chapters with a national BMP template and grant through the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) to help develop guidelines specific to each state by 2020. Nevada-based sustainability consulting firm Radius Sports Group helped develop both guides.
A collaborative effort by members of the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “Nevada Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide.”
The two GCSAA-affiliated chapters received $15,000 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 2020.
The guide is focused on 13 sections: Plan, design and construct; irrigation; water management; nutrient management; cultural practices; integrated pest management; pesticide management; pollinator protection; maintenance operations; landscape; energy, air quality and community outreach.
The Nevada BMP Committee started the process in October of 2018 with the assistance of Radius Sports Group. Gina Rizzi, president, Radius Sports Group, served as co-chairman of the committee along with Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Southwest regional field representative. GCSAA members who served on the committee included Scott Delpiere, superintendent at Cascata Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev.; Dale Hahn, CGCS, golf course maintenance director at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas; Jeff Lezon, CGCS at Aliante Golf Club in North Las Vegas; Scott Sutton, director of agronomy at The Club at Sunrise in Las Vegas; and Robert Williams, superintendent at The Club at ArrowCreek in Reno, Nev; and Patrick Watson, conservation services administrator for the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
“We have two very distinct geographical regions in the state,” Jensen said. “So, coming together to create a document that addresses the needs of all was extremely important.”
In addition to best management practices in each of the 13 sections, the guide features links to State of Nevada regulatory requirements as well as a color-coded guideline indicating BMPs that are required, recommended or exceed expectations in each section. With the diverse information contained in the guide, the committee was able to identify agronomic concerns in both the North and South portions of Nevada.
“[The BMPs] are going to help superintendents be able to communicate their concerns and educate golfers, lawmakers, regulatory agencies and communities on the sustainability and water management efforts of golf courses in the state,” Jensen said. “It’s important to share the message that golf is good for the state.”
Two states to the east, the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association (RMGCSA) released their “Colorado Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide.”
“This is an important initiative for the RMGCSA, our 567 members are committed to operating at the highest of standards, with ongoing care for the environment,” said City of Westminster Parks and Golf Manager, CGCS, and BMP steering committee co-chair Lance Johnson. “Golf is a significant driver for recreation, fitness, and the economy within the state—this guide helps ensure our members are doing their part to support sustainability and collaboration within our communities.”
The RMGCSA is the second state chapter to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout its guide. The SDGs, or Global Goals, are a universal call-to-action to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity. Each section throughout the guide aligns with its respective SDGs to demonstrate local and global impacts.
“Golf courses, and the ecosystem services they provide, can be valuable contributors of natural capital for our communities,” said Rizzi. “Services like surface water filtration, pollinator protection, open green space, wildlife habitats, and more – are all important, especially in urban environments.”
The RMGCSA BMP steering committee, comprised of superintendents and industry experts authored the book. Radius helped develop the guide and conduct a stakeholder review with industry leaders and officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado State University, Denver Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, and others.
“Colorado golf maintenance professionals are dedicated to their practice, they work tirelessly to create the best playing conditions, while conserving important natural resources,” said Johnson. “BMPs provide a valuable resource for every Colorado superintendent and a great reference for all stakeholders.”
Click to read “Nevada Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide” and “Colorado Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide.”
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