Three local golf course superintendent associations develop third edition of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 23, 2021) – A collaborative effort by golf course superintendents from three affiliated chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) in Oregon and Washington has resulted in the publication of “Environmental Stewardship Guidelines, Best Management Practices for Oregon Golf Courses, Third Edition” and “Environmental Stewardship Guidelines, Best Management Practices for Washington Golf Courses, Third Edition.”

The effort was part of a GCSAA initiative to establish BMPs in all 50 states by the end of 2020, which has been accomplished.

Oregon and Washington superintendents have led the industry in golf course BMPs, dating back to 1999 when the first edition of the guidelines was released. The second edition of the guidelines was completed in 2009.

The third edition was developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by the GCSAA and funded and supported by the USGA. The three GCSAA-affiliated chapters involved in the effort were the Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Association, Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association and Inland Empire Golf Course Superintendents Association.

The Oregon GCSA received a $10,000 grant from GCSAA, and the Western Washington GCSA and Inland Empire GCSA each received a $5,000 grant toward the BMPs. The BMP grant program provides funding through the EIFG to chapters for developing new guides, updating existing guides or for verification programs.

The BMPs provide guidance in 13 key areas including irrigation, water management, pollinator protection, energy, and community outreach.

“With public perception and the ever-changing regulatory environment of today’s world, golf course superintendents are at the forefront of sustainable land management,” Shane Hadwick, superintendent at Orchard Hill Golf and Country Club in Washougal, Wash., and president of the Oregon GCSA said. “This plan is a valuable tool for superintendents and represents the benefits a golf course can provide a local environment.”

In addition to Hadwick, members of the state BMP Steering Committees include Sean Reehoorn, superintendent at Aldarra Golf Club in Sammamish, Wash.; Ryan Semritc, superintendent at Willows Run Golf Club in Redmond, Wash.; Jason Otto, sales representative, Wilbur-Ellis Co. in Auburn, Wash.; Michael Bednar, superintendent at Palouse Ridge Golf Club in Pullman, Wash.; Chip Caswell, superintendent at Santa Maria Golf and Country Club in Brewster, Wash.; Jesse Goodling, superintendent at Heron Lakes Golf Course in Portland, Ore.; Tod Blankenship, CGCS, T Blankenship, LLC in Wilsonville, Ore.; Chuck Wolsborn, superintendent at Gresham (Ore.) Golf Club; Brian Koffler, superintendent at Waverley Country Club in Portland, Ore.; David Phipps, GCSAA northwest regional field staff representative; Eric Langford, assistant superintendent at Bandon (Ore.) Dunes Golf Resort; Eric Johnson, director of agronomy at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash.; Scott Phelps, CGCS, senior manager parks/golf division for the City of Ft. Collins (Colo.); Sean McDonough, director of agronomy at Broadmoor Golf Club in Seattle, Wash.; Jennifer Camp, superintendent for City of Liberty Lake (Wash.); Rory Allison, superintendent at RiverRidge Golf Complex in Eugene,

Ore.; Russ Vandehey, CGCS, superintendent at The Oregon Golf Club in Oregon City, Ore.; Kathy Hauff, superintendent at Eastmoreland Golf Course in Portland, Ore.; and Gabe Hughes, superintendent at Turfstar Western in Tigard, Ore. Tom Calabrese and Envirologic Resources Inc. assembled the document.

To read the Oregon and Washington manuals and to learn more about GCSAA’s BMP program, visit www.gcsaa.org/bmp.