EnviroLogic Resources, Inc., recently completed work on the 2nd Edition of the Guidelines for Northwest golf courses. This update included several new sections designed to provide golf course superintendents with information that will allow them to consider the effect of golf course operations on the environment from a local to a watershed scale. The Guidelines are the cornerstone of the OGCSA, WWGCSA, and NTA objectives for documenting environmental stewardship at golf courses in the Northwest. All new golf courses are expected to demonstrate environmental stewardship as part of the permitting process, and the Guidelines present a clear, holistic pathway to demonstrate to regulators and the community the enhancements to the environment each golf course superintendent intends.  Existing golf courses are coming under similar pressures from environmental groups, local municipalities, and the public, particularly when changes to the golf course or expansion are contemplated. 

The GreenGolf™USA IPM tool is unique in the golf industry and was prepared using the Guidelines as its source.  The IPM section of the Guidelines draws on a multitude of resources such as the City of Portland Parks Pest Management Policy, which has been recognized by NOAA Fisheries as being in compliance with the 4(d) rules under the Endangered Species Act. Using the IPM tool at GreenGolfUSA.com, a superintendent can prepare an IPM Plan that accurately reflects the golf course conditions and standard of care. Action thresholds, a primary basis for the IPM approach, are customizable to the way you operate. The result is an IPM Plan that makes sense for your golf course.

A BMP Generator will be added to GreenGolfUSA.com in the next few months.This tool will provide an easy way to document the BMPs that you apply at the golf course. BMPs are organized into nine categories and the BMP Generator allows you to customize the documentation to specific conditions at your golf course.

GreenGolfUSA.com will be available starting August 25. This website was made possible by the generous contributions of our sponsors. Please feel free to call us if you’d like a demonstration or if you have any questions.