Golf Course Best Management Practices

Golf courses have the potential to become more "green" - on their greens and in everything they do - if they use an interactive, on-line "Green Toolbox" that is being developed by PEC and LandStudies, Inc., based in Lititz, Pa.
Background: 
The golf course "Green Toolbox" will identify multiple environmental benefits that can be achieved through best management practices (BMPs).  The project is funded by a PA Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener grant.
Native species were planted to improve streamside habitat in the restoration site at Lehigh Country Club.
Project Goals: 
A "Green Toolbox" is being developed to describe practices such as riparian buffer installation, floodplain and wetland restoration, and manure compost usage, which can reduce maintenance costs, reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, and have the potential to generate water quality trading credits that can be sold.  The toolbox also will enable golf courses to improve stormwater management, aquifer recharge and filtration, water usage, native plant communities and wildlife habitat, and will help courses and municipalities meet water-related regulations.
Major milestones/successes to date: 
The project will be completed by June 2008.
Current/upcoming plans: 
PEC and LandStudies will meet with golf course industry representatives and local environmental action committees to gather information and help coordinate local support and implementation among golf course superintendents and municipal planners.  John Chassard, Director of Grounds at the Lehigh Country Club, and Jeff Broadbelt, President, Agrostis Golf Management, will help organize and coordinate this phase of the project.

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Program Contact Information

Scott Van de Mark, 412-481-9400. Information about Landstudies, Inc., is available at www.landstudies.com.