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ENVIRONMENTAL WORDS TO LIVE BY CONSIDER THIS SCENARIO: Delegates from various entities throughout the nation meet periodically in extended discussions, forging a compromise among seemingly disparate interests and goals. These gatherings extend over 12 months and involve countless gatherings and written revisions. Finally, the majority endorses a document articulating principles that will underlie and influence behavior in the nation. The reference in this case is not the Continental Congress and its activities leading to ratification of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. Instead, it represents more recent activities of a myriad of golf and environmental interests, and an innovative document called Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States. Unveiled during the second Golf and The Environment Conference, held in Pinehurst, N.C., in mid-March, it offers a framework under which environmental excellence is stressed in all aspects of golf course planning and siting, design, construction, maintenance and facility operations. The principles are envisioned as a tool for national use while keeping in mind that any assessment of the environmental compatibility of an individual course site is a decision that must be made by local communities. The principles are voluntary and are not intended for use in making judgments about socio-economic issues. They assume regulatory compliance has been achieved and are designed to provide opportunities for those involved in the golf industry to go beyond minimum standards required by law. The diverse list of participants who formed Environmental Principles briefed groups such as the American Farmland Trust, National Coalition Against Misuse of Pesticides and Friends of the Earth on the USGA's technical Green Section experience and research. Where does the individual golfer enter the equation? A section of the principles reminds all players that they have a responsibility to ensure golf remains compatible with nature. Golfers should: 2. Respect designated environmentally sensitive areas within the course. 3. Accept the natural limitations and variations of turfgrass plants growing under conditions that protect environmental resources (e.g., brown patches, thinning, loss of color). 4. Support golf course management decisions that protect or enhance the environment and encourage the development of environmental conservation plans. 5. Support maintenance practices that protect wildlife and natural habitat. 6. Encourage maintenance practices that promote the long-range health of the turf and support environmental objectives. Such practices include aerification, reduced fertilization, limited play on sensitive turf areas, reduced watering, etc. 7. Commit to long-range conservation efforts (e.g., efficient water use, Integrated Plant Management, etc.) on the golf course and at home. 8. Educate others about the benefits of environmentally responsible golf course management. 9. Support research and education programs that expand our understanding of the relationship between golf and the environment. 10. Take pride in our environmentally responsible courses. |
