BMPs: A model for success

Best Management Practices (BMPs), nutrient management plans, nutrient applicator certifications and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed -- what do all these things have in common? The answer is a cleanup initiative. Golf has long been scrutinized as a contributor, even a large contributor, to the deteriorating water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. For that reason, many states in the Bay's watershed have embarked on legislative-driven journeys to create environmental accountability as it relates to golf course maintenance practices. So, how do we create accountability? Well, let me circle back around to BMPS, nutrient management plans and nutrient applicator certifications.

We have all heard the saying "perception is reality." And in this case, I just laid out the perception. Now, do I believe that we are massive polluters of the environment? Of course not. But that doesn't change the fact that we need to do our part to show our legislators, our communities and our customers that we take environmental stewardship seriously. Reacting to legislation is OK; but instead of being reactive, we must actually be proactive.

Different states have turned to different models. For example, in New York and Virginia, there is a BMP website and a BMP manual, respectively. In Maryland, there is the nutrient applicator's certification, which is not dissimilar from the pesticide applicator's certification. Also in Virginia, there is the development of nutrient management plans that must be approved by a certified nutrient management planner. Regardless of the chosen model, it is the initiative that counts. And there is funding out there to help.

In Pennsylvania, we have a BMP manual that was constructed years ago, but we have done a poor job of implementing this plan. Often you will hear that superintendents already adhere to 98 percent of the BMPs outlined in said manual and/or website. It's not about re-inventing the wheel. Rather, it's about documenting these initiatives so that we can have hard data that stands behind our efforts. There are several different ways we can do that, including a self assessment and documentation -- a "self-audit" if you will. Documentation will be a key piece to this initiative as we progress.

These processes don't have to be painful. In fact, I would say they can be quite rewarding. But we must have buy-in and commitment. Implementation isn't going to happen overnight, but engagement with these plans can help change the perception and grow the game of golf. Envision a time when every state has a BMP model in place and every golf course is committed to its implementation -- not because legislation is forcing us to do so, but because it is the right thing to do. It is the right thing to do for our environment; it is the right thing to do for the communities we serve; and it is the right thing to do for the game of golf.