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Who We Are Golf Course Superintendents Association of America The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource–the golf course. Today, GCSAA and its members are recognized by the golf industry as one of the key contributors in elevating the game and business to its current state. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas, the association provides education, information, and […]

12 Energy The use of energy for all activities in society is of great interest worldwide. Golf courses use a variety of energy sources, primarily electricity, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, and heating oil. Renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, are being considered and used by more small business as the return on investment increases. These newer technologies offer opportunities to reduce dependencies on fossil fuels and to decrease our carbon footprint. To establish effective energy BMPs, the facility’s existing energy consumption should be evaluated, and improvements should be achieved through energy reduction, conservation, and new technologies. Energy […]

11 Landscape Design and Management The fundamental principle for the environmentally sound management of landscapes is “choose the right plant, in the right place.” Ideal landscape plants are native and adapted specifically to the soil, degree and direction of slopes, precipitation type and amounts, wind direction and speed, light patterns, and microclimate. Susceptibility to major damage by insects and other pests is another selection criterion, as are the nutrient levels of the area. Because native and/or adapted plants can mimic natural ecosystems, their use in the landscape can reduce overall management inputs, attract pollinators, provide multi-season interest, and enhance out-of-play […]

10 Maintenance Operations It is the objective to manage the potential environmental risks associated with golf course maintenance operations. Our industry has a need and responsibility to implement, manage, measure, and improve all aspects of environmental stewardship. It is imperative that hazardous materials be handled, stored, recycled, and disposed in a safe, healthy, and environmentally sound manner. Pollution prevention includes the proper delivery, storage, handling, and disposal of all chemicals, washwater, and wastewater. For example, washwater from pesticide application equipment must be managed as a pesticide. Conversely, wastewater not contaminated with harmful chemicals can be reused or discharged to a […]

9 Pollinator Protection Pollination is an essential need for seed-bearing plants. Of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world, almost 80% require pollination by invertebrates or animals. Pollinating visits from bees and other insects, birds, bats, etc., are a critical component of a stable food supply. In the United States alone, pollination of agricultural crops is valued at billions of dollars annually. Many pollinator species have experienced significant population declines over the last several decades. While a number of factors have contributed to this decline, the most critical may be habitat loss, largely from large scale agricultural operations and […]