Troy, New York, United States: Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organisation offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – has released the newly updated version of its ‘A Guide to Environmental Stewardship on the Golf Course’.

This revised third edition is available to all Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programme for Golf Courses (ASCP) members as part of the organisation’s 35th anniversary celebration and replaces the second edition, which was last updated in 2013.

The new guide incorporates knowledge gained through Audubon International’s decades of experience helping golf courses serve as ecologically valuable green spaces, while reducing potential environmental impacts associated with golf course operations.

“The third edition closely reflects the expertise and experiences of the thousands of golf course superintendents, golf industry professionals, environmental organisations, researchers, and others, who have participated in the ASCP since 1991,” said Audubon International Chief Executive Officer Christine Kane.

“We hope our members will refer to this new document frequently and allow it to guide them with sustainable practices already in place, as well as help introduce new ones at their courses, leading to tangible environmental results,” added Kane.

Every chapter in the third edition has been updated to provide current information, resources, and links. Highlights of the many other modifications include:

• Dividing the former Chapter 3, titled ‘Chemical Use Reduction and Safety’, into two separate chapters: ‘Chemical Use Reduction and Chemical Safety’ and ‘Maintenance Operations’, which emphasises the importance of both topics while providing greater detail;
• Referencing current ‘Best Management Practices’, which have now been adopted in all 50 US states, and other operational trends;
• Providing comprehensive details regarding the planning process and implementation of water quality monitoring programmes that meet certification guidelines;
• Updating and enhancing the ‘References’ and ‘Appendix’ sections in order to provide more extensive information.

David H. Robinson, CGCS, CGIA, Senior Director, Golf Grounds, Global Golf Division of Marriott Golf, was one of many industry professionals to provide input and counsel on the third edition and called it a ‘must-have for every professional library’.

“Managing and enhancing the natural habitat of golf courses is a key goal for all industry leaders,” said Robinson. “The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programme for Golf provides a framework that strengthens a facility’s sustainability efforts. The benefits of completing the programme are always immeasurable.”