Environmental Stewardship Guidelines: Best Management Practices

“To be ahead of the curve . . . ” these were the words preached in 2000. In response, the Oregon Golf Course Superintendents’ Association created the Environmental Stewardship Guidelines and did so with sincere enthusiasm and passion for the environment and industry. Due to mounting pressure from individual environmental groups, pesticide use policies made by local councils, and almost clairvoyant pressure from state and federal agencies, the OGCSA’s Board of Directors called for an Environmental Committee. This committee was chaired by Jesse Goodling, Superintendent at Heron Lakes Golf Course, and was made up of twelve individuals from all facets of the industry. Eleven members of the OGCSA made up the committee, one of which was Dr. Michael Hindahl. Dr. Hindahl initiated the momentum of preparing an “environmental” document that can be used by Superintendents at golf courses, parks, and municipalities. Dr. Hindahl accepted the project’s responsibilities and prepared the vast majority of the document and then submitted it to state agencies, superintendents, industry representatives, and educators for review. These professionals identified the need to help educate and inform the public as well as the need to establish high standards for those who work in the “Green Industry”. Thanks to Dr. Michael Hindahl’s help, this initiative was established and produced a well-respected document which received national notoriety as the recipient of the 2004 President’s Environmental Stewardship Award from the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America. Before his passing in 2005, Dr. Hindahl had a desire to incorporate more principles into the document. Moving forward with Dr. Hindahl’s vision, the Oregon Golf Course Superintendents’ Association along with the support of the Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents’ Association and the Northwest Turfgrass Association, a comprehensive update to the Guidelines has been undertaken.

Once again, Thank you to Dr. Michael Hindahl, whose passion for golf and the environment has resulted in a document that helps bring golf and the environment closer together. His work has helped to mold the joy of the game with the beauty that surrounds it and in an environmentally friendly way. With all his donated time, energy, and devotion to the spirit of the game, he continues to inspire many in the Green Industry to strive for higher standards.

Ryan Bancroft, Past President OGCSA