The Value of ACSP for Golf Certification

Achieving certification in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP) is a significant accomplishment. Courses must meet minimum standards set forth by Audubon International in six categories: Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
Courses designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary demonstrate their environmental leadership in the golf industry. Course staff and members can take pride in knowing that the course provides significant wildlife habitat and is maintained in an environmentally responsible manner.
By managing the property with a high degree of environmental quality, certified courses provide green space for people and wildlife and help to conserve resources for future generations through their management program.

Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Courses:

• Demonstrate leadership among golf courses for their environmentally-responsible management practices
• Show a strong commitment to long-term environmental stewardship
• Provide valuable green space for people and wildlife
• Participate with other cooperative sanctuaries across North America in providing habitat for migratory bird populations
• Conserve natural resources for future generations
• Serve as demonstration sites to educate golfers, the public, and golf course professionals about golf course management and the benefits of golf courses

“The changes that went into achieving Audubon International certification likely will save the state about $100,000 in yearlong course maintenance and has made the course a prettier, more natural and relaxing experience for golfers. The biggest thing we did was cut out a lot of mowing along the edges of the course and transfer those areas to more natural, native grasses. That cut down on fertilizers, mowing fuel, even manpower. And it has provided a good habitat for wildlife.”
— Paul L. Carter, Course Superintendent, Bear Trace Golf Course at Harrison Bay

Proven Value for Golf Courses

Becoming involved in the ACSP has proven economic and environmental benefits:

• Image and Reputation – Proven environmental performance can help a course differentiate itself from others in a crowded market and add value by improving public relations and marketing opportunities that attract new golfers or club members.
• Customer Satisfaction – Enhancing the nature of a course can enrich golfers’ experience of the game. Surveys show that golfers rank “being outside in nature” among their top reasons for playing golf.
• Financial Performance – An effective golf course environmental management program can result in reduced insurance premiums, as well as reduced costs for energy, water, pesticides, and fertilizers.
• Worker Safety and Reduced Liability – Best practices for chemical management reduce exposure and liability risks from storing, handling, and applying chemicals.
• Improved Efficiency – Environmental management cuts down on waste and promotes efficient operations.
• Environmental Quality – Last, but certainly not least, participation in the program improves the quality of our land, water, and air, and helps to conserve natural resources for future generations.

“It has always been our goal to provide the best possible course conditions and quality for our members. Participation in the Audubon program has allowed us to further expand management of the entire site and enhance the environmental qualities of the property. Our members are proud of the efforts that have been underway to enhance the golf course for wildlife.”
— Jeff Klontz, Golf Course Superintendent

“Going through this process was a labor of love and being certified for our stewardship is something the community can experience and appreciate for many years to come.”
— Dave Laurie, Golf Course Superintendent, Old Brockway Golf Course

Source: Audubon International Fact Sheet — www.auduboninternational.org