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Welcome to the New York State Best Management Practices blog page. On this page we will be providing news, information, and insights on the use of Best Management Practices to protect natural resources. To be notified of new postings, please sign up using the form at right. Sign up to receive the latest BMP […]

13 Facility Best Management Practices Golf courses use a variety of energy sources, primarily fossil fuel based (e.g. coal-generated electricity, gasoline, diesel). However, renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal are increasingly being utilized and can provide a return on investment as well as increasing sustainability efforts at the facility. To establish effective energy BMPs, the facility’s existing energy consumption should be evaluated, and goals set for energy reduction, conservation, and incorporation of new energy-saving technologies. Many energy-related BMPs overlap with other facility-related BMPs. For example, improving irrigation efficiency also reduces energy consumption. Having an efficient and well-maintained system, […]

12 Landscape 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. By using native or adapted plants that mimic natural ecosystems, landscapes that are designed for the specific location, management capabilities, and desired style can reduce overall management inputs, attract pollinators, […]

11 Maintenance Operations New construction designs should consider combining storage, mixing, and washing operations in an integrated chemical management system. For existing facilities, updating these areas does not necessarily require a new building as many changes can be easily made. Information specific to pesticide storage and handling can be found in the “Pesticide Management” chapter of this document. BMP Principles for Maintenance Operations Assess potential point source pollution risk for maintenance operations. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements designed to prevent point source pollution. Manage organic and inorganic waste to minimize potential point source pollution. 11.1 Regulatory Considerations Every golf course […]

10 Pollinator Protection Most flowering plants need pollination to reproduce and grow fruit. While some plants are pollinated by wind, many require assistance from insects and other animals. Most people are aware of managed honey bees, but there are also 450 wild pollinator species in New York State, including bees, wasps, beetles, flies, ants, moths, and butterflies. In the absence of these pollinators, many plant species, including the fruits and vegetables we eat, would fail to reproduce. These include economically important crops in the state, such as apples, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash, and peppers, all of which are pollinator-dependent for […]

9 Pesticide Management The storage and handling of pesticides on golf courses presents the greatest risk to water quality contamination because of the potential for an unintended release of a large volume of pesticide resulting in a point source of pollution to surface and/or groundwater. Therefore, the greatest attention to BMPs should be directed at storage and handling. In addition, the potential for pesticide nonpoint source pollution through runoff, leaching, or drift is minimized through proper handling and application. Adhering to pesticide regulations helps to ensure that all proper procedures are followed. For more information on the general use and management […]

8 Integrated Pest Management Sooner or later, pests can become a problem, especially when turf is stressed, such as when heat, drought, or high humidity conditions persist. Pesticides alone will not control pests; a more effective approach is to develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to reduce pest damage and reliance on pesticides. IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks and maintains turfgrass quality. By following the latest research, managers can have high quality playing surfaces with minimal impact on […]

7 Cultural Practices Cultural practices support turfgrass density and therefore play an important role in preserving and protecting water quality. Ensuring that the turf is properly adapted, healthy, and dense and has adequate infiltration protects water quality because of the tendency of healthy turf to hold water and chemicals. In particular, BMPs for golf course turf to preserve and protect water quality using cultural practices must be designed to sustain high turf shoot density. A dense turf reduces runoff and the negative effect of off-site movement of water and pollutants. A dense turf, however, accumulates surface organic matter that can […]

6 Nutrient Management All plants require nutrients to sustain growth and development. Certain essential nutrients are classified as either macro- or micronutrients, based on the amount needed by plants rather than their importance for plant growth. Macronutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and magnesium (Mg). Micronutrients include iron, zinc, copper, chlorine, nickel, molybdenum, boron, and manganese. Micronutrients are required in significantly lower amounts than macronutrients. However, a deficiency or excess of these micronutrients can have a profound influence on plant growth. Proper nutrient management usually includes the following steps: Determine plant needs (such as […]

5 Water Quality Management and Monitoring Aligning water quality management programs, such as stormwater management and lake and pond management with established, research-based BMPs is the first step to protecting water quality. Establishing a water quality monitoring program is the next step. Routine monitoring can be used to measure water quality improvements and identify any areas where corrective actions should be taken. BMP Principles for Water Quality Management and Monitoring Manage lakes and ponds to maintain water quality, avoiding nutrient enrichment and maintaining dissolved oxygen levels. Assess current surface and groundwater quality. Conduct water quality assessments using accepted standards. Use […]

4 Irrigation Water is a fundamental element for physiological processes in turf such as photosynthesis, transpiration, and cooling, as well as for the diffusion and transport of nutrients. Precise water management is arguably the single most important turf practice for maintaining high quality golf turf. When the amount of water lost from the turf system by evapotranspiration (ET) exceeds the amount supplied by rainfall, the turf must be irrigated. Courses should maximize water use efficiency through proper irrigation, as this conserves water and decreases the likelihood of water quality impacts from runoff or leaching. Deliberate use includes having an efficient […]

3 Planning, Design, and Construction Building a new golf course or renovating an existing one requires careful protection of natural resources during all phases of planning, design, and construction. Implementing BMPs should result in an environmentally sustainable golf course that operates efficiently and cost effectively. BMP Principles for Planning, Design, and Construction Follow best practices anytime soil is disturbed to avoid erosion and Maintain existing habitat to the extent possible during all phases of planning, design, and construction to preserve Manage stormwater by implementing a “treatment train” approach to prevent nonpoint source pollution from runoff. 3.1 Regulatory Considerations Regulations are […]

2 Site Analysis Site analysis is the first and most important step in aligning golf course management with research-based BMPs designed to protect water quality. A site analysis describes site maintenance areas, chemical storage and handling practices, equipment cleaning, and other priority areas on the golf course associated with topography and environmental sensitivity. Following this thorough assessment, the feasibility of land use and management BMPs should be considered to ensure reasonable water quality protection. BMPs can be incorporated into the design for a new course or course renovation. For an existing golf course, the golf course superintendent can undertake a […]

1 Introduction The New York State Best Management Practices (NYS BMP) project is an innovative research and outreach education program that has resulted from a partnership of superintendent leaders in the state and Cornell University. Begun in 2012, this project has codified standards and continues to actively demonstrate the implementation of best management practices for the protection of water quality in the state of New York. The success of this work has led to the commitment of superintendents to continue these efforts in perpetuity as part of a sustainable 501(c)(3) non-profit, the New York Golf Course Foundation (NYGCF). As the […]

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Acknowledgements The development of the Best Management Practices for New York State Golf Courses was made possible by golf course superintendents in the state of New York and scientists at Cornell University. Representatives from each provided their time and expertise to develop and review drafts of best management practices specifically for New York State designed to protect the state’s natural resources. 2023 New York Golf Course Foundation (NYGCF) board members: Executive Board of Directors Bob Nielsen, CGCS, President Steve Whipple, Vice President Bob Kelly, Treasurer Chris Strehl, Secretary Blake Halderman, CGCS, Immediate Past President Board of Directors Tim Benedict, CGCS […]

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  Overview New York’s golf course superintendents are dedicated to protecting the state’s natural resources. As a demonstration of this commitment, superintendents have partnered with Cornell University scientists and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to develop and document best management practices (BMPs) for golf course management. BMPs help golf course superintendents protect our state’s surface and groundwater resources, provide habitat for wildlife, reduce pesticide usage, and conserve energy. We have developed these research-based, voluntary guidelines specifically for our state. By documenting and implementing these practices across the state, we hope to showcase our role as environmental stewards and […]