NY BMP 1st Edition
New York Golf Best Management Practices, 1st […]
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Converting Fairways to Creeping Bentgrass…Good Communication is Critical
By John Hoyle, CGCS, Corning Country Club When comparing the nutrient, pesticide and water use inputs between various suitable fairway turgrass species and varieties, bentgrass is, in northern climates, head and shoulders above the rest. This concept is impactful from an environmental perspective, but how does it impact other important factors i.e. budget, golfer satisfaction, etc.? Significantly! For example, reductions in irrigation and fertilizer requirements of creeping bentgrass (Jacobs & Gross, 2019; Dobie, 2020) as well as fairway fungicide use (Bekken et al., 2021) suggest that the ROI of installing creeping bentgrass can be as little as 1.3 years (Jacobs […]
Spring ABW Management
April 17, 2020 by NYS BMP · The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), Listronotus maculicollis, can have two to three generations per year and cause significant damage to many golf courses in New York. But monitoring and managing ABW in an economically and environmentally sustainable way can be difficult. However, by using proper scouting methods along with a well-informed decision-making process, you can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of ABW management at your facility. ABW adults overwinter in leaf litter, tall grasses, and other areas with dense organic matter that provides a buffered environment from harsh winter conditions. On a typical golf course, overwintering habitats […]
Water Sampling Using “Wave”
January 15, 2020 by NYS BMP · Do you have a stream on your golf course property? Interested in a way to measure water quality without spending a lot on costly testing, learn a thing or two and have some fun at the same time? One method is to examine what is living in it – in particular the benthic macroinvertebrates. These insects live underwater in our streams and rivers, lack a backbone, and can be seen by the naked eye. The NYSDEC program called WAVE (Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators) is a project where volunteers collect, or sample “stream bugs” to assess water quality […]
Sustainable Annual Bluegrass Weevil Management: Yes, It’s Possible
January 13, 2020 by NYS BMP · For many reasons, management of annual bluegrass weevils (ABW) presents incredible challenges to golf course superintendents in New York State. These reasons include: 1) The small size (about 1/8 inch in length) and cryptic nature of ABW adults make monitoring difficult. 2) As the life stages progress and ABW transitions through the egg and larval stages, observing ABW becomes increasingly difficult because most stages occur within the turfgrass stem. Complicating things further, as larvae mature they emerge from the turf crown into the surrounding soil and proceed to feed on the crown and roots of the […]
Adapting BMPs to Fit Your Facility
January 7, 2020 by NYS BMP · Through a cooperative approach between the golf industry and friends and neighbors outside the industry, best management practices have been developed that benefit all parties. Because of limitations, such as budget, staff, clientele expectations, and management decisions, not all golf courses can achieve all of the best practices described in the 2nd edition of Best Management Practices for New York State Golf Courses. However, planning for improvements over time and making small changes that meet the goals of BMPs can be achieved. For example, while a sophisticated washwater recycling system may be too expensive for many facilities, […]
New York Superintedents: How to Create Your Own Facility BMP
November 27, 2019 by NYS BMP · Golf course superintendents in New York State can now create their own facility-specific Best Management Practices plan using the 2nd edition of the Best Management Practices for New York State Golf Courses template. This 2nd edition, a revised, updated version of the first edition published in 2014, is incorporated into the GCSAA’s BMP on-line tool. Using the on-line tool, New York superintendents with a GCSAA log in can clone the state’s BMP plan and then use the editing features to modify as needed to create their own site-specific BMP plan. To help get superintendents started, the following are available: […]
Problem Solving Using Water Monitoring
November 19, 2019 by NYS BMP As a property that is pinched between two major highways in the NY/NJ metropolitan area, we constantly see expected and unexpected things show up in our bodies of water carried by surface water runoff. Our ponds were experiencing an algal build up and blooms in the warm months and we wanted to know – were we causing the problem or was it originating off site? Therefore, we began testing our surface waters to quantify the nutrient load as it entered and departed our property to answer the question. Around the same time, we began experiencing odor […]
Stormwater Management: a Win-Win Effort at Brae Burn
November 18, 2019 by NYS BMP · When evaluating your property, don’t just focus on the grass. It’s important to think about all areas of your property that might be affecting the results you are trying to achieve! ISSUE – Runoff from Highway 684 caused flooding of the 7th fairway on a regular basis, bringing along with it dirt, other debris, and contaminated water. RESOLUTION – Create a “retention area” to capture the first flush of rainfall as to not overtax the piping system on the golf course until most of the water can subside after rainfall events. This area has been recently seeded as well […]
Late Season Nutrient BMP: Timing is Everything
September 9, 2019 by NYS BMP · Supplemental nutrient use is a critical aspect of a golf course Best Management Practice Program and embodied in the BMP Statement: Supplement soil with appropriate rate and source of nutrients to maintain optimum availability and minimize off-site movement. Specifically, the application of high rates (>0.5 lbs. actual Nitrogen per 1000 Square feet) soluble-Nitrogen (N) during cooler periods with less active growth conditions pose a significant risk to groundwater quality. In the Northeast, Guillard and Kopp (2004) from the University of Connecticut collected leachate under turf plots over three years where 1 lb of N per thousand […]
Pollinator BMPs: Update
July 25, 2019 by NYS BMP · Our stand alone publication, Best Management Practices for Pollinators on New York State Golf Courses, has been revised and republished, now available for on-line reading as a flip book: https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/nys_pollinator_bmps_2019/. Over 400 wild species of pollinators inhabit New York State. Golf courses, especially in developed areas, can provide significant areas of habitat to support these species and domesticated honey bees as well. This publication contains the information superintendents need to protect pollinators while responsibly using pesticides to meet their needs and guidance on providing habitat to support healthy pollinator […]
What good is the EIQ?
June 3, 2019 by NYS BMP Pest management is a critical component of maintaining a playable and functional golf course. A fully implemented best management practices program demands the highest level of progressive Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Progressive IPM observes and records pest pressure, uses predictive approaches to assessing injury risk, considers intervention with lowest environmental impact, and assesses performance of intervention for integration in pest management programs. This summer, when you consider intervention to control pests that includes the use of pesticides, consider products with the lowest environmental impact. This idea is identified in the two BMP statements: Determine least toxic […]
Facility BMPs: We need your review!
May 21, 2019 by NYS BMP · New York State’s golf course BMPs were first published in 2014. Now five years later, we are updating the BMPs, in some cases adding new and updated information, including incorporating the pollinator BMPs (published in 2017). We have also incorporated discrete BMP statements to complement the BMP principles we identified in the first edition. As part of the process of revising and updating, we are seeking input from superintendents across the state and the state’s regulatory agencies to review the draft final version and provide comments to NYGCF. Any superintendent or asst. superintendent in NYS is […]
Lower DU Can Lead to More Uniform Soil Moisture
May 13, 2019 by NYS BMP · The golfing season in northern climates includes managing cool-season turf playing surfaces through stressful summer months (e.g. high temperature, low moisture). To prepare for summer stress, use opportunities in the spring during dry periods to apply strategic moisture stress to your playing surfaces by purposefully withholding water from the plant. Allowing soils to dry and create stress in this way often results in increased rooting and improved drought stress tolerance that will pay off in the summer. In addition, you should assess your irrigation system’s ability to produce uniform soil moisture before summer stresses occur. The […]
Managing Surface Organic Matter
May 7, 2019 by NYS BMP Golf turf playability and performance lies at the heart of golf course Best Management Practices that protect and preserve water quality. Optimizing playability demands a well-drained, firm playing surface able to withstand traffic and demonstrate resiliency during normal play. The key to achieving these goals lies in the management of surface organic matter. Turf is a perennial plant system that increases surface organic matter as a result of turf growth and management (Figure 1). Organic matter accumulates at the surface from the development and deposition of plant parts such as leaves, stems, and roots. Underground […]
Do You Get My Drift?
May 6, 2019 by NYS BMP Drift when it comes to pesticide applications is something to be avoided, as it can potentially cause not only water quality impacts, but also damage to susceptible off target crops. In addition, a lower than intended rate of pesticide will be applied to the turfgrass, thus reducing its effectiveness. To avoid drift, the first step is to know the difference between There are two types of drift airborne (spray) drift and vapor drift and the contributing factors to each. Spray Drift The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines pesticide spray or dust draft as “the physical movement […]
You Can Help Monarchs
May 6, 2019 by NYS BMP Most people can easily recognize a monarch butterfly, but did you know that their numbers have suffered dramatic declines in the last 40 years? Habitat loss in both their summer and overwintering locations has played a major role in this decline. A number of recent conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect monarchs and their habitat. One such program is aimed directly at golf courses: Monarchs in the Rough, a new program sponsored by Audubon International and the Environmental Defense Fund. Because monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on milkweed, and their caterpillars […]
A Foundation for Sustainability: The New York Golf Course Foundation
April 23, 2019 by NYS BMP · The New York Golf Course Foundation (NYGCF) is a newly launched non profit to promote sustainable golf management efforts in New York State. This new organization is an evolutionary step for the New York State Best Management Practices (BMPs) project begun in 2012 that established the state’s first golf industry BMPs. The foundation’s mission is to continue and expand upon the work of the BMP committee, raise the profile of the state’s golf industry with respect to its environmental sustainability efforts, and to fundraise to provide a sustainable source of revenue to continue these efforts. Scientists […]
No Kidding: Using Goats to Control Vegetation
April 22, 2019 by NYS BMP At Whippoorwill (country club?) buffer strips around ponds on the property had become overgrown and encroached upon by invasive species. Because of the rocky, steep hillside, chemical control was not an option and physical removal difficult. To control the growth, an innovative approach to vegetation removal was utilized: goats. Goats are browsers who prefer brushy vegetation and vines (including poison ivy) versus other species like sheep who prefer to graze on grass. Goats are also unique in weed seeds are left unviable after being digested and will not grow out of their excrement. Green Goats, a […]
What’s In Your Spill Kit?
April 22, 2019 by NYS BMP · Spills happen and being prepared can make the difference between being able to safely contain the spill and not. Have you checked your spill kit recently to make sure you have everything you may need? The following is a checklist for what should be in your spill kit at a minimum to make sure a small issue does not become a bigger problem: Gloves (nitrile, at least; foil barrier laminate better) Tyvek® coverall Goggles Temporary storage container for spill Sorbent pads and/or socks Loose absorbent (SlikWik®, vermiculite) Sweeping compound Warning sign or caution tape Chalk (for […]
It’s Spring! Time to Plan for Pollinators
April 10, 2019 by NYS BMP Spring is a great time to consider adding native plants to your facility to create additional habitat for pollinators and review the availability of nesting sites for these species. Pollinator habitat on the golf course includes both areas planted specifically with pollinators in mind and existing out-of-play areas. One of the most effective BMPs for protecting water quality also protects pollinator habitat, i.e., leaving a low- or no-management buffer strip around water courses and bodies of water. To add habitat for pollinators, add a diversity of blooming plants of different colors and heights that […]
Educational Plan
February 17, 2019 by NYS BMP · Since publishing the Best Management Practices for NYS Golf Courses document and this website, the NYS BMP committee has focused on outreach and education efforts to promote the acceptance and implementation of BMPs in New York State’s golf industry. As part of these efforts, the committee surveyed the state’s golf course professionals to conduct a formative assessment of BMP concepts and a survey of BMPs as implemented on NYS golf courses. This survey was conducted in 2015 and early 2016 with a response window of four months. Once the survey period ended, the results were analyzed to […]
Assess and Map Your Soils
May 3, 2018 by NYS BMP · Assessing soil health is a critical aspect of best management practices implementation, as underscored in the BMP statement: Determine accurate supplemental nutrient needs based on soil chemical and physical analysis. On sand-based areas, consider foliar testing as a diagnostic tool. The soil on your property has enormous environmental, and ultimately, economic value. You cannot implement a fully aligned BMP program until soils are properly assessed. Soil health, by definition, includes the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Management efforts typically focus primarily on maximizing the parameters in each of these categories for agricultural crop […]
New Case Study Video
April 16, 2018 by NYS BMP · Visit the NYS BMP Youtub channel to view the new case study video on the low cost washpad demonstration conducted at Locust Hill Country […]
“Finding the Baseline”: A Simple Approach to Water Quality Monitoring
March 21, 2018 by NYS BMP · As winter fades and the Spring rains arrive, a significant amount of water will flow along the surfaces of our golf courses and into wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and the spectacular estuaries of Long Island. In fact, New York State is associated with more than 15 individual watersheds (see inset to find your watershed). In some parts of the world, regulatory agencies can impose strict water quality reporting requirements on land managers. In fact, strict water quality reporting has been considered within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the Susquehanna River Watershed, and is undoubtedly of interest to […]
Stuck in the Shop? Do a Point Source Pollution Assessment!
January 29, 2018 by NYS BMP · Winter in New York affords time for reflection on the growing season and planning for the new one. However, after a month of that exercise, you are still “stuck in the shop”! So while you are stuck inside why not conduct a review of the potential environmental risk? Did you know your maintenance shop is often the location on the course that poses the GREATEST risk to water quality – POINT source pollution. A critical first step in aligning your facility with Best Management Practices is to assess potential point source pollution risk. Point source pollution […]
It’s not Sexy-The Long Play for the High Ground: Do the BMP Assessment and Survey Today!
January 25, 2018 by NYS BMP · Stewardship of the natural resources on New York State Golf Courses is the guiding principle behind the establishment and implementation of our Best Management Practices. The media, activists and a muted industry shape public perception, which in turn influences public policy. Try as we may, the golf industry is facing an uphill battle with the majority of the public regarding perception of our stewardship of the New York State’s natural resources. Further, an activist element exists in NY focused on health effects of pesticides and nutrients applied to the land, from farms and orchards to sports […]
Results of the Low Cost Wash Pad Demonstration
December 18, 2017 by NYS BMP · Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT that partnered with Locust Hill CC on the low cost wash pad demonstration project has just published their case study on the project. Through a Turf Environmental Stewardship Fund grant, the BMP project was able to assist in the demonstration through sponsoring the cost of the equipment purchases (~$6,000) and the participation of Cornell University. From RIT’s report on the case study, the results were as follows: After reductions of up to 50% using air blowing and different nozzles, approximately 700 gal/day of wastewater would need to be managed. Then if, […]
Calling all NYS Superintendents
December 18, 2017 by NYS BMP · Since publication of the New York State Best Management Practices for Golf in 2014, the BMP committee (now formalized as the New York Golf Course Foundation) has focused on outreach and education to promote the acceptance and implementation of BMPs. As part of these efforts, the state’s golf course professionals were surveyed two years ago to conduct both a formative assessment of BMP concepts and a survey of BMPs as implemented on NYS golf courses. Cornell University researchers analyzed the results and used the information to develop a plan to direct education and outreach efforts. With funding provided […]
Pollinator BMPs Published
July 28, 2017 by NYS BMP · With funding from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the participation of Cornell University scientists and educators, the BMP project has developed BMPs specifically for pollinators in New York State. These continued efforts demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the state’s golf industry to implement BMPs and expand the knowledge base when needed. Both wild and managed bees are facing threats that can alter their health, abundance, and distribution. Research indicates that some pesticides can be harmful for pollinators and can have negative effects at the sub-individual level (such as gene expression or physiology), […]
Dollar Spot
April 30, 2017 by NYS BMP · Dollar spot, caused by the pathogen Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, is a common golf course disease in New York State. Besides using chemical controls, managers can plan to lessen disease incidence and severity with the following activities: Plant resistant cultivars of creeping bentgrass such as Memorial and Declaration. Minimize moisture stress and leaf wetness. Remove morning dew as early as possible. Roll putting greens three or more times per week. Apply biological organisms known to suppress dollar spot such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aureofaciens. Use horticultural oils (Civitas), labeled for the intended use both for treated area and pest, […]
Pollinator-Related Resources for Turf Managers
April 7, 2017 by NYS BMP · While the NYS BMP Committee is hard at work formulating BMPs for pollinator protection on the state’s golf courses, an increasing amount of information is available to help golf course superintendents protect pollinators by minor modifications to management regimes and to enhance habitat to help sustain pollinator populations. Selected publications and websites are briefly described below: Websites: New York State Integrated Pest Management, Cornell University IPM program web page with resources specific to pollinators and related links to additional information. Pollinator Network @ Cornell. Listing of pollinator-related publications and information. New York State Pollinator Protection PlanNYS […]
Pollinator Video
March 28, 2017 by NYS BMP · The NYS BMP project created a case study video series on protecing pollinators at Rockville Links Club in the midst of urbanized Long Island. Watch the video series to see how golf course superintendent Lucas Knutson used opportunities to renovate non-play areas on the course with pollinators in mind and the BMPs he follows to protect them. He has also introduced bee hives in two locations on the course and provides insight into communicating with potential concerns from club members. A playlist has been created that organizes the four part case study series. An introduction provides an overview […]
Seasonal Variations in Runoff Potential
March 22, 2017 by NYS BMP · Water enters hydrologic systems as precipitation, primarily in the form of rainfall or snowmelt. It is then delivered to surface waters from runoff or infiltrates into the subsurface. The amount of water that infiltrates into the ground versus becoming runoff depends on a number of variables, including the intensity of precipitation or irrigation, soil infiltration capacity, site characteristics, antecedent soil moisture, and season. The following are some of the seasonal changes in runoff versus infiltration potential: During the winter, soils in New York are likely to be frozen and impermeable to water. Snowmelt, rain, and low […]
Know Your Soil
January 16, 2017 by NYS BMP · Few would argue that knowledge of the soils you are managing is a critical aspect of successful golf turf management. Soil management begins with knowing the type and characteristics of the soil at your property. Fortunately, most of the data we need is easy to access and interpret. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and access to the largest natural resource information system in the world. Of course, once you know the soil types and characteristics, soil testing allows for precise nutrient management programs for all nutrients other nitrogen as it […]
Pollinators
January 16, 2017 by NYS BMP · Pollinators are in trouble all over this country, including New York State, with documented significant declines in population levels. However, because golf courses provide a large expanse of mostly undeveloped land, they can help pollinators by providing habitat. These undeveloped expanses of land are of special significance especially in urbanized /suburbanized areas of the state that may not have expansive open areas. The NYS BMP program has conducted a case study of the Rockville Links Club on Long Island where superintendent Lucas Knutson has renovated three areas on the golf course with pollinators in mind as […]
NYS BMP Quiz and Assessment Results
January 15, 2017 by NYS BMP · Since publication of the NYS BMP guidelines, the BMP committee has focused on outreach and education efforts to promote the acceptance and implementation of BMPs in New York State’s golf industry. As part of these efforts, the state’s golf course professionals were surveyed last year to conduct a formative assessment of BMP concepts and a survey of BMPs as implemented on NYS golf courses. The results were analyzed by Cornell University to determine educational and outreach priorities for our target audience of NYS superintendents and assistant superintendents. The following PDFs provide more detail on the analysis […]
Chapter PDF Addresses
Chapter 2 2_1_a — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/2_1_a.pdf 2_2 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch2/2_2.pdf Chapter 3 3_4_2_a — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch3/3_4_2_a.pdf 3_4_2_b — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch3/3_4_2_b.pdf 3_4_3 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch3/3_4_3.pdf Chapter 4 4_2_2 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch4/4_2_2.pdf 4_5 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch4/4_5.pdf Chapter 6 6_2 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch6/6_2.pdf 6_3 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch6/6_3.pdf 6_4_1 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch6/6_4_1.pdf 6_4_2 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch6/6_4_2.pdf 6_a — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch6/6_a.pdf 6_b — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch6/6_b.pdf Chapter 8 8_2 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch8/8_2.pdf 8_3_2_a — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch8/8_3_2_a.pdf 8_3_2_b — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch8/8_3_2_b.pdf 8_3_2_c — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch8/8_3_2_c.pdf 8_4 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch8/8_4.pdf Chapter 9 9_2 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch9/9_2.pdf 9_5_2_appendix — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch9/9_5_2_appendix.pdf 9_5_appendix_b — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch9/9_5_appendix_b.pdf Chapter 11 11_2_2 — https://nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu/chapter_pdfs/ch11/11_2_2.pdf 11_4 — […]
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References (Note: URLs are current as of March 2019.) Baum‐Haley, Melissa, ed. Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices. Irrigation Association and the American Society of Irrigation Consultants. 2014. Download via: https://www.irrigation.org/IA/Advocacy/Standards-Best-Practices/Landscape-Irrigation-BMPs/IA/Advocacy/Landscape-Irrigation-BMPs.aspx Brown, Amy E., Elizabeth Ingianni, and Robert Lindgren. Pesticide Information Leaflet No. 13: Disposal of Pesticide Containers. University of Maryland Extension. 2012. https://pesticide.umd.edu/uploads/1/3/5/6/13565116/pil13_disposal_1990-2012.pdf Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Installing a Rain Garden. Cornell University Cooperative Extension. 2007. https://rocklandcce.org/resources/installing-a-rain-garden Duncan, R.R., R.N. Carrow, and M. Huck. “Understanding Water Quality and Guidelines to Management.” USGA Green Section Record. United States Golf Association. September/October 2000. https://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.py?file=/2000s/2000/000914.pdf Grant, Jennifer A., and Frank S. Rossi. Reducing […]
How to Videos and Publications
How to Videos: Develop a Basic Water Quality Testing Program at Your Facility Develop a Golf Course Nutrient Management Plan Scouting and Decision Making for Annual Bluegrass Weevil Adults Low Cost Wash Pad Demonstration Develop Your Facility BMP Document Series Pollinator Video Series Publications: Pest Management Publications Reducing Risk with Data Driven Fairway Pest Management Diagnosis and Decision Making for Sustainable ABW Management Nutrient Management Publications Nutrient Management Planning Turfgrass Selection and Regrassing Publications Converting Fairways to Creeping Bentgrass to Reduce Inputs Pollinator Publications Honeybee Evaluation BMPs for […]
Current Projects/Reports
2022/2023 Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund Grant Final Report TESF Grant Period: April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 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 actively demonstrates the implementation of BMPs for the protection of water quality on golf courses in the state of New York. In addition, the leaders of the project created a 501c3 foundation, the New York Golf Course Foundation, Inc., to […]
Case Studies
Case Studies Case Studies (links to PDFs) “IPM Methods to Control ABW“, Bethpage State Park (Black Course) “Rolling Approaches: A New Way to Suppress Dollar Spot“, Mohawk Golf Club “Nutrient Management Planning @ Sunken Meadow State Park“, Kings Park “Water Quality Monitoring“, Bedford Golf & Tennis Club, Bedford “Enhancing Habitat for Native Pollinators with Low-to-No Maintenance Areas“, Rockland Country Club Golf Course, Sparkill “Precision Water Management“, North Hempstead Country Club, Port Washington “Opportunities for Improvement of Wash Pad Operations“, Locust Hill Country Club, Rochester “Conserving Water By Installing Quick Couplers”, GlenArbor Golf Club, Bedford “Reducing Environmental Impact of Pest Management“, Soaring Eagles […]
BMP Vlog Series with Dr Rossi
NYGCF Vlog Series with Dr Frank Rossi Reading the Label IS a BMP! A Quick Note Regarding Nutrient Management Plans It’s Easy To Implement These Wash Pad Tips Late Season Fertilization Facts Soil Mapping Reducing Fungicide Use in […]
About Us
Mission Statement To protect and preserve New York State water resources using current scientific advances in golf turfgrass management. About Us Overview: As the stewards of golf courses in New York State, superintendents are dedicated to protecting New York’s natural resources and maintaining these facilities in harmony with the natural environment. Therefore, the golf industry has established Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the state’s golf courses. Scientists from Cornell University have integrated the latest research to formulate BMPs specifically for New York’s climate and environment. These research-based, voluntary guidelines are designed to protect and preserve our water resources and enhance […]
Second References
(Note: URLs are current as of March 2019.) Baum‐Haley, Melissa, ed. Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices. Irrigation Association and the American Society of Irrigation Consultants. 2014. Download via: https://www.irrigation.org/IA/Advocacy/Standards-Best-Practices/Landscape-Irrigation-BMPs/IA/Advocacy/Landscape-Irrigation-BMPs.aspx Brown, Amy E., Elizabeth Ingianni, and Robert Lindgren. Pesticide Information Leaflet No. 13: Disposal of Pesticide Containers. University of Maryland Extension. 2012. https://pesticide.umd.edu/uploads/1/3/5/6/13565116/pil13_disposal_1990-2012.pdf Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Installing a Rain Garden. Cornell University Cooperative Extension. 2007. https://rocklandcce.org/resources/installing-a-rain-garden Duncan, R.R., R.N. Carrow, and M. Huck. “Understanding Water Quality and Guidelines to Management.” USGA Green Section Record. United States Golf Association. September/October 2000. https://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.py?file=/2000s/2000/000914.pdf Grant, Jennifer A., and Frank S. Rossi. Reducing the […]
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Planning Step Description Assemble Team The team should include, but not be limited to, a golf course architect, golf course superintendent, clubhouse architect, irrigation engineer, environmental engineer, energy analyst, economic consultant, civil engineer, soil scientist, golf course builder, biologirst or ecologist, and a legal team. For new golf courses, a licensed golf course designer is required by law to guide the site analysis process. Define Objectives Identify realistic goals, formulate a timeline, etc. Conduct a Feasibility Study Evaluate finances, environmental issues, water availability and sources, and energy, materials, and labor needs. Identify applicable government regulations. Select and Analyze Site […]
References
References (Note: URLs are current as of March 2019.) Baum‐Haley, Melissa, ed. Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices. Irrigation Association and the American Society of Irrigation Consultants. 2014. Download via: https://www.irrigation.org/IA/Advocacy/Standards-Best-Practices/Landscape-Irrigation-BMPs/IA/Advocacy/Landscape-Irrigation-BMPs.aspx Brown, Amy E., Elizabeth Ingianni, and Robert Lindgren. Pesticide Information Leaflet No. 13: Disposal of Pesticide Containers. University of Maryland Extension. 2012. https://pesticide.umd.edu/uploads/1/3/5/6/13565116/pil13_disposal_1990-2012.pdf Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Installing a Rain Garden. Cornell University Cooperative Extension. 2007. https://rocklandcce.org/resources/installing-a-rain-garden Duncan, R.R., R.N. Carrow, and M. Huck. “Understanding Water Quality and Guidelines to Management.” USGA Green Section Record. United States Golf Association. September/October 2000. https://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.py?file=/2000s/2000/000914.pdf Grant, Jennifer A., and Frank S. Rossi. Reducing […]
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Case Studies
In continuing to promote the use of the information and implementation of BMPs across the state, case studies are being developed that illustrate BMPs in use. These case studies: provide verifiable evidence for New York’s regulatory agencies that a majority of New York State golf course superintendents are utilizing the NYS BMP information and having a demonstrable impact can be used as an educational tool to assist superintendents in identifying areas for potential improvement in their golf course management operations Case Studies (links to PDFs) “IPM Methods to Control ABW“, Bethpage State Park (Black Course) “Rolling Approaches: A New Way […]
Tables
Table 1. Planning Step Description Assemble Team The team should include, but not be limited to, a golf course architect, golf course superintendent, clubhouse architect, irrigation engineer, environmental engineer, energy analyst, economic consultant, civil engineer, soil scientist, golf course builder, and a legal team. For new golf courses, a licensed golf course designer is required by law to guide the site analysis process. Define Objectives Identify realistic goals, formulate a timeline, etc. Conduct a Feasibility Study Evaluate finances, environmental issues, water availability and sources, and energy, materials, and labor needs. Identify applicable government regulations. Select and Analyze Site Site should […]
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Blog Posts
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 Energy
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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Privacy Policy This site is owned and operated by Best Management Practices for New York State Golf Courses (BMPNYSGC). Your privacy on the Internet is of the utmost importance to us. BMPNYSGC will not share information about individual users with any third party, except to comply with applicable law or valid legal process or to protect the personal safety of our users or the public. Because you voluntarily share certain types of information with us, we feel you should fully understand our policy and the terms and conditions surrounding the capture and use of that information. This privacy statement discloses […]
Contact
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Acknowledgements
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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Front Page
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 […]