River-Friendly Golf Course Program Standards - 1

River-Friendly Golf Course Program Standards

Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 2

River-Friendly Golf Course Baseline Standards ........................................................................................ 3

A) Soil and Landscape Vegetation Care ................................................................................................ 3

B) Integrated Pest Management .......................................................................................................... 5

C) Snow Removal and De-icing Practices ............................................................................................. 6

D) Stormwater Drainage Management ................................................................................................ 7

E) Water Conservation ......................................................................................................................... 9

F) Employee and Golfer Education & Outreach Programs ................................................................. 10

G) Stream and Waterbody Assessment .............................................................................................. 11

Example Site-specific Actions ................................................................................................................. 12

Water Quality Management ............................................................................................................... 12

Water Conservation............................................................................................................................ 12

Wildlife and Habitat Enhancement .................................................................................................... 12

Education and Outreach ..................................................................................................................... 13

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Introduction The River-Friendly Golf Course Certification Program is a voluntary, collaborative certification partnership between the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association (SBMWA) and golf courses within the Millstone watershed. Ideal golf courses are those who want to take a leading role in conserving their community’s environmental resources. Benefits for participating golf courses include public recognition of their achievements, healthier landscaping, reduced operating costs, increased employee awareness, and the opportunity to be a leader in environmental stewardship.

The River-Friendly Golf Course Certification Program holds all facilities to a set of baseline standards (see “River-Friendly Golf Course Baseline Standards” below). In addition, each golf course completes a set of site-specific actions during the certification and re-certification phases. The 22 baseline standards include the following categories (A-G):

A. Landscape Vegetation Care

B. Integrated Pest Management Plan

C. Snow Removal and De-Icing Practices

D. Stormwater Drainage Management

E. Water Conservation

F. Employee and Golfer Education & Outreach Programs

G. Stream and Waterbody Assessment

The baseline standards are the framework of the River-Friendly Golf Course Program. The baseline standards may be met prior to entering the program or as part of the facility’s certification. If a particular baseline standard does not apply to a golf course, the golf course does not need to meet that baseline standard.

The site-specific actions are tailored to each golf course and typically build upon the baseline standards. Site-specific actions will be developed by SBMWA, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and the participating golf course staff. The site-specific actions focus on specific water quality or wildlife habitat enhancement opportunities or problems that a golf course may be facing.

The table below identifies the number of site-specific actions that must be completed for certification based on how many baseline standards are met when joining the program. A list of example site-specific actions is included in the last section of this document.

Number of Baseline standards met at

time of application

Number of Baseline Standards to be met

Number of site-specific actions required

TOTAL Actions to be Completed

21-22 0-1 8 8-9

18-20 2-4 7 9-11

15-17 5-7 6 11-13

12-14 8-10 5 13-15

9-11 11-13 4 15-17

6-8 14-16 3 17-19

3-5 17-19 2 19-21

0-2 20-22 1 21-23

If SBMWA determines that any of the standards are non-applicable, such as the stream assessment standard, SBMWA will adjust the required number of actions accordingly. For example, if a golf course meets four baseline standards upon review of the application and site visit, the staff will need to work to meet the additional 18 baseline standards, and two site-specific actions.

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The River-Friendly Golf Course Certification Program standards below include information on the intent of the baseline standard, the requirements needed to complete the standard, and useful links and background information to assist in the completion of the standard.

River-Friendly Golf Course Baseline Standards

A) Soil and Landscape Vegetation Care Intent The purpose of this standard is, in conjunction with the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, to foster healthier soils and landscape vegetation and reduce the need for chemical fertilizer and pesticide application through preventative measures. The benefits of maintaining healthy soil, turf and other vegetation are both environmental and financial. By encouraging healthy soils, and in turn, healthy turf, less chemicals (including fertilizers and pesticides) are needed over time; therefore reducing the amount of landscape chemicals reaching local waterways. Turf with deeper roots can promote better rain water infiltration. A diversity of native plants can provide food and cover for wildlife. By minimizing pest problems and reducing chemical and irrigation needs, less money has to be spent on chemicals and the labor for their application. Proper irrigation is also integral to plant health and is discussed more extensively in Baseline Standard E. Requirements To meet this baseline standard, submit a document to SBMWA that details how golf course staff are caring for the soil and landscape vegetation in a River-Friendly manner. This companion document to the IPM plan should include photos, soil test results, and a narrative detailing the practices. The document shall include:

1. An overview of the guiding principles of landscape management at the site. The guiding principles should include items that are preventative in nature and reduce the need for chemical usage. The following examples are not required, but are highly recommended practices to be implemented where and when appropriate:

soil tests and proper fertilization as a result of this testing

properly timed watering,

proper storage and disposal of chemicals,

the use of native plants that are less vulnerable to pests,

attracting birds, bats and beneficial insects to the site that prey on pests,

low or no maintenance and no spray areas within 25 feet of a water body, to the extent that the maintenance will not affect playability,

dew dragging, improving air circulation to reduce fungal growth, etc.,

pruning of damaged trees to reduce disease potential,

hand pulling of weeds to reduce infestation,

other actions to improve soil and landscape health.

Some items may be addressed in general in this section and then in more detail in the appropriate specific sections of the narrative.

2. An inventory and map of the plant communities at the facility. For instance, indicate forested and turf areas, ornamental gardens, meadows, etc. Where specific species are known, include that information. This map can be updated with specific species information when new vegetation is added. This will enable staff to identify specific species concerns, such as susceptibility to a particular insect. When replacing vegetation or installing new vegetation, use native species that are adapted to pests and typical weather conditions.

3. A site map that delineates and prioritizes areas as high, medium, and low maintenance. This map or the accompanying narrative should include a description of what these designations mean for this golf course. For example, greens and tees might be designated as high priority areas, while fairways and roughs might be medium maintenance, and reduced mow areas might be low maintenance. High maintenance areas are

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likely to have a lower threshold for pests/disease prior to treatment and a higher level of irrigation and fertilization. The description of these areas should include:

Soil type,

Turf type,

Turf height,

Type of green (i.e. push-up, UISGA, California) or other specific area,

Description of drainage in that area (if drainage exists),

Level of irrigation (i.e. frequency of irrigation or amount of water to receive in a certain period of time),

Level of fertilization (i.e. frequency of fertilization or no-fertilization),

General level of tolerance of pests.

4. The following actions should be implemented on the golf course and specific descriptions of the standard operating procedures for soil and landscape care should be included in the Soil and Landscape Vegetation Care narrative:

4a. Include a list of all landscape vegetation care chemicals that are currently used and potential organic alternatives. This list should be updated on a yearly basis. Consider whether or not organic alternatives can be used, and document your reasoning. 4b. Describe the aeration practices at the golf course. 4c. Describe the mowing regimen at the golf course. Example practices may include:

Maintain turf at a minimum of 3 inches in non-playing, non-reduced mow areas and do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade length when mowing.

Frequency of mowing in different areas.

4d. Describe the fertilization practices at the golf course. Example best practices may include:

Do not fertilize if heavy rains are predicted or winds prevent proper application.

Adjust (calibrate) fertilizer application equipment to ensure proper rate of application and that fertilizer is not spread onto impervious surfaces where it could run off into water bodies or the storm sewer system. Calibration should be tracked on the fertilizer tracking sheets.

Identify sensitive areas, such as wells, to avoid when fertilizing.

Do not spread fertilizer within 25 feet (or maximum width without affecting course playability) of a stream or other water body, and use caution around storm sewers. This item may be reviewed with SBMWA and golf course staff to determine an appropriate buffer width in various areas for the specific golf course.

Use drop spreaders when fertilizing near areas that slope toward waterbodies.

Track fertilizer use, including types and application rates. An example form is provided in the IPM template, or staff may modify the form for their facility’s needs. Staff must provide one year of tracking forms to meet the baseline standard; they will be asked to provide example forms each year for recertification.

4e. Describe the irrigation practices at the golf course. Example best practices may include:

Water during the morning hours to reduce fungal growth and evaporative loss.

Avoid watering on windy days to avoid water loss.

4f. Describe practices used when washing equipment. Example best practices may include:

Wash equipment on wash pad that collects and recycles rinsate.

Designate an area away from waterbodies to rinse off equipment where washwater can be absorbed and filtered by vegetation.

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4g. Describe practices to minimize soil erosion. For example:

Take an inventory of bare or exposed soil, and any erosion-prone areas on the golf course. Any problem areas should be included on the site drainage map (Baseline Standard D Stormwater Drainage Management) and observed on a regular basis.

Address any significant issues, especially those identified during site visits.

Severe or significant issues may be designated as site-specific actions.

5. Conduct soil tests biennially (every two years) in all areas that are treated with fertilizer and other chemicals, such as lime, and every 3 years for areas not being fertilized (see note below for explanation). Soil samples should be sent to an independent contractor (as opposed to a fertilizer wholesaler). Key parameters to sample for are phosphorus, potassium, and pH. Proper pH is necessary for nutrients in the soil to be used by plants.

Provide results and an interpretation of the results and how they relate to fertilizer and chemical applications (or non-application), e.g. based on results showing a pH of 5.95 for cool season turfgrass (target pH is 6.30), apply calcitic limestone at a rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet in the fall or spring; take an additional soil test before applying additional lime.

NOTE: Soil testing in areas that aren’t being fertilized still reveals important information and can help in making decisions to establish and maintain healthy vegetation and reduce soil erosion.

Golf course staff must provide at least one year of soil test information and the relationship to fertilization levels in order to meet the baseline standard. For recertification, the staff will be asked to periodically provide this information.

Resources The following web pages provide other turf care and management tips that encourage healthier turf while reducing impacts on water quality:

Rutgers Fertilizer Spreader Calibration: http://snyderfarm.rutgers.edu/fertspreadercalibration.html

Healthy Lawns, Healthy Water (NJDEP): http://www.nj.gov/dep/healthylawnshealthywater/

Best Management Practices for Nutrient Management of Turf in New Jersey (Rutgers): http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=E327

B) Integrated Pest Management Intent The over-application of turf and landscape chemicals can contribute to water quality impairments and can also have an impact on human health. The use of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan provides the framework to guide turf and landscape chemical usage to control pest occurrences on an individual basis with an emphasis on cultural and preventative practices and the long-term goal of reducing overall landscape chemical usage. The purpose of this plan is to maintain a playable, aesthetically pleasing landscape while reducing the usage of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides through proper plant selection, proper irrigation, soil tests, and other cultural and physical techniques. Monitoring is a key component of an IPM plan, as is an understanding of local pest pressure, pest lifecycles, how plants exhibit stress, and knowledge of the management options for various pest problems.

The IPM plan, with the supplemental maps and the monitoring sheets, not only helps golf course staff better understand their course’s individual pest challenges, but also helps to capture knowledge that a superintendent and employees may have accumulated from years of experience with that golf course. Through the implementation of an IPM plan, environmental stewardship is enhanced and less landscape chemicals reach local waterways. Additionally, some courses may experience time and cost savings through reduced chemical applications.

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Requirements To meet this River-Friendly baseline standard, develop and implement a site-specific dynamic IPM plan (or amend a current plan) that employs best management practices (BMPs) in controlling outdoor turf and plant pests and leads to healthier turf. In combination with the Soil and Landscape Vegetation Care plan (Standards Heading A), the IPM plan will help golf course staff maintain the aesthetics and playability of the turf and vegetation while working toward the goal of reducing landscape chemical applications. A specific chemical use reduction goal will be determined through site-specific actions if appropriate.

Golf course staff must submit a copy of the IPM plan, maps and monitoring sheets to satisfy this baseline standard. For recertification, the staff will be requested to provide example sheets each year.

SBMWA has an IPM plan template for golf courses that may be helpful, or the golf course staff may utilize their own IPM plan structure that meets their needs. The plan should include the following components:

6. IPM Plan Components:

Common pests: Describe the pests that are known to occur on the golf course, when they are anticipated to occur or under what conditions and the management options for each of them.

Pest hotspots: Include maps that identify known pest hotspots; these maps should be updated yearly. These maps help to predict when to anticipate pest problems and also help to identify where additional monitoring or preventative action should be taken.

Pest controls: List the various cultural, physical, biological and chemical controls for each pest. In the description of each management technique, include a brief description on the potential water quality impacts of that technique.

Pest thresholds: For each pest, list the threshold for action for each management area delineated and described for baseline standards A1 (site map) and A3 (maintenance levels), i.e. how much grub or other pest damage is tolerable in a 100 square foot area.

7. Monitoring sheets: Use IPM monitoring sheets to record scouting, instances of pest problems, the action(s)

taken and the result. Sample sheets are provided in the IPM plan template; the golf course staff may modify these sheets to meet their needs or use existing sheets that are similar. To meet this baseline standard, the golf course staff must provide one growing season of monitoring sheets. For recertification, the staff will be requested to provide example sheets each year.

Resources The following websites and texts provide justification for implementing an IPM plan as well as further guidance on how to develop a plan.

What is IPM? (Rutgers): http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS748

Integrated Pest Management Conservation Practice Standard (NRCS): http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1044470.pdf

IPM Leading to Holistic Plant Health Care for Turfgrass: A Practioner's Perspective (University of Minnesota): http://ipmworld.umn.edu/chapters/dinelli.htm

Follow the Water to Protect the Environment (Golfdom): http://www.golfdom-digital.com/golfdom/201110/#pg28

C) Snow Removal and De-icing Practices Intent A snow removal and de-icing plan will help to identify the physical and chemical snow removal practices used at the golf course. The long-term goal is to reduce the amount of salt, chlorides, and other de-icing materials that reach storm drains and then waterbodies during the winter season. The salinity of small streams and rivers, as well as the flora and fauna in and around these riparian ecosystems, can be affected by these materials.

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NOTE: This baseline standard may be not applicable for some courses, depending on how often the course is open during the winter and the priority level of clearing snow and ice. If the golf course is not open during the winter, a less detailed plan can be submitted. SBMWA will work with each the staff to determine what level of detail the plan should include.

Requirements Through the careful planning of snow removal and de-icing practices, chemical runoff through snow melt can be reduced while still maintaining a high level of safety for staff and visitors. By using alternative de-icers and implementing best management practices (BMPs) such as proper storage of chemicals, calibrating spreaders and applying the recommended rates/amount of de-icing materials, golf courses can more efficiently utilize their resources and protect water quality. A documented plan preserves institutional knowledge and may help to reduce de-icing material usage.

8. Develop and implement a written Snow Removal and De-icing Plan which includes:

Name(s), contact information of responsible parties; include contact information for contractors, if used;

General approach to snow and ice control operations (e.g., pre-wetting, pre-treating, abrasives, plowing, solution, etc.);

Treatment timing and sequence (prioritize which areas should receive treatments first, and in what order);

Anticipated equipment (shoveling, plow trucks, etc.) and staffing required;

Location where snow will be piled; when possible this area should be away from stream channels, wetlands, and high maintenance areas identified in the IPM plan.

Restrictions on parking or parking lot closures (low priority), if applicable;

Current chemicals used in which locations (e.g., on driveways, on sidewalks, near child care area, etc.);

Calibrate spreaders prior to each storm application. This ensures that the appropriate amount of snow-melt solids and liquids are applied, rather than too much or too little.

Ensure salt and other snow-melt chemicals are stored appropriately. Chemicals should be stored on a pad and covered with a roof or a temporary covering such as tarpaulin.

9. Track the amount of de-icing material used as a winter season total for each product. By tracking the amount of material used, staff can determine if any reductions can be made in any areas. This can also aid in ordering de-icing material for future winter seasons based on product performance. Notes about the severity of storms may be helpful (e.g., winter 2010-2011 had frequent (weekly) storms with snow accumulation and several significant snow events (10+ inches). Provide tracking sheets for at least one winter season to meet the baseline standard. Staff will be requested to provide example sheets each year for recertification.

Resources

Written Snow and Ice Control Plans (The Salt Institute): http://www.saltinstitute.org/content/download/452/2860

Spreader Calibration (The Salt Institute): http://www.saltinstitute.org/content/download/9657/62271

Salt Storage (The Salt Institute): http://www.saltinstitute.org/Uses-benefits/Winter-road-safety/Salt-storage

Salt and the Natural Environment (The Salt Institute): http://www.saltinstitute.org/Issues-in-focus/Road-salt/Road-salt-our-environment/Natural-environment

D) Stormwater Drainage Management Intent Golf course staff should know where stormwater and irrigation runoff goes, what best management practices (BMPs) are in place (some may be hidden underground), and how best to maintain those practices. The intent of these baseline

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standards is for the staff to be aware of how water drains from the golf course, the stormwater drainage system and associated BMPs on the golf course, and to document maintenance practices associated with stormwater management. The long-term goal is to ensure BMPs are implemented and maintained properly, and to improve infiltration and filtration of runoff. The goal of this standard is to infiltrate more water, to filter pollutants and reduce the volume and velocity of the runoff reaching storm drains and ultimately streams. In situations where golf courses rely on ponds as an irrigation water source, the focus may be on reducing pollutants entering the pond as opposed to reducing the volume.

Requirements In order to meet the stormwater drainage baseline standards, staff must provide a map of the course topography, irrigation and drainage system and components, develop a comprehensive written maintenance plan for structural stormwater BMPs, and prepare a narrative of other cultural water quality or quantity BMPs.

10. Develop a map of the stormwater drainage system based on the topography of the course. The location of irrigation heads, surface storm drains, manhole accesses, underground pipes, and any surface conveyance systems such as rooftop drains, swales or ditches, should be included. Mapping how stormwater flows, and which areas drain to which BMPs can help identify improvements to the BMP or to maintenance of the BMP. Any existing AutoCad drawings of the BMPs and/or topographic information should be incorporated into the digital map for enhanced accuracy.

11. Develop a comprehensive written maintenance plan for all structural stormwater BMPs, including detention/retention basins, manufactured treatment devices, etc. that includes:

A location map for all BMPs;

The names and contact information for all responsible parties, on and off site;

The schedule of inspection and tasks;

Mosquito control information;

The proper function of each BMP;

Indications of failure for each BMP;

The aesthetics for each BMP;

The appropriate equipment required for maintenance;

Preventative and corrective maintenance;

Cost estimates of maintenance;

Training of personnel required for upkeep and maintenance;

The number of personnel required for maintenance.

Tracking sheets for maintenance.

SBMWA can provide links to example maintenance plans if needed.

12. Describe other cultural stormwater quality or quantity best management practices. Example practices include, but are not limited to:

Maintenance of stormwater drainage swales,

Rinse water management (e.g., rinse water is recycled, treated, separated, etc.),

Catch basin cleaning to remove sediments and to ensure that runoff is safely conveyed to BMPs,

Street and parking lot sweeping to reduce sediment loads entering waterbodies,

Clearing culverts or bridges before and after significant storm events to ensure that these conveyances do not back up

Resources

New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual - Maintenance and Retrofit of Stormwater Management Measures (NJDEP): http://www.nj.gov/dep/stormwater/bmp_manual/NJ_SWBMP_8%20print.pdf

NJ Stormwater BMP Manual – All Chapters (NJDEP): http://www.nj.gov/dep/stormwater/bmp_manual2.htm

Stormwater in New Jersey (NJDEP): http://www.njstormwater.org/

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Urban Polluted Runoff (University of Wisconsin-Extension): http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/urban.pdf

Vehicle and Equipment Washing (US EPA – Good Housekeeping Practices): http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=browse&Rbutton=detail&bmp=132&minmeasure=6

Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (US EPA – Good Housekeeping Practices): http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=browse&Rbutton=detail&bmp=112&minmeasure=6

Storm Drain System Cleaning (US EPA – Good Housekeeping Practices): http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=browse&Rbutton=detail&bmp=102&minmeasure=6

Parking Lot and Street Cleaning (US EPA – Good Housekeeping Practices): http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=browse&Rbutton=detail&bmp=99&minmeasure=6

E) Water Conservation Intent Water conservation practices can reduce negative impacts to the environment and also save money. By evaluating outdoor (and indoor, if applicable) water usage, golf course staff can determine areas where water usage can be reduced, and educate employees and visitors about how they can reduce water usage at work and at home.

Requirements Develop and implement a written water conservation plan intended to identify and track water usage with the goal of reducing potable water consumption. Irrigation is the largest water use at most golf courses. Over-watering wastes money and can be counterproductive to establishing and maintaining vegetation. By reviewing the irrigation system and conducting regular checks of the irrigation system, staff can identify ways to conserve water.

NOTE: This plan is not legally binding. It is non-regulatory in nature and does not supersede or replace any existing allocation permits. It is intended to complement any existing permits or regulatory allocations previously established for the golf course.

13. Develop and implement a written Water Conservation Plan that includes:

Source of irrigation water and percentage (wells, surface water, ponds, etc.)

The names and contact information for all responsible parties, on and off site.

Usage levels for the different areas of the course; for example the greens, tees and fairways. Irrigation usage levels can reference the golf course map from baseline standard A1 and A3, if the two maintenance levels match.

Current and planned water conservation practices.

Information about historical annual peaks in water usage (e.g., what months are the highest for indoor and outdoor water usage, etc.).

Considerations and/or a plan for drought times, before any water restrictions are imposed (e.g., will the irrigation system continue as normal in periods of little to no rain, or will an adjustment be made in the watering schedule, etc.) and for the state drought requirements imposed on golf courses.

An employee and golfer awareness campaign about water use at the golf course and at home.

14. Develop a narrative for outdoor water usage which includes the following components/practices:

Irrigation schedule: water early in the morning to avoid evaporation loss. Watering late at night can lead to fungal growth and other turf problems.

Weather considerations: for example, do not water when heavy rain is predicted or on windy days.

Individual sprinkler head spray zones and angles: ensure that the irrigation system does not water sidewalks, driveways and other impervious surfaces or no-mow areas.

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Zone considerations based on drainage and topography: determine if some zones are better suited for more or less water or watered over a longer period of time. The drainage map created as part of Baseline Standard D10 will be helpful in identifying these areas.

Turn off irrigation heads in no-mow areas.

Consideration of hand-watering as a way to reduce use in appropriate areas.

Consideration of decreasing irrigation run times by 1-2 minutes to reduce water usage.

Calibrate irrigation pumps; this should be tracked on the irrigation monitoring forms.

Additional outdoor water use reduction actions.

Train golf course staff to identify the signs of a malfunctioning irrigation head or system.

15. Develop a monitoring program for the irrigation system. The monitoring program shall include maintenance checks of the irrigation system throughout the watering season. Provide at least one year’s worth of tracking sheets to meet the baseline standard. Staff will be asked to provide example sheets each year for recertification. The monitoring should include:

Monitoring the overall system to identify and address leaks and other repair needs in a timely manner.

Record regular (e.g. daily or weekly) observations that include usage and visual inspections and the response to any issues. Record the results on a chart that includes columns for usage and a comment section for visual inspection. A sample form is provided in the IPM template.

16. Many golf courses utilize ponds to collect rainwater for irrigation purposes. Review the potential for collecting rainwater in rain barrels or cisterns to use for irrigation or other water needs. Provide an overview of any current rainwater collection systems that exist at the golf course, potential alternative options and the feasibility of implementations. The overview should include the proposed use for the collected rainwater.

Resources

USGA – Water Conservation on Golf Courses: http://www.usga.org/course_care/articles/environment/water/Water-Conservation-on-Golf-Courses/

52 Ways to Conserve—Golf Course Tips (Water—Use It Wisely): http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/golf course-tips/

Efficient Turf Watering (URI Cooperative Extension): http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/waterturf.html

Water Efficient Landscaping (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/docs/water-efficient_landscaping_508.pdf

WaterSense (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/

Rutgers Cooperative Extension – Best Management Practices for Irrigating Golf Course Turf: http://www.njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=E278

F) Employee and Golfer Education & Outreach Programs Intent A River-Friendly Golf Course should be proud of the steps it has taken to be an environmental steward and a leader in the community. Through the River-Friendly Program, the golf course staff can show golfers and the surrounding community what steps they are taking to protect their watershed. In addition, by showcasing River-Friendly actions at the golf course, staff can educate golfers and the community about steps they can take to make their own properties River-Friendly.

Requirements The goal of these baseline standards is to spread the River-Friendly message to employees, visitors, and the community.

17. River-Friendly tips for golfers: Provide SBMWA’s “River-Friendly Resident Tips” brochure or equivalent brochure for display in the clubhouse or in the golf carts or other appropriate locations.

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18. River-Friendly information for employees: SBMWA staff will conduct a brief presentation or talk about a topic that is pertinent to golf course staff, including the intent underlying the River-Friendly Baseline Standards and actions, the reason for specific actions, technical information to assist staff in implementing actions or things employees can do at home to reduce nonpoint source pollution.

19. River-Friendly accomplishments: Communicate the River-Friendly accomplishments of the golf course staff with other golf courses and/or the community. This may be accomplished by presenting at a technical conference or meeting, by including an article in a trade or community newsletter or via other appropriate methods identified by the golf course staff and SBMWA.

G) Stream and Waterbody Assessment Intent Assess baseline conditions for any ponds or streams flowing through the golf course, which can lead to recommendations for improving riparian zones and water quality.

Requirements With the assistance of SBMWA staff, complete a Stream Visual Assessment (SVAP2) based on the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service’s SVAP2. SVAPs provide insight into stream health by looking at a variety of parameters including riparian quantity, riparian quality, vegetative cover, stream substrate, and macroinvertebrate life. Staff will use the SVAP2 to evaluate the stream on several parameters. Based on those results, SBMWA and golf course staff can make recommendations on ways to improve stream and riparian health for water quality and quantity.

20. Complete one Stream Visual Assessment with SBMWA staff. If two or more streams are on the golf course, additional SVAPs may be completed as site-specific actions.

21. Complete an overall assessment of stream and pond buffer conditions. The assessment should include the status of buffers along all waterways and any recommendations for improvement. For instance, identify areas with no understory or forest cover within 25 feet of the stream. The assessment should include recommendations for maintenance modifications within the buffer. For instance, areas within 25 feet of the stream should be considered minimal maintenance areas, within reason for special circumstances (e.g. playability, line of sight, existing parking lot, etc.). Ideally, minimal maintenance is no mow, no chemical applications, and no regular irrigation.

22. Complete a visual pond assessment of at least 50% of the ponds on the course. The assessment will include items such as buffers, visual water quality, the presence of aquatic plants and algae, visibility (Secchi disc), water source and outlet, bank conditions and presence of sediment.

Resources

Stream Visual Assessment Protocol Version 2 Handbook (NRCS): ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/ID/technical/svap.pdf

Introduction to Riparian Buffers (Connecticut River Joint Commissions): http://www.crjc.org/buffers/Introduction.pdf

Riparian Buffers (Riverkeepers): http://www.riverkeepers.org/pdf/riparian_buffers_fact_sheet.pdf

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Example Site-specific Actions Based on the current conditions of the site, the number of baseline standards met when joining the program, the golf course’s goals for environmental stewardship and the areas in need of improvement, SBMWA and the golf course staff will determine the appropriate number and type of site-specific actions to be completed. Examples of these actions are included below.

Water Quality Management Set a goal for a reduction in chemical use and implement practices to accomplish that goal. For example, set a

goal to reduce fertilizer use by 5% by correlating soil tests to applications. Another example would be to reduce pesticide use by 5% through the use of natural alternatives.

Identify an organic alternative to a chemical that is currently utilized at the golf course. Use the organic alternative for a season and document the results.

Install a rain garden or bioswale to infiltrate, evaporate and filter runoff from a rooftop, parking lot, or other impervious surface. Rain gardens are a shallow, landscaped depression that should not be placed in areas that remain wet. Visit http://www.raritanbasin.org/rain_garden.html for more information.

Implement a reduced-mow area that reduces the mowed lawn area by 10% or more. Reduced mow areas should be mowed once or twice per year to discourage woody plant growth.

Naturalize a detention basin through mowing schedule reductions or a native planting. This may involve the removal of low flow channels or soil amendments to increase infiltration.

Replace an existing impervious surface (asphalt or concrete) with pervious pavers/asphalt/concrete. This area should replace at least 100 square feet of pervious surface.

Create or enhance a stream buffer. This action, by nature, is site-specific, guided by the stream(s) on the property. The appropriate size of the buffer enhancement will be based on playability constraints, aesthetics and environmental benefit.

Use aerators in irrigation ponds to help maintain water quality.

Stabilize an eroded area identified in Baseline Standard 4G. SBMWA will work with golf course staff to establish an appropriate area.

Identify an alternative de-icing product and use it for at least one season. Document the results of this product versus the product that was previously used.

Water Conservation Install at least one rain barrel and use the water for irrigation.

Install a cistern to collect larger amounts of rainwater and use that water for irrigation. . At least 200 gallons should be collected.

Upgrade the irrigation system. Modern irrigation system controls can help to more accurately and precisely apply the proper amount of water based on temperature, weather, slope, evapotranspiration rates.

Increase use of soil moisture sensors and weather stations.

Establish a goal for reduced water usage and implement actions to achieve that goal. SBMWA will work with golf course staff to establish an appropriate goal, for instance to reduce irrigated area by 5%.

Wildlife and Habitat Enhancement Perform a wildlife inventory. This should be a living document that identifies what wildlife species were

observed and where they were observed on the golf course. This inventory can help guide future stewardship activities.

Install and monitor bird boxes and/or bat houses. At least 5 boxes should be installed to qualify for this action. Monitoring should consist of developing a map of box locations, a maintenance checklist, and regular monitoring every 2-3 months.

Develop an invasive species removal and maintenance plan. Implement at least one recommendation from this plan, following discussion with SBMWA. This plan should identify any invasive plant species on the golf course;

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list the best method(s) for removal; and identify a timeline for implementation. Include monitoring and maintenance. The New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team provides an invasive species removal service with a focus on emerging invasive species.

Create a garden that encourages native pollinators, such as butterflies using native, non-invasive plants. Develop a maintenance plan for long-term care of the garden.

Develop and implement a plan for goose management. This plan should include the implementation of management measures, including (but not limited to) nest and egg destruction, exclusion by vegetation, and deterrents such as cut-outs or border collies.

Expand no or reduced mow areas on the golf course. SBMWA and golf course staff will establish an appropriate percentage or acreage goal.

Education and Outreach Develop and install signage for River-Friendly projects. Signage provides golfers and other community members

with information regarding the actions a golf course is taking to be River-Friendly. At least one sign for a distinct action is required.

Conduct a stream clean-up at the golf course or a local waterway. Employees have an opportunity to participate and reduce trash in or potentially entering local waterways.

Create a River-Friendly component to the golf course’s website to inform golfers, employees, staff, visitors, and the general public of what the golf course is doing to be River-Friendly.

Install a weather information collecting device at the golf course. This data can be shared with the state climatologist.

Host an event at the golf course or create a component to an existing event to provide River-Friendly information to golfers and other visitors. SBMWA can participate in this event.