Ballyneal Golf Club recognized for environmental excellence

Ballyneal Golf Club has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Dave Hensley, Course Superintendent, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Ballyneal Golf Club is the 34th course in Colorado and the 790th in the world to receive the honor.

“Ballyneal Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Sluiter. These categories include: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.

“It has been an honor and a duty in becoming certified that our entire staff has taken pride in,” said Hensley. “We look forward to continuing our efforts in keeping Ballyneal and its surrounding environment in its natural state by enhancing and preserving the natural plant and wildlife communities.”

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org.

In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International at 518-767-9051, e-mail them at acsp@auduboninternational.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.