Snowmass Club Greens It Up

May 12th, 2008 at 01:32pm Post Staff 3

SNOWMASS, COLORADO (Post Time News)–The Snowmass Club has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. The Snowmass Club is the 30th course in Colorado and the 665th in the world to receive the honor.

“Our golf course was redesigned in 2003 to enhance its connection to the natural surroundings,” says course superintendent Alan Ogren. “The changes include development of a nature trail along Brush Creek, rehabilitation and building of wetlands and the significant increase in the use of natural roughs. Combine these improvements with the LEED-Silver certified golf clubhouse and we’ve created a course that strives to operate sustainably.” Ogren has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is also being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International.

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 Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. Audubon certified courses in the Aspen area also include Aspen Golf Course and the Maroon Creek Club.

  “To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explains Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. “The Snowmass Club Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. It is to be commended for its efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” says Sluiter. 

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, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acsp@auduboninternational.org, or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.

Entry Filed under: Snowmass, Resorts, Ski Business, Pitkin County, Outdoors, Environment, Health, United Post, Colorado, The West