Fall Creek Falls State Park Golf Course Recognized for Environmental Excellence
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 | 05:17am
PIKEVILLE, Tenn. – Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that Fall Creek Falls Golf Course has been designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by Audubon International. The course is the 10th in Tennessee and the third within the Tennessee State Parks system to receive this honor. Only 761 golf courses worldwide have been designated as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.
Billy Maxwell, PGA professional and golf course manager at Fall Creek Falls, and Wayne Belew, a golf course volunteer, led the effort to obtain sanctuary status at the course and have been recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. The environmental program they helped to initiate already has garnered positive results for both staff and golfers at Fall Creek Falls.
“Fall Creek Falls Golf Course joins the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay and Paris Landing’s golf course in achieving the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status,” Fyke said. “Billy Maxwell and his team have led a commendable effort and I am very proud of the staff’s dedication in achieving such a notable designation.”
To achieve Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, a golf course must demonstrate that it meets specific criteria in the areas of environmental planning; wildlife and habitat management; outreach and education; chemical use reduction and safety; water conservation; and water quality management.
“Achieving ‘Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary’ status has been a very rewarding process for the Fall Creek Falls Golf Course,” Maxwell said. “Golfers, guests and staff have a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of the golf course and better understand how our actions – both direct and indirect – impact wildlife, waterways and other aspects of the environment.”
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 achieved certification in the program.
For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International provides programs for businesses, schools, communities and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Road, Selkirk, New York 12158, call (518) 767-9051 or e-mail them at acsp@auduboninternational.org. Additional information also can be found on their Web site at www.auduboninternational.org.
Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free
1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.
1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.
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