The Bear Trace at Tims Ford State Park Recognized for Environmental Excellence by Audubon International

WINCHESTER, Tenn. – Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau announced the Bear Trace at Tims Ford State Park was recently recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. The course is the 13th in Tennessee and the sixth within the Tennessee State Parks system to receive this honor. Approximately 850 golf courses worldwide have been designated as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. 

 

Golf Course Superintendent Chad Garrett led the effort to obtain sanctuary status and has been recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. The environmental program he helped initiate already has garnered positive results for both staff and golfers at Tims Ford State Park. 

 

“The Bear Trace at Tims Ford joins Cumberland Mountain’s Bear Trace, Warriors’ Path, Fall Creek Falls, the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay and Paris Landing’s golf course in achieving the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status,” Martineau said. “Chad Garrett and the entire team have led a commendable effort to provide a sanctuary for wildlife and I am proud of the staff’s dedication in achieving such a notable designation.” 

 

To achieve Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, a golf course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including environmental planning; wildlife and habitat management; outreach and education; chemical use reduction and safety; water conservation; and water quality management.

 

“Being recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary has been very rewarding,” Garrett 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 – will positively 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. 

 

Tims Ford State Park, located on the Tims Ford Reservoir in the rolling hills of southern Middle Tennessee, is an outstanding recreational area and fishing paradise. The Bear Trace at Tims Ford is an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course featuring a blend of links-style holes that gently roll across former pastureland, then gradually transition to wooded sites dominated by giant oak trees. The “back nine” presents a stronger test of each golfer's mettle and culminates with the 18th hole – a 453-yard, par four with traditional Nicklaus bunkers and the deep-water shoreline of Tims Ford. In all, the Bear Trace at Tims Ford provides an excellent balance of challenge and playability. Additional information about the Bear Trace at Tims Ford and the entire Tennessee Golf Trail can be found at http://www.tngolftrail.net/.

 

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 about Tims Ford State Park call, please call (931) 962-1183 or visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.

 

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