WATERSHED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS FOR
YOUR GOLF COURSE
Debra S. Swartz, Environmental Specialist
Perry, MI
Stuart Z. Cohen, Ph.D., CGWP
Wheaton, MD
WATER PROTECTION POLICY
for the (insert golf course name)
Purpose of the Policy
This policy demonstrates (insert golf course name)’s commitment to the protection of water
resources. Practices identified within this policy support management of this golf course that
are protective of surface water, ground water and habitat. These practices also help to
prevent pollution, soil erosion and sedimentation in the (insert name) watershed.
Commitment & Protective Practices
(Insert golf course name) is committed to proactive watershed management and has
implemented the following practices and/or procedures on the property:
(Select topics that apply and/or draft additional concepts that apply to your property)
 Proper storm water and other water related permits are obtained from the regulating
authority as required by law. [This mostly applies to construction activities and,
rarely, to the Clean Water Act’s Pesticide General Permit.]
 All applicable local water ordinances are followed.
 Buffer zones and low maintenance areas are established and expanded throughout
the course as feasible.
 A (insert number)-foot no-application zone is observed when applying all pesticides
and fertilizers near water bodies using non-handheld equipment.
 All pesticide and fertilizer applications are made by hand within (insert number) feet
of a water body.
 No pesticides or fertilizers are applied within (insert number) feet of a water body.
 Water quality stream monitoring is conducted (insert time frame e.g., quarterly,
biannually, annually) to verify stream health and ensure that water leaving the
course is of equal or better quality than when it enters the course.
 Stormwater conveyance and detention facilities are properly maintained.
 Environmentally preferred products are routinely evaluated for water protection
purposes and selected when feasible.
 All pesticide mixing and loading is conducted on a mix/load pad.
 Pesticide and fertilizer application equipment is routinely calibrated.
 Pesticides and fertilizers are stored in contained areas that are protective of the
environment.
 Storm drains at the maintenance facility near the fuel tanks are covered prior to
fueling equipment and during fuel delivery.
 Grass clippings are not disposed of in or adjacent to any water body.
 Proactive stormwater management features are incorporated into the early stages of
site planning and design for any new construction or renovation on the property.
 Green infrastructure/low impact development techniques are examined and used
when feasible.
 Employees routinely participate in emergency response training and spill drills.
 Other:
 Other:
Additionally, (insert golf course name) is committed to:
 Work with local watershed agencies and organizations to help advance mutual
goals.
 Host (insert number) events per year to involve members of the community and raise
awareness of what we are doing on the course to protect water resources.
 Review this policy and protective practices (insert time frame i.e. annually,
biannually) with management and staff and revise based on their suggestions and
recommendations for improvement.
In the event that (insert golf course name) drains to a water body that is classified as
“impaired” pursuant to section 303(d) of the CWA and is subject to a TMDL: (insert golf
course name)’s following practices work toward helping attain the TMDL goals.
 ...
 ...
 ...
Signatures:
_______________________________________
Golf Course Superintendent
_______________________________________
Golf Course Owner/Golf Course Manager
_______________________________________
Green Committee Chair
_______________________________________
Golf Course General Manager
_______________________________________
Watershed Agency/City Manager/Township or County Official
Date: __________________________________