Thinking about the environment is nothing new for most golf course superintendents, but a new program that will recognize courses that practice the judicious use of chemicals, monitor water quality and encourage wildlife has caught the attention of the media.

According to a story in The Oregonian by Catherine Trevison, the Northwest Golf Course Environmental Alliance was launched by group of superintendents from Oregon and Washington.

"The organization is intended to promote environmental accomplishment and to change the perception of golf courses as polluters," said David Phipps, one of the organizers and the superintendent of the Stone Creek Golf Club in Oregon City.

Trevison's story also includes comments from Clair Klock, conservation specialist for Clackamas County. Golf courses like Stone Creek follow a strong set of environmental practices such as having a wide buffer between the golf course and its streams, Klock said

By promoting strong environmental guidelines, the group wants to "dispel the belief that golf courses are polluting the environment. We're not. We're actually beneficial," Phipps said.

The alliance kicked off its new effort at the annual environmental committee meeting of the Northwest Turfgrass Association.

For more on the program, and the certification requirements that Phipps says are, "…going to put some teeth in this program, so when someone does achieve certification, it's going to mean something," visit http://www.oregonlive.com.