COZUMEL, Mexico -- Cozumel Country Club has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the educational division of Audubon International. Rob Lifsey, Superintendent, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Cozumel Country Club is the 1st course in
Mexico and the 590th in the world to receive the honor.

“Cozumel Country Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. Located in one of Mexico’s National Parks and home to hundreds of bird species, some of which are indigenous only to the island of Cozumel, Mr. Lifsey and the club’s staff are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Shawn Williams, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. “

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Williams. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

“As the Golf Course Superintendent at Cozumel Country Club I want to say that it is great to have the opportunity to live and work on Cozumel Island,” states Superintendent, Rob Lifsey. “It has been a rewarding and educational experience to achieve and document an environmentally sound golf course maintenance program. We are honored to have our golf course designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

It is pretty awesome to discover the many species of flora and fauna found here on the island. After this experience, I am even more dedicated to the cause of helping keep the environment safe for the wildlife and native plants; while operating a quality golf facility in such a way as to have the two goals combine and complement one another.”

“I want to thank our resident biologist, Rafael Chacon, for his invaluable help in this endeavor; he inventoried the flora and fauna on the golf course and is an integral part of this achievement. Rafael is spearheading the Outreach and Education program to educate islanders and visitors about the plants, animals, and environmental issues unique to Cozumel Island,” Lifsey goes on to say. “Thanks also to Shawn Williams for his guidance and assistance which helped me greatly in completing the process."

Audubon International
Headquarters
46 Rarick Road
Selkirk, NY 12158
Phone: 518-767-9051
Fax: 518-767-9076
www.auduboninternational.org

Audubon Cooperative
Sanctuary Programs
46 Rarick Road
Selkirk, NY 12158
Phone: 518-767-9051
Fax: 518-767-9076

Audubon Signature
Programs
230 Second Street, Suite 311
Henderson, KY 42420
Phone: 270-869-9419
Fax: 270-869-9956

Audubon Society of
New York State
46 Rarick Road
Selkirk , NY 12158
Phone: 518-767-9051
Fax: 518-767-9076

Environmental
Planning Department
P.O. Box 1226
Cary, NC 27512
Phone: 919-380-9640
Fax: 919- 380-7415

Audubon International is a not-for-profit environmental education organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. By helping people make sound environmental decisions and actions, and building from individual to organizational, and eventually, community-wide involvement, Audubon International seeks to foster more sustainable human and natural communities. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs were created to provide information and guidance to help people preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources where they live, work, and play.
Currently, Audubon International has program members throughout the United States, and in over twodozen countries.

For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158,
USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acss@auduboninternational.org, or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.
# # # #

Contact: Shawn Williams, Staff Ecologist (518) 767-9051 ext. 22