PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
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GOLF COURSE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP)
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
On April 18, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners requested a presentation on how golf courses are affecting water quality. Staff will present information regarding the request and three experts in the golf industry will provide information on BMPs regarding stormwater management design, fertilization, irrigation, and construction methods that impact water quality and the environment.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: John Maehl
Title: Ecosystems Restoration and Management Division Manager
REQUESTED BY: Board of County Commissioners
PRESET: 10:15 AM
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
Martin County (County) is uniquely sensitive to water quality concerns and watershed management issues. The County enjoys significant surface water resources including St. Lucie River and Estuary, Indian River Lagoon and the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River. These are unique and highly diverse bodies of water with national significance. Urbanization, excessive freshwater releases, degradation of water quality, contaminant loading, loss of habitat, decline of fisheries, and emerging diseases in marine mammals are increasingly important issues to the County.
The County has taken significant steps and invested taxpayer resources to restore and protect these sensitive ecosystems. Therefore, land use is an area of significant interest for how it impacts watersheds.
There has been an increasing interest in golf course development in the County. This generates a particular interest in modern golf course design, BMP certification, and operational practices.
The following three experts will present information on BMPs:
Dr. Bryan Unruh from the University of Florida
• Principal author of Florida’s Golf Course BMPs codified in law for golf course certification, effective July 1, 2022
• Oversees team that administers Golf Course BMP Certification
• Oversaw successful establishment of BMPs in all 50 states
Mike Davis, past CEO of the United States Golf Association
Thomas Barrett, Director of Agronomy, McArthur Golf Club
The presentation will be added as a Supplemental Memorandum.
ISSUES:
None
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
None.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Receive presentation.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☐Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.