With ever increasing demands on our natural resources, people often look at golf courses as “consumers” of resources and not as “conservers” of resources.  Obviously it is correct to note that operating mowing and maintenance equipment and powered golf cars does consume resources.  So does the operation of electrics irrigation pumps and the application of plant growth products.  What is not so obvious are the benefits that golf courses provide in our rapidly changing urban environment.

            Here at Bridger Creek we are part of a surrounding residential development.  As such we are a detention area for runoff from adjoining streets, driveways, and sidewalks. The runoff we accept brings with it motor vehicle generated contaminants such as oil, gas, and diesel residues.  The runoff also brings particulate matter from local dust, construction related activity, and atmospheric depositions.  In every case as the contaminants enter the golf course, they are greeted by a wonderful filter called turf.  There is a reason why our friends in agriculture maintain grassy strips down the swales of fields prone to erosion; grass is a great stabilizer and filter.  In this way, our golf course acts to “conserve and protect” nearby water resources such as Bridger Creek and the East Gallatin River. 

            While the turf is busy absorbing the runoff and associated contaminants, it is simultaneously doing its part in exchanging CO2 while producing oxygen.  University research is presently under way to determine carbon dioxide exchange rates (CER) for various turf type under varying maintenance regimes.  Perhaps soon we will be able assemble the information necessary to estimate the carbon footprint of a golf course.  As the information becomes available, we expect that our role in “conserving and protecting” will be seen to extend to the atmosphere.

            While we continue to be “consumers” of resources in producing golfing conditions that our customers want, hopefully you, as a golfer and consumer, can help get the message out that there is another side to the story.  Hopefully you can help tell that we are here to “conserve and protect.”