Tennessee Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that the Bear Trace Golf Course at Harrison Bay State Park near Chattanooga has been designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by Audubon International.
The course is the seventh in Tennessee and the second within the Tennessee State Parks system to receive this honor. Only 674 golf courses worldwide have been designated as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.
“I am very glad that the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay has joined Paris Landing to become the second course on the Tennessee Golf Trail to achieve certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status,” Fyke said. “Improving natural habitat around the course has not only helped our surrounding environment, but also provided a more enjoyable experience for golfers and state park visitors.”
Paul L. Carter, course superintendent, led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and has been recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. The environmental program he helped to initiate already has garnered positive results for both staff and golfers at the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay.
“Achieving ‘Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary’ status has been a very rewarding process for the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay,” Carter said. “Members, guests and staff have a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of the golf course and better understand how our actions - both direct and indirect - impact wildlife, waterways and other aspects of the environment.”
To achieve Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, a golf course must demonstrate that it meets specific criteria in the areas of environmental planning; wildlife and habitat management; outreach and education; chemical use reduction and safety; water conservation; and water quality management.
“The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which is endorsed by the U.S. Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses throughout North and Central America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia have achieved certification through this program.
Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free 1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.