The Bear Trace Golf Course at Harrison Bay 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. The course at Paris Landing State Park has also achieved this certification. Only 674 golf courses worldwide have been designated as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.
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. 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 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.