ACSP Reports Chemical Use Down

Use of Best Management Practices and IPM programs reduces chemical use and increases healthy spaces.

New members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for golf courses received a copy of Environmental Guide to Stewardship on Golf Courses including information on Integrated Pest Management projects and strategies, Best Management Practices and implementing IPM programs from the EPA?EUR??,,????'???s pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. They, and an additional 2100 ACSP members were subsequently sent a survey requesting information about the range of environmental activities on their properties specifically regarding changes in their pesticide use. The results showed a very high reduction in their use of chemicals.

• 86% had reduced pesticide and chemical use;
• 92% were using pesticides with a lower toxicity level;
• 90% had decreased chemical use by increasing cultural control methods.
• 66% had reduced fertilizer use;
• 84% had increased percentage of slow-release fertilizers;
• 78% had increased the use of natural organic fertilizers.