LOUISVILLE, KY – Charlie Vettiner Golf Course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Kirk Dolan, Course Superintendent, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Charlie Vettiner Golf Course is the 6th course in Kentucky and the 709th in the world to
receive the honor.
"Charlie Vettiner Golf Course 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.
"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Sluiter. These categories include: Environmental
Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
"We are very excited to achieve this certification. This has been an ongoing project for the golf course for the last two years. Our initial goal was to complete certification and provided better playing condition for our customers. We have completed this goal, and in doing so, made the surrounding environment more safe and friendly to our local habitat and wildlife," explains Dolan. "I feel that this
is great achievement for Charlie Vettiner Golf Course and the Louisville Metro Parks Department."
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.
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