It has forever been part of our Northwest culture to be protective of our magnificent environment and rightfully so. Many of us choose to live in this part of North America largely because of the beauty and the abundance of outdoor activities this little corner of God's green earth affords us. I would also argue that the game of golf, golf courses, and the good work of golf course superintendents are certainly contribute positively to our culture, environment and ultimately the quality of life we enjoy in the Northwest.

Consider the following facts about the environmental benefits of golf courses:

- They are community green spaces that provide recreational opportunities and enhance wildlife habitats
- They are "air conditioners" that produce vast amounts of oxygen while cleansing the air of pollution and cooling the atmosphere
- Healthy turf grass on golf courses is an excellent filter that traps and holds pollutants in place that are often the result of residential and industrial runoff
- They offer excellent alternatives for reclaiming environmentally damaged sites. For example, the Coeur d' Alene Resort GC in Idaho and the Old Works GC in Anaconda Mont., were old mining sites and the Golf Club at Newcastle in the Seattle area sits atop an former landfill. Aren't these magnificent facilities environmental improvements?
- They are vital businesses that contribute substantially to communities through employment, taxes, property value improvement and enormous charitable support.

Unfortunately, current public perception, including among many golfers, also sees the typical golf course superintendent as more like the Bill Murray character in the movie Caddieshack than the well-educated and conscientious keeper of the turf that is reality. Many are surprised to learn that most of today's golf course superintendents have college degrees and substantial continuing education. Most are also not aware that golf course superintendents are the nation's leading practitioners of pest management, a philosophy that reduces the potential environmental risk of pesticide use. When you stop and really think about it and consider the many responsibilities of golf course superintendents, they really are the "ultimate environmentalists."

Let me conclude by saying that if a business, homeowner or golf course superintendent is acting irresponsibly and polluting our environment, then swift and stern action is required in order to protect our natural Northwest treasures. No free passes for abusers here. However, the facts show that the game of golf, golf courses and golf course superintendents are far and away positive contributors to our communities and our Northwest environment. It is time we as golfers begin to tell this side of the story.

(Note: Much of the above listed factual information was obtained from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, which headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas. For more information about the GCSAA, visit their web site at www.gcsaa.org.