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| IGM Staff building bird houses at community event |
International
Golf Maintenance (IGM) is committed to the continuous enhancement of the
environment, conserving natural resources and protecting precious wildlife
habitat. We are leaders in environmental performance through stewardship,
education, employee involvement and the utilization of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) as well as sound Best Management Practices (BMP). We are
committed to providing high quality services in a manner that ensures a safe
and healthy workplace for our employees and minimizes our potential impact on
the environment.
We
recognize that economic development needs to be compatible with human welfare
and a healthy environment. To ignore this is to risk increasing social,
environmental and financial costs. Our role in managing and reducing
environmental risk is one we take seriously and we regularly work in
conjunction with governmental agencies, organizations and individuals to ensure
our goals are achieved. We are committed to work together with all of those who
share our commitment and endeavor to identify realistic, sustainable solutions
to the challenges facing the golf industry.
IGM’s
initiatives vary widely from property to property. Here are some highlights:
-
Water-use
reduction
o
computerized
scheduling
o
usage
of a percent of evapo-transpiration
o
low-water
use plantings
o
inspecting
the system regularly and repairing leaks immediately
o
usage
of reclaimed water where available
o
stopping
irrigation cycles during or after rain events
o
small-scale
watering of localized dry spots
o
watering
deep and infrequently to encourage efficient root uptake by the plant
o
usage
of cycle-soak irrigation to limit runoff
o
usage
of variable frequency drive motors at the pumping stations
o
applying
wetting agents to distribute water evenly through the soil profile
o
limiting
irrigation cycles during high-wind periods
o
usage
of moisture meters on surfaces in an effort to apply only the amount
needed
o
adjusting
individual sprinklers to limit water being thrown into desert areas or on
hardscapes
o
leveling
and raising irrigation heads to ensure peak performance and distribution uniformity
o
replacing
worn or inefficient parts with new
-
Encourage
turf and plant health by providing only what is needed in the form of
fertilizers rather than blanket applications
-
Encourage
turf health by using bio-stimulants which encourage the plant to maximize its
natural physiological responses
-
Turf
provides a filter for runoff and absorbs heat rather than reflecting
-
Use
of Integrated Pest Management and in the event of chemical application low-use
rate products
-
Avoid
use of hazardous materials whenever possible
-
Encourage
walking on the course by preventing cart traffic in sensitive areas
-
Recycling
of aluminum and green-waste where possible
-
Use
of hybrid mower technology
-
Use
of Tier 4 compliant equipment
-
Planting
perennial plants rather than annuals as much as possible
-
Communicating
with patrons on our efforts
Our
efforts are collaborative with our clients and represent our desire to go above
and beyond standard maintenance practices to get results - this results in
sustainability.
