Rod Nelson, Superintendent

Wetland areas on Hole #13

Camas Meadows Golf Club is an 18 hole, public golf course located in Camas, Washington. Mature fir and oak trees line the fairway of the first hole giving the impression that the golf course has been in existence for many years. The presence of mature trees adjacent to fairways continues throughout the golf course course, giving the golfer a feeling of solitude during the golfing experience. Although the golf course has a stately personality, the golf course has only been open since May of 2000.

In addition to the mature woodland areas, the site also includes over one hundred acres of pristine wetlands, a stream that flows through the golf course, and a large meadow that contains a plant (Lomatium Bradshaw) that is listed as an endangered species. The abundant natural resources of the site presented numerous challenges during the design and construction of the golf course.

Highly coordinated design and construction techniques were used to preserve environmentally sensitive areas, which are present on every hole of the golf course. The routing of many of the golf holes was changed following the recognition that the original design did not fully anticipate the extent of fragile environments located on the site. The design of two holes was radically altered in order to maintain a buffer zone between the golf course and the plant Lomatium Bradshaw, an endangered species that is found in only two locations in Southwest Washington. Numerous additional changes were implemented in order to protect native wetlands, including the relocation of tee boxes and revising the landing areas for some holes.

In conjunction with designing the golf course to optimize environmental protection, significant resources were committed to protecting environmentally sensitive areas during the construction process. Installation of concrete cart paths presented a major construction challenge. Allowing concrete trucks access to delivery points, often near or in wetland areas, would cause significant damage to these areas. As a result, in many instances concrete was delivered by helicopter, which represented a significant, additional construction expense.

Nutrient control ponds, which detain and treat drainage exiting highly maintained turf areas, were also engineered and incorporated into the golf course design. These ponds improve water quality prior to its entry into adjacent creeks or wetlands. Finally, water quality of the site is further protected during equipment maintenance operations by the use of a biological equipment cleaning system, which uses microbial degradation of hydrocarbons and other chemicals present in water used to rinse equipment

Using the principles set forth in the OGCSA’s Environmental Guidelines, water samples are tested on a semi-annual basis for the presence of pesticides and nutrients. Several of the nutrient control ponds are tested, and Dwyer Creek, a year-around creek that empties into Lacamas Lake, is also tested. Lacamas Lake is a popular recreational lake, which has a history of excessive phosphorous levels. This testing provides a level of security in knowing that the products which are being used to maintain this extremely sensitive site, are not compromising the quality of water in the local watershed.

The overall result of strategy designed to optimize the harmony of the golf course with sensitive environmental areas has created the opportunity for a rewarding golfing experience while surrounded by nature.

If you would like further information about the development of Camas Meadows Golf Club, please contact Rod Nelson, Superintendent at (360) 833-1355 or by e-mail at camasrod@aol.com