Portland area superintendent receives environmental certification

February 29, 2008

Charles A. Wolsborn, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent at Gresham Golf Course, Gresham, Ore., has earned an environmental management specialist certificate from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for completing a specialization program in Employee Safety and Right-to-Know.

GCSAA is addressing the environmental impact of golf course management and the increasingly complex training needs of golf course superintendents by offering specialized training through its Environmental Management Program (EMP). GCSAA’s EMP consists of six specialized certification programs: Integrated Pest Management; Habitat Development and Management; Employee Safety and Right-To-Know; Water Quality and Application; Golf Course Development; and Storage, Disposal and Recycling.

The Employee Safety and Right-To-Know specialization focuses on the responsibility to properly inform and train employees.  It covers the standards required by regulatory agencies for safety in the workplace, community right-to-know and emergency response. Wolsborn has previously earned EMP specializations in Integrated Pest Management and Storage, Disposal and Recycling.

Golf course superintendents may choose to complete one or more of the EMP specializations, each of which is composed of a series of relevant continuing education seminars. The program is open to all golf course management professionals seeking further environmental training and expertise.

The superintendent who successfully completes the required coursework in a specialization receives a certificate and special recognition from GCSAA. In addition, the superintendent who earns this valuable credential demonstrates a personal commitment to preserve and protect the environment.

Since its inception in 1993, more than 160 participants have completed nearly 350 specializations. Over 30 participants have completed the entire program and more than half have completed at least two specialization areas.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization, which has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. For more information, contact Wolsborn at 503-665-3352 or cwolsborn@comcast.net.