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Response to the North Kitsap Herald regarding water quality on golf courses.
March 13, 2007
By Heather Hansen

The February 28 article about the golf course at the White Horse development missed that mark. The comments about golf courses contaminating water reflect fears not born out by data. In fact, water monitoring is conducted on numerous golf courses in Washington State. In every case, streams are cleaner when they leave the course than when they enter. Golf course superintendents are professionals, highly trained in turf management. They analyze the soil to determine exactly what nutrients and disease control products to apply and the proper time and rates of application. Many golf courses have salmon bearing streams running through them. Several have installed incubators in their streams to help restore native salmon runs.

Many golf courses in Washington are certified through the Audubon wildlife sanctuary program. These courses meet a strict set of criteria for water monitoring and other habitat enhancements.

If those who are concerned would work with the golf course to understand their management system and learn how they can work together to improve both water quality and salmon habitat, all would benefit. Throwing stones at a project you do not understand benefits no one.

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