Madera, CA - Riverbend Golf Club has retained its designations as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by Audubon International.  The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP) is an education and certification program that promotes ecologically-sound land management and the conservation of natural resources on established golf courses.  Participation is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts.  To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including:  Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation and Water Quality Management.

"Riverbend Gold Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program.  They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property, " sand Joellen Seh, Audubon International Program Manager.

Riverbend Golf Club is one of 40 courses in California and 567 courses in the world to receive this honor.  Golf courses from the United States, Australia, Canada, South America and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.  The golf course joined the ACSP in 1998 and was designated as a Certified Audubon Sanctuary in 2002.  After designation, courses go through a recertification process every tow years.

This year, the recertification process, coordinated by Michael Stieler, CGCS, Superintendent at Riverbend Golf Club, required a visit by a local community representative.  Mr. Daniel Applebee, an Environmental Scientist with the California Department of Fish and Game was given a tour of the course and sent his observations to Audubon International.  "Riverbend has shown that protection of natural resources can enhance the golfing experience," commented Applebee in his Site Visit Report.  "Choosing and outside agency to attend a site visit who eventually will play an important role in the entire project was a hit," added Stieler.

"We see the site visit as an important component of a course's recertification," stated Zeh.  "It provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course's environmental management activities.  I addition, it offers an opportunity for golf course representatives to share publicly some of the voluntary actions they have taken to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife and natural resources around them."

In addition to golf courses, the Audubon International also provides programs for schools, business communities and individuals.  For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA.  (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acss@auduboninternational.org or visit their web site at www.auduboninternational.com