Behind the beauty of Colorado’s golf courses lies a deep commitment to environmental protection. One of the most critical areas of responsibility for superintendents is the safe storage, handling, and application of pesticides. That’s why the Colorado golf industry has adopted clear Best Management Practices (BMPs) for pesticide management - developed through science, refined through experience, and implemented with purpose.
These BMPs help ensure pesticides are used responsibly, stored securely, and handled with care, all while maintaining high-quality playing conditions.
Proper pesticide storage is the foundation of responsible use. Golf course superintendents in Colorado follow strict storage practices to protect people and the environment. Storage facilities must be secure, ventilated, temperature-controlled, and located away from flood-prone areas or water bodies.
Facilities must be locked, clearly labeled, and designed with spill containment features, such as impermeable flooring and secondary containment trays. These safeguards prevent leaks from reaching soil or groundwater, and they help workers respond quickly in case of a spill. Signs with emergency numbers are posted prominently, and safety data sheets (SDS) are easily accessible.
All pesticides used must be registered and applied strictly according to label recommendations, the label is the law. Colorado BMPs support equipment calibration to ensure the right amount of product is applied - no more, no less.
Superintendents also scout for pests regularly and use threshold-based decision-making. This means pesticides are used only when necessary and only in target areas, often supplemented with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies including alternate solutions such as aeration, over-seeding, or biological controls.
Mixing areas are set up over containment pads with easy-to-clean surfaces and equipment that minimizes splashing and aerosol drift. Empty containers are triple-rinsed and disposed of through registered recycling programs.
Those who apply pesticides must be properly trained and certified in Colorado. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential and includes gloves, goggles, coveralls, and respirators depending on the product. BMPs call for PPE to be stored separately from pesticides and washed or replaced frequently. Emergency eye-wash stations, spill kits, and first-aid supplies are kept in every storage and mixing area.
By following these measures, golf course employees protect their health and reduce the risk of exposure to others.
Education is an ongoing process; superintendents and their teams engage in training about the latest in pesticide safety and application techniques. This investment in knowledge pays dividends with a well-informed staff that executes duties with an eye toward sustainability.
Golfers often comment on the pristine conditions of fairways and greens, but many don’t realize the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into managing those surfaces safely and sustainably. At a time when water quality and biodiversity are top concerns, Colorado’s golf industry continues to step up with transparency and care to preserve clean water, safeguards wildlife, and provide a healthy, enjoyable experience for players.