EPA Region 3 Smart Sector Program came to the Poconos on March 16. It is the first visit a Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the EPA held together since the MOU was announced in the Fall of 2022. Tim Whitman and Todd Lutte were able to present to about 35 members of the GCSAA Pocono Chapter. Tim and Todd presented on what they do with the EPA and what the Smart Sector Program can do for golf courses. It was an exciting event with a lot of engagement. Tim and Todd explained that the Smart Sector Program is in its early stages of golf management and it can be molded to what is best for golf courses and superintendents. In addition, Smart Sector is a tool for the superintendents. EPA is a support. They are able to create documents and images to use now and into the future. Also, the EPA has contacts and connections to help with many issues. One example, the EPA spoke about was waivers or when another entity needs to come in. The EPA is able start the process or to get a course on the right track. The superintendents got to ask specific questions about their courses. For example, a course was concerned about beavers and the dams they are creating on the waterway that goes through the course. EPA gave some ways they could guide and help the course. Another great topic of conversation was wells and creating irrigation ponds on courses.

Tim and Todd were great presenters. We got to learn about some of their field work and the work they have completed with other golf courses. The EPA can sound scary but the Smart Sector program is anything but. The program is here to help make golf courses better and to have a bright future. Check out the video of some of the presentation: pocono epa