Warriors’ Path State Park Golf Course Recognized for Environmental Excellence

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that Warriors’ Path State Park Golf Course has been designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by Audubon International. The course is the 11th in Tennessee and the fourth within the Tennessee State Parks system to receive this honor. Only 795 golf courses worldwide have been designated as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.

 

Mark Houser, golf course manager at Warriors’ Path and course superintendent David Cloud, led the effort to obtain sanctuary status at the course and have been recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. The environmental program they helped to initiate already has garnered positive results for both staff and golfers at Warriors’ Path.  

 

“Warriors’ Path joins Fall Creek Falls, the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay and Paris Landing’s golf course in achieving the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status,” Fyke said. “Mark Houser, David Cloud and their entire team have led a commendable effort to provide a sanctuary for wildlife and I am very proud of the staff’s dedication in achieving such a notable designation.”  

 

To achieve Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, a golf course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including environmental planning; wildlife and habitat management; outreach and education; chemical use reduction and safety; water conservation; and water quality management.

 

“Achieving ‘Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary’ status has been a very rewarding process for Warriors’ Path Golf Course,” Houser said. “Golfers, guests and staff have a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of the golf course and better understand how our actions – both direct and indirect – will positively impact wildlife, waterways and other aspects of the environment.”

 

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.  

 

For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International provides programs for businesses, schools, communities and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Road, Selkirk, New York 12158, call (518) 767-9051 or e-mail them at acsp@auduboninternational.org. Additional information also can be found on their Web site at www.auduboninternational.org.

 

Warriors’ Path State Park sits on 950 acres and was named for the park’s proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the Cherokee. The park is situated on the shores of TVA’s Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River. It features camping, hiking, fishing, golf, boating, biking, swimming, picnic facilities and horseback riding. 

 

Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free
1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.