[GreenYes] AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL AWARDS BARONA CREEK GOLF

[RicAnthony@aol.com]

AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL AWARDS BARONA CREEK GOLF CLUB PRESTIGIOUS BRONZE SIGNATURE SANCTUARY CERTIFICATION   
04/05/2002 - SAN DIEGO CA

Barona Creek is the First Course in Southern California to Earn Distinction

Audubon International has awarded Barona Creek Golf Club the prestigious Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification for its conservation, environmental quality, and land management efforts in developing the golf course. The award is the third achieved by Barona Creek Golf Club in recent weeks including its recognition as one of Golf Magazine’s “Top 10 New Golf Courses in the Nation” and rating as the #4 golf course in California by Golfweek Magazine. 
"Throughout the planning and development stages of the golf course, we were dedicated to conserving the beauty and environmental balance of our land,” said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "Our partnership with Audubon International in developing our Natural Resource Management Plan and our Bronze Signature Sanctuary status guarantees the sustainability of the golf course and surrounding land for generations.” 

LaChappa added, “We’d also like to thank and recognize Superintendent Sandy Clark for his expertise and dedication to the seeing this project through to completion.”

In order to be eligible for certification as a Bronze Signature Sanctuary, the landowner or developer must successfully complete and implement a Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) to Audubon International’s specifications. Prior to approval, Audubon representatives conduct several site inspections during the construction of the project, as well as an on-site environmental audit once the project is completed. More than simply a one-time award, the Audubon Signature Program is maintained throughout the project’s lifespan. Periodic reports and site audits are required to retain the designation.

"It has been a pleasure for Audubon International to work with the Barona Band of Mission Indians on the Barona Creek Golf Club project,” said Nancy Richardson, Audubon International Signature Program Director. 

“We started the Signature Program to recognize people who embrace the concept of environmentally sustainable development and who balance the needs of people with the protection of the environment. This is the first such honor we have bestowed on a golf course in Southern California. It is a testament to the commitment of the Barona Band of Mission Indians to protect and preserve our precious natural resources while providing facilities that people want and need."

The Audubon Signature Program includes comprehensive planning and educational services to help new developments protect on- and off-site natural resources. Audubon International representatives work in partnership with planners, architects, managers, and key stakeholders, to develop the NRMP to ensure biodiversity conservation, environmental quality, and sustainable management are built into the project and continue after construction is completed. The NRMP addresses issues including, site assessment, wildlife habitat enhancement and management, waste management, energy efficiency, water quality and conservation, and integrated pest management. 


Barona Creek Golf Club is a par 72 course that is 7,088 yards with nearly 100 multi-fingered bunkers and a series of lakes and ponds that are connected to the area's naturally fed streams. The golf course also has more than 170 mature native oak trees transplanted from other regions of the Barona Indian Reservation. Making use of the subtly undulating terrain, prominent rock outcroppings and gentle elevation changes preserve the land’s unique characteristics. The combination of both natural and strategic elements of the design make Barona Creek Golf Club one of the most challenging and thought provoking golf courses in San Diego. 
Barona Creek Golf Club is a centerpiece of Barona's current $260 million expansion project which will include a new 315,000 square foot casino, 400 room resort hotel, wedding chapel and events center. The Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino is scheduled for completion in 2003. 

Barona Creek Golf Club is located at 1000 Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside, just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego. To schedule a tee time please call (619) 387-7018. Additional course information is also available at www.barona.com

To learn more about the Audubon International Signature Program, contact Nancy Richardson at (270) 869-9419; e-mail at nrichardson@audubonintl.org; or write to Audubon Signature Program, 230 Second Street, Suite 311, Henderson, KY
42420-3145. 

    
    



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