By Jonathan Webber
Conservation Campaign Manager
Published March 11, 2011
This article is from ĢAv Florida
. Find ĢAv near you here.
Legislation introduced in the Florida House and Senate last week proposes to site five golf courses by Jack Nicklaus in Florida State Parks. The preambles to the bills suggest Nicklaus’ previous courses were environmentally sensitive because they were endorsed by “ĢAv International.”
ĢAv International is an entity which is not related to the conservation organizations ĢAv of Florida, ĢAv or ĢAv chapters in Florida, commonly referred to as “ĢAv.” While some golf courses may work to reduce their “footprint” by limiting irrigation, limiting fertilizer use, and attempting to create habitat, ĢAv does not certify them.
Read on for details.
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY STATEMENT ON AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL
New York, NY, The ĢAv (ĢAv) was founded in 1905 for the purpose of conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife, and their habitats. ĢAv is supported by over 400,000 members with state offices, programs, and 500 chapters across the country.
ĢAv receives many calls and letters from people who have confused ĢAv with a different organization calling itself ĢAv International. Since its inception in 1991, ĢAv International, funded in part by the United States Golf Association, has been certifying golf courses that pay an annual membership fee as ĢAv Cooperative Sanctuaries. Similar fee-based certifications are available from ĢAv International to developers of cemeteries, municipal parks, campgrounds, resorts, stores, industrial facilities, marinas, residential communities and preparatory schools.
ĢAv is not associated with ĢAv International in any way. ĢAv does not certify golf courses, or any other development, as being environmentally sound. Indeed, ĢAv very often opposes such development. Furthermore, ĢAv sanctuaries are protected natural spaces for public enjoyment. No ĢAv sanctuary is certified for development.
We ask your cooperation and care in distinguishing between ĢAv and ĢAv International, and in clarifying that these various certification programs are not endorsed or supported by ĢAv.
