Many groups, including the Audubon Society, have been critical of the golf industry for using harmful synthetic chemicals, suggesting a lack of sensitivity to the environment. The United States Golf Association and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America have helped to correct this problem. In addition, a splinter group of the Audubon Society, Audubon International, has developed a plan to promote golf course environmental protection. Baker Hill is demonstrating stewardship of the environment by actively pursuing certification in the six following areas of the plan:

• Resource inventory / Environmental Planning
Evaluate current management strategies, define goals and priorities, and outline objectives for achieving environmental quality. This category encompasses everything listed below.

• Wildlife & Habitat Management
This category encompasses the management of non-play areas to provide habitat for wildlife on the golf course. The intent is to maximize the use of the available space on the course to provide the best possible habitat.

• Integrated Pest Management
A comprehensive IPM program includes employing proper cultural and pest management practices; educating workers and members about responsible plant management and safety; and keeping a clean and professional maintenance complex.

• Water Conservation
Conservation management includes maximizing irrigation efficiency; determining proper irrigation; reducing irrigated acreage; re-capturing and re-using water; and incorporating drought tolerant plant species.

• Water Quality Management
This category includes Best Management Practices to eliminate nutrient loading and minimize water quality problems; pond stream and wetland management; proper equipment and chemical storage and handling; water quality monitoring to ensure good water quality in surface and ground water.

• Outreach and Education
Designed to help course personnel gain recognition and support for environmental practices, and increase golfer and public understanding of wildlife and environmental quality on the golf course, this category includes outreach and education. A resource advisory group is formed to involve local experts, increase community support, and ensure the long term success of environmental management practices.