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NEW ENGLAND BLADE: 
In March, a Task Group of hardworking sports turf professionals and academics led by Victoria Wallace at UConn, released a valuable new resource for our industry — Best Management Practices for the Sports Field Manager: A Professional Guide for Environmental Sports Field Management in New England.

This essential reference tool positions New England’s sports field managers as highly trained professionals who make decisions based on scientific fact and experience. Each chapter highlights sound agronomics and the steps involved with athletic field maintenance practices. There are also a series of local case studies on topics like water conservation, dealing with synthetic pesticide bans, fraise mowing for weed control, and more.

Additionally, a complementary webinar is offered to members at no cost. In the webinar Victoria Wallace provides an overview of the BMPs, including “Duty of Care in Sport” to underscore the importance of using this new resource. Viewers will learn how to use the tools and techniques found in the BMPs to document solid environmental practices when communicating with state officials, employers, organizations, and communities.

NESTMA’s BMPs for New England and case studies are available to current NESTMA members at no charge. Members are invited to visit NESTMA.org to download a digital copy. There are a limited number of printed copies available for $65 (includes shipping & handling). Please contact NESTMA to place your order.

“I have found that city and town officials, and some decision-makers, are willing to embrace IPM and BMPs. Having a BMP manual that is New England based, developed with solid science, and is peer-reviewed is invaluable.”

Jesse O’Brien, O’Brien Landscape Agronomy, Portland, ME

“I truly feel the BMP guide provides another tool in our toolbox. I recommend that all turf managers take advantage of this great resource.”

Richard Calarco, CSFM, L&C Park Consultants, Town of Hebron, CT (retired)

“The BMPs has been a guide for developing and implementing a cultural program to produce safe and beautiful playing surfaces for our athletes. Additionally, it has been the pillar for creating sustainable initiatives on campus.”

Tom Barry, CFSM, Greens Farms Academy, Westport, CT

In creating these guidelines, many experts contributed their expertise and provided input during the development process. NESTMA is grateful to the following people:

• Victoria Wallace, NESTMA BMP Task Group Chair, University of Connecticut
• Steve Alm, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island
• Ed Ball, Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire
• Tom Barry, CSFM, Greens Farms Academy, Connecticut
• Ryan Bjorn, Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts
• Mike Buras, CSFM, Longwood Cricket Club, Massachusetts
• Brendon Connor, College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts
• J. Scott Ebdon, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Arthur Goodhind, MCA, Town of Natick, Massachusetts
• Peter Gorman, Atlantic Golf and Turf, Massachusetts
• Jason Henderson, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
• Jason Lanier, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Patrick Maguire, RLA, LEED AP, Activitas, Inc., Massachusetts
• Jesse O’Brien, O’Brien Landscape and Agronomy, Maine
• Mary Owen, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Ben Polimer, Town of Weston, Massachusetts
• Alyssa Siegel-Miles, University of Connecticut