Audubon Signature Program
The Audubon Signature Program provides comprehensive environmental planning assistance to new developments.  The program helps landowners and developers design for the environment so that both economic and environmental objectives are achieved.  Once construction is complete, involvement in an Audubon Signature Program ensures that managers apply sustainable resource management practices in the long-term stewardship of the property.

Designing for the environment...

Audubon Signature Program
The program begins when the development project registers, and continues through construction, grand opening, and long-term management.  Program fees start at $9,500; additional expenses vary among projects. Audubon Signature services and requirements also vary depending on the program level. The program involves:

• An initial site assessment.
• The development of a Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) that serves as a construction and operations manual for the property. 
• Implementation of the Natural Resource Management Plan.
• Site visits during major phases of the project.
• Training and education for construction and operational personnel as well as consulting staff.
• An on-site Environmental Audit to assess compliance with program and site-specific requirements.
• Long-term management in accordance with Audubon Signature standards.

Program members must meet a set of Requirements for certification, and can earn Credits for environmental actions taken, through all phases: Site Selection, Design and Planning, Construction, and Management. A summary of program certification criteria is available upon request from Nancy Richardson, Director of the Audubon Signature Program.

The program is based on implementing the Principles For Sustainable Resource Management through the design, construction, and long-term management of a new land development. A project that meets the minimum requirements is designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Signature Sanctuary. Levels of certification—Gold,Silver, or Bronze—are determined based on meeting pre-determined "credits" in the program that go above and beyond the requirements for certification.

Make the environment part of your plan.
 

The Natural Resource Management Plan
The Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) is a comprehensive guidance document that guides the development and long-term management of Audubon Signature projects.  It assesses natural resources and environmental impacts associated with the development and provides strategies for addressing natural resource issues.

What is included in the NRMP?
The NRMP is based on the Audubon Principles for Sustainable Resource Management and includes the assessment of and plans for:

1. Wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement
2. Waste reduction and management
3. Energy efficiency
4. Water conservation
5. Water quality management and monitoring
6. Integrated pest management

Who prepares the NRMP?
Program members use qualified individuals or organizations to prepare the Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP). Upon its completion, the NRMP is submitted to Audubon International for review and approval.

How is the NRMP used?
The project development team is responsible for implementing the recommendations and best management practices outlined in the NRMP.  The NRMP offers guidance not only during planning, construction, and development, but continues to guide the management of the property once development is complete.  Periodic updates to the NRMP may need to be made to address changing environmental conditions or accommodate new management practices. 

Audubon International staff conducts an on-site environmental audit of the project upon its completion to ensure that the NRMP has been implemented satisfactorily.  If so, the project earns the designation of Certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary.  To retain certification, the project must continue to follow the NRMP, submit annual reports and any appropriate documentation regarding environmental issues, host periodic re-certification site visits, and maintain current membership status by submitting annual membership dues.

Business Value of Developing for the Environment  
Becoming a Certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary saves money and natural resources, according to a 2003-04 survey of members of the Audubon Signature Program.  Members considered operational costs, up front investments, and the importance of the program in marketing and promotion. Results include:

• 90% of respondents reported that they believed annual maintenance and operations costs for their facility were either “lower than” or the “same as” the costs of an equivalent, non-Signature member golf course.
  
• 43% of respondents felt that these operations and maintenance costs were actually lower due to their participation in the Signature Program.
  
• 96% view their participation in the Signature Program as “a good business decision,” with the remaining 4% indicating that they “Don’t Know” at this time.
  
• 63% of respondents stated that participation in the Signature Program, including up front monetary and staff investment in the program, has or will save money, as compared to a course designed, constructed, and managed without Audubon International assistance, with 20% of the remaining respondents stating that they “Don’t Know” at this time.
  
• Finally, 90% stated that they believed the Certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary status earned through following the program guidelines has or will have value in marketing and promotional efforts.

Cateechee Golf Club, GA:

• Saves 20% in electric costs and 30% in overall operating costs, compared to traditionally built and managed golf courses
  
• Uses more than 639 million gallons of effluent water annually from the City of Hartwell, which eliminates the need for the city to discharge effluent water into a local stream

Bonita Bay East, FL: 

• Saved $56,000 annually by reducing the amount of turf grass on its golf courses
  
• Saved $10,000 by using grass carp to control algae in lakes, rather than using traditional chemical control methods
  
• Saved two million gallons of water a year by replacing turf areas with native plants and eliminating sprinkler heads

Barton Creek Resort and Spa, TX:

• “In Austin, or anywhere in the country for that matter, environmental stewardship is a great business decision.  Community outreach and education is a benefit to establishing our club as a role model for other properties.” Anne Hickman-Hudgins, Environmental Landscape Coordinator

The PGA of America/PGA Golf Club in St. Lucie, FL:

• “Combining wildlife preservation and development is not only the right thing to do, but it makes good business sense.  Long-term operating costs can be significantly reduced while providing valuable environmental benefits to the community.  It is a business-environmental partnership that serves everyone.” Jim L. Awtrey, former CEO.

Frequently Ask Questions
What are the benefits of certification as a Audubon International Signature Sanctuary?

• “Green appeal” marketing edge- Certified Audubon Signature properties have a market advantage in attracting the growing number of people looking for “green” developments in which to live and recreate.  Certification offers a distinct marketing edge over the competition–often supporting increased or faster sales, increased sales prices or member fees, and lower marketing and holding costs.
  
• Operation and maintenance cost savings- Most members find that in achieving certification, they have learned and put into practice more cost-effective ways to develop and manage their properties, thus saving money, as well as natural resources. 
  
• Reduced risk- Following best management practices outlined in the NMRP reduces the risk of harm and potential liability from the use of hazardous materials and reduces the potential for on- and off-site pollution.  Reduced risks in turn lower insurance and worker’s compensation costs, potential for adverse regulatory action and harmful publicity, and lost worker time.
  
• Recognition for environmental leadership- Certified Audubon Signature Sanctuaries gain local, national, and international recognition for leadership in environmental stewardship.  A certified Signature property stands as a model providing encouragement and good example for other landowners and managers, consultants, and the community at large to make future land management decisions based on the environment, not just the economic, values of the land.
  
• Environmental protection and enhancement- Owners and managers of certified Audubon Signature properties can take great pride in doing their part to further sustainable resource management and protect and preserve the environment for this and future generations.

How far into the planning stage of a project should the development proceed before contacting Audubon International?

As soon as possible, some credits allowing projects to earn Silver or Gold level certification may be impacted by the timing of Audubon International involvement in the planning process.

Does Audubon International promote golf course development?

Audubon International would prefer that natural lands remain natural.  However, we recognize that many properties will be developed for a variety of purposes, including golf, whether we prefer it or not. Our extensive work with golf courses has proven that properly sited, designed, and managed golf courses can be one of the lowest impact forms of development, especially when compared to other types of developments, such as shopping malls, residential communities, and industrial facilities.  Golf courses can be developed in ways that provide wildlife habitat, protect natural resources, and offer community and recreational values. Ultimately, we support the concept of sustainable development, and know of no other way to promote and implement it than to work with people who are planning to develop land.  Therefore, we try to educate, guide, assist, and offer incentives to people who are going to develop land to do so with environmental stewardship in mind. 

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