GreenCO’s BMP expansion project promotes water conservation, water resources protection and sustainability
By Jane Clary, environmental scientist at Wright Water Engineers Inc. and Brenda O’Brien, GreenCO project manager
Green Industries of Colorado (GreenCO) recently announced the third release of the manual, “Green Industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the Conservation and Protection of Water Resources in Colorado – Moving Toward Sustainability.”
An alliance of eight trade associations representing diverse aspects of the plant and landscape industry, GreenCO is committed to water conservation and industry-wide best management practices.
The newly revised manual consolidates and improves upon Green Industry BMPs for the conservation and protection of water quality, with an emerging ethic of working toward sustainable landscaping practices. These BMPs include a variety of design, installation, maintenance, grower and retail practices relevant to the Green Industry and the public they serve.
Some examples of new BMPs in the revised manual:
- sustainable landscaping
- tree protection and planting
- tree placement in urban landscapes
- irrigation efficiency audits
- irrigation technology and scheduling
- irrigation using nonpotable sources
- snow removal
- landscape features in low impact development
English and Spanish versions of the manual are available for free download at www.greenco.org/bmps.htm.
The BMP training program was also updated for those seeking a “Seal of Knowledge” certificate from GreenCO regarding water conservation practices. Additionally, local water providers are being contacted to encourage use of the GreenCO manual and training program, particularly as part of Water Conservation Plans submitted to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB).
The concept for the BMP manual was originally developed by GreenCO in 2000 then updated in 2004. The CWCB provided funding for the manual, consistent with its goals of conserving, developing, protecting and managing Colorado’s water for the present and future.
The eight member industries of GreenCO that supported the third revision of this manual include the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, Colorado Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Colorado Assoc. of Lawn Care Professionals, Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Assoc., Garden Centers of Colorado, International Society of Arboriculture, Rocky Mountain Sod Growers Assoc., and Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Assoc.
In addition, the following were invaluable partners in developing this manual: Denver Water, Colorado State University Extension, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, City of Westminster, City of Aurora, Irrigation Assoc., U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Headwaters Consulting, and Wright Water Engineers Inc.
Funding for previous releases of the manual was provided by a Section 319 grant from the Colorado Nonpoint Source Program. As was the case for previous releases, the 2008 update was developed through the dedication of time and expertise from the GreenCO BMP Advisory Committee and other industry professionals who provided advice and reviewed the manual. Over 500 volunteer hours have been provided to date in support of the effort.
For more information about the BMP manual, or the training program, contact Brenda O’Brien of GreenCO (brenda.obrien@comcast.net) or Jane Clary of Wright Water Engineers (clary@wrightwater.com).