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This golf course is really for the birds Quail Point certified by Audubon group By PAUL FATTIG e Quail Point Golf Course has received certification in environmental planning from Audubon International. The certification comes from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, an international program designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property. The course, owned by the Rogue Valley Manor, which has been involved in a battle to expand the course from nine holes to 18, is the first in Southern Oregon to participate in the ACSS effort to protect wildlife and natural resources. The course opened in 1993. "The open space of a golf course is utilized not only by golfers, but is habitat for a variety of wildlife species," said Joellen Zeh, staff ecologist for Audubon International. "We welcome Quail Point Golf Course's commitment to the environment and to managing the golf course with wildlife in mind." Under the agreement with ACSS, the golf course will be involved in projects that will enhance wildlife habitat such as building nests for cavity-dwelling birds, using integrated pest management techniques, conserving water and maintaining food and cover for wildlife. Nesting boxes for bluebirds already have been installed, and boxes for osprey and bats are being built. "The cooperative sanctuary system benefits both people and wildlife," Zeh said. "It's a great way for golf courses and environmental organizations to work together to become better stewards of land and natural resources." Participating in the program enables the course to provide a sanctuary for wildlife, said Paul Winterbottom, golf and grounds superintendent at the course. "We are proud to be involved in such a valuable and rewarding program," he said. "Golf courses provide a variety of wildlife habitats. This is an excellent opportunity for Quail Point to help improve Southern Oregon's environmental quality." Meanwhile, the case over expansion plans is headed to the state Land Use Board of Appeals. Last month, the Jackson County Citizen's League decided to appeal an Aug. 4 decision by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners that cleared the way for expansion. The commissioners had unanimously sided with manor officials on the interpretation of the county's land-use ordinances. Specifically, the debate centered on how the course would affect neighboring farm lands. The county ruled that the effects would be minimal because of buffer areas proposed by the manor. Those opposed to the expansion had questioned whether the golf course can legally be expanded onto orchard lands outside of Medford's urban growth boundary. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA