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POCONO MOUNTAINS TOURISM PARTNERS THINKING GREEN

06/17/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2009

CONTACT:
Jen Voss, Buffalo Communications
571-830-2531, jvoss@billycaspergolf.com

Rob Thomas, Buffalo Communications
330-696-1476, rthomas@billycaspergolf.com


Pocono Mountains Tourism Partners Thinking Green
Northeastern Pennsylvania Destination Strengthens Efforts to Employ Environmentally Friendly Practices

(POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pennsylvania) – Being increasingly ecologically friendly isn't just an effort to go with the current flow, but rather a mandate for the many golf courses, resorts and other tourism attractions throughout the Pocono Mountains.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has been instrumental in the growing environmentally friendly efforts of the four-county area and recently spearheaded a series of seminars, presentations and expert advisors to assist tourism entities in the region.

"It's our duty as responsible stewards of this beautiful area to ensure we're doing everything in our power to protect the environment and the Pocono Mountains," says Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the PMVB. "This area is blessed with lush mountains, vegetation, lakes, streams and wildlife and we need to ensure they live on for generations to come."

The Country Club at Woodloch Springs – home to an 18-hole championship golf course which is an active Audubon Sanctuary Program member – has been a leader in the eco-friendly movement and continues to look for green alternatives for the maintenance and preservation of its substantial land and business. Some of the green choices made at Woodloch include a buffer zone around the natural stream and wetlands to keep fertilizer from contaminating the water, fountains and biological deterrents employed to control algae levels in the ponds, and the resort also carries a new line of eco-friendly recycled clothing available in the Pro Shop.

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort has taken great strides to protect the environment. In addition to switching its fleet of golf carts to electric, which saves between 10,000 and 12,000 gallons of gas each year, the resort has moved to automated irrigation during off-peak hours to counter daytime evaporation. Honeybees, which had been practically extinct in the area, were also reintroduced to the grounds that already include many unique birds, eagles and red foxes.

General practices being implemented across the Pocono Mountains include the use of organic products to maintain turfgrass, reducing the number of highly maintained acres by re-introducing natural areas outside the immediate playing corridors and utilizing wildlife to counter invasive pests. One such example is placing bat boxes across the property to keep insect populations in check.

Courses, resorts, B&Bs and other tourism attractions throughout the Pocono Mountains are as diverse as avid travelers are likely to find. Examples include cozy, boutique lodging choices and a mix of modern and classical era golf courses to a brand-new casino and the first destination spa built in the United States in two decades.

Off the golf course, three rivers and countless streams allow for outdoor water activities such as fishing, kayaking and white water rafting, while sporting clays, biking, horseback riding, camping and hiking are plentiful. In addition, snow boarding, downhill and cross country skiing are just a few of the popular winter activities available in the Pocono Mountains. 

Information about golf in the Pocono Mountains is available on www.Poconosgolf.com. For more information on the area, visit www.800poconos.com or call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).

About the “Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret”

The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.

Discerning golfers are well aware that the Pocono Mountains are home to golf courses designed by renowned architects such as Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast. Pocono Mountains golf properties and value-laden golf packages are available on www.poconosgolf.com, which allows players to enjoy majestic mountain-view scenery, the area’s natural splendor, year-round amenities and unequaled value and variety.

Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:

  • Home to hundreds of golf holes at numerous clubs, many located close to one another
  • Two NASCAR races held annually each spring-summer
  • Golden Era of Golf Architecture period designs strongly represented by legendary designers Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast
  • Golf, lodging and resort accommodations at all price points, from luxury to value
  • Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities
  • Attractions, festivals and other special events
  • Meeting and conference facilities
  • Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants
  • Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts
  • Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues