RANGELEY — Mingo Springs Golf Course in Rangeley has been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

Mingo Springs is one of three golf courses in Maine to gain that designation.

John F. Bicknell III, Audubon liaison for the club, led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property and is being recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. 

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high-degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” Tara Donadio, director of cooperative sanctuary programs at Audubon International, said. These categories include environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and water quality management.

Mingo Spring’s dedication to its environmental impact has been recognized through efforts such as the Mingo Springs trail and bird walk, which was privately funded by the Chodosh family, owners of the course. The trail was created during the past three years by Bicknell, with assistance from the golf course’s grounds crew. The trail was designed to enhance wildlife viewing and encompasses a 3-mile trail, with two miles along the back nine and one mile along the front.