Audubon Classics Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of development may register in the Classic Program?
A: The Classic Program was created to work with any type of development.

Q: What are the requirements of The Classic Program?
A: The project must be completely built and open for business. The minimum requirements of The Classic Program are outlined in the document “How To Achieve Audubon Classic Sanctuary Certification”.

Q: How much of a project must be registered in membership in The Classic Program?
A: The entire property must be registered and all of a golf course and maintenance facility must meet the minimum requirements as described in the “ How To Achieve Audubon Classic Sanctuary Certification”.

Q: How much of a project must be renovated to be eligible for The Classic Program membership?
A: To be eligible for The Classic Program, all holes or 0 holes of a golf course can be renovated. In other words, the program was created for a golf course undergoing a renovation of any size but also for golf courses that have been built, are not undergoing renovation but which the owner feels will meet all of the requirements of The Classic Program. For other types of developments, there need not be any type of renovation going on or planned for the future.

Q: What is the Registration fee?
A: The registration fee is a non-refundable $4,500. That includes a one time program registration fee of $4,000 and an annual renewable program membership fee of $500.

Q: What is the Annual Membership Fee?
A: The annual renewable program membership fee is $500. It is to be paid every year near the member’s date of registration. The membership fee supports the continuation of The Classic program including staff, program materials and office space.

Q: What is the Classic Property Management Plan (CPMP)?
A: The CPMP is a written plan for the management of the property from the time Audubon International becomes involves continuing through long term management. Each member produces a CPMP by contracting with Audubon International’s technical services department.

Q: What is the fee for technical assistance with the Environmental Planning Department (EPD) of Audubon International?
A: The fee for production of the CPMP is typically $21,000 plus expenses. Expenses include air fare, lodging, rental car, food and incidentals.

Q: How many visits will be made to my property?
A: The EPD will make a total of three (3) site visits to your property. The Signature Program Director will make one visit when the project is completed to determine if the project will be certified as a Classic Sanctuary. You are responsible for all expenses incurred for these visits.

Q: If my project becomes certified, how often will the it be eligible for re-certification?
A: Certified Classic Sanctuaries are eligible for re-certification every two years. The certified member hosts a site visit for one Audubon staff member during that re-certification site review.

Q: Why must the project be re-certified?
A. Audubon International provides education and technical assistance not only during construction (renovation) but also throughout the management of the project. For this reason, Audubon Classic members must periodically go through a re-certification process to ensure that the best management practices implemented at the start of site management are still in place, identify areas for improvement and measure continuous environmental improvement on that site.

Q: What is the first step in the Classic Program process?
A. The first step in the Classic Program is to complete and submit an application to the Signature Program Office at 230 Second St., Suite 311, Henderson, KY 42420. You will be notified when the application has been reviewed and approved. When the application has been reviewed and approved for membership, the project is then eligible for registration.

To apply to the Classic Program go to: www.auduboninternational.org/programs/signature/classic-application