Press Releases

SKAMANIA LODGE GOLF COURSE DESIGNATED AS A CERTIFIED AUDUBON COOPERATIVE SANCTUARY

Resort Honored for Ongoing Commitment to Environmental Excellence

Stevenson, Wash.  - (June 18, 2010) – The Golf Course at Skamania Lodge, an all-season mountain resort in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program for maintaining a high level of environmental practices.

The Skamania Lodge Golf Course achieved certification in wildlife and habitat management, water conservation, chemical use reduction and safety, water quality management and outreach and education.  The Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation marks Skamania Lodge Golf Course’s commitment to ecologically sound environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development. 

“This designation reinforces our personal and professional commitment towards preserving and protecting our natural resources,” said Sean Watts, Golf Course superintendent for Skamania Lodge. “The Cooperative Sanctuary Program has helped us reduce our environmental footprint while improving the relationship with our natural surroundings.” 

Ongoing sustainability efforts at Skamania Lodge include utilizing fresh, local, organic, seasonal and sustainable ingredients and local wines on the menus; a ride share board for staff who wish to carpool; hummingbird feeders throughout the property to support the pollination cycle; the recent completion of a turtle habitat, bird houses, bat houses, butterfly houses, and new plantings of native species; and an herb garden harvested by Chef Ed Tippel for use in the restaurants.  Skamania Lodge has been certified by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), as a Gold Tier Property, for exceeding a rigorous Code of Sustainability in the meetings industry.  In addition, the property has an ongoing partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the non-profit partner of the USDA Forest Service, which has an Information Center in the resort’s lobby. 

The Skamania Lodge Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-70 course located on the resort’s 175 wooded acres.  Boasting breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest landscape, the Golf Course’s services include a driving range, practice bunker, chipping and putting greens, full-service golf shop, cart rentals and an onsite staff of PGA professionals.  Rated as a four-star course by Golf Digest magazine in its 2008 “Best Places to Play,” and named by Golf for Women magazine as one of the “Top 100 Courses” in 2009, the Golf Course at Skamania Lodge provides an enticing challenge to experienced players. 

For more information about Skamania Lodge’s environmental practices or to book a tee time at the Golf Course, please visit www.skamania.com or call (800) 376-9116. 

About Skamania Lodge

Surrounded by the waterfalls, peaks, forests and canyons of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge is an all-season mountain resort and conference center, situated on 175 acres, 50 minutes east of Portland, Ore., in Stevenson, Wash.  With 254 guest rooms and a 22,000-square foot, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) approved conference center, Skamania Lodge offers a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and groups.  Skamania boasts the Waterleaf Spa, indoor swimming pool and whirlpools, a fitness center, onsite hiking, an 18-hole par-70 Golf Course that earned a four-star rating from Golf Digest magazine in their “Best Places to Play” for 2008, the Cascade Room, River Rock Lounge and the U.S. Forest Service Information Center located in the lobby.  Skamania Lodge is centered in a Pacific Northwest playground with hiking, biking and Sternwheeler cruises along the Columbia River in the summer; skiing and snowshoeing in the winter; and golfing, fishing and whitewater rafting all year long for outdoor enthusiasts.  Skamania Lodge is a spectacular location to soak in the natural beauty and to enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities. www.skamania.com. 

About Destination Hotels & Resorts

Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held lodging management company headquartered in suburban Denver, Colo. With more than 30 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs, Destination is the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. The company’s portfolio features more than 7,000 guest rooms, nine golf courses and 10 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Dallas, San Diego, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Jackson Hole, Maui and Lake Tahoe. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.

Back to Listing