As disc golf continues to gain popularity, more communities are recognising its potential as an affordable and environmentally friendly recreational option. Gaining approval for a new course often requires demonstrating its value, not just as a fun activity, but as a responsible use of public land. That's where "The Nature of Disc Golf" comes in.

This educational handout helps advocates, city officials, and community members understand how disc golf works with nature rather than against it. It provides a concise yet compelling case for why disc golf is one of the most ecologically sound recreational developments a town or city can introduce.

A Tool for Advocates

“The Nature of Disc Golf” explains how the sport relies on selective thinning rather than widespread clearing, how it eliminates the need for pesticides and irrigation, and how its trails and fairways can even improve ecosystem health.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

This handout provides fact-based reassurance by outlining how disc golf coexists with wildlife, strengthens forests through responsible land management, and even promotes biodiversity.

Helping Decision-Makers Say "Yes"

When approaching city councils, park boards, or private landowners, having a professionally written, well-structured document helps establish credibility. “The Nature of Disc Golf” serves as a trusted resource for proposal packets, public meetings, and stakeholders.

A Step Toward More Disc Golf-Friendly Communities

Getting a disc golf course approved can be a long process, but having the right tools makes a difference. This handout helps people make informed decisions about the future of recreation in their area while ensuring growth remains rooted in sustainability and respect for the natural world.

Coming soon...

The Nature of Disc Golf is a component of an upcoming article we're writing where we'll explain the ins and outs of getting a disc golf course into your town or city. Stay tuned!

Supporting References for 'The Nature of Disc Golf'

1. Thinning to Mitigate Extreme Weather Risks

Source: Mississippi State University Extension
http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/thinning-mitigate-extreme-weather-risks

2. Opportunities and Limitations of Thinning to Increase Resistance and Resilience of Trees and Forests to Global Change

Source: Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research
https://academic.oup.com/forestry/article/95/5/595/6561434

3. Forest Thinning and Prescribed Burning Treatments Reduce Wildfire Severity and Promote Recovery in Mixed-Conifer Forests

Source: Fire Ecology Journal
https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-023-00241-z

4. Thinning and Managed Burning Enhance Forest Resilience in Northern California

Source: Environmental Health and Safety Journal
https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/ehs.0164

5. Science Says Thinned Forests Are Healthy Forests

Source: U.S. Forest Service
https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/science-says-thinned-forests-are-healthy-forests

6. Does Forest Thinning Work?

Source: JSTOR Daily
https://daily.jstor.org/does-forest-thinning-work/