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Memorial to Cleve Stone 
by Irene Cline
1905 to 2007

On July 5, 2007  the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California and the Industry lost one of its greatest assets, Cleve Stone 
Cleve grew up on a farm in Marmaduk, Arkansas.    He married Ruthie Reynolds  in 1924 and moved to Blackwell, Oklahoma in 1926 where he took a job in the Blackwell Zinc Plant.  He worked there for 21 years. 
 At age 41 Cleve felt he needed more out of life and wanted a change.  He knew he didn't  have a future in his position at the Zinc plant so he contacted  his friend, Odel Harvey, who was working at Stockdale Country Club in Bakersfield at the time.  Odel talked Cleve and his wife into leaving Oklahoma and moving to Bakersfield with their family of  four young boys.  Cleve began working at Stockdale doing every job imaginable.  He washed dishes, barbecued for events and tended bar.  He and Ruthie also ran the snack bar at the club until Cleve was moved out onto the course. 
 Cleve was an avid learner. He knew he was learning from the best and had the maturity to realize that he was getting the opportunity of a lifetime to do something he loved.  Cleve worked up to the Assistant Greenkeeper position within a short time and joined the GCSAA and also became a member of the Southern California GCSA.  In 1956 Cleve took the Superintendent position at Kern River Golf Club.  He worked at Kern River until 1959 when he moved to Hanford to work at Kings Country Club.  In 1961 Cleve was offered the superintendent position at Fort Washington County Club in Fresno and remained there until he retired in 1973. 
 He left his mark on many other golf courses in the San Joaquin valley, including Kern River Golf Course in Bakersfield, Kings River Country Club in Hanford, Fort Washington Country Club in Fresno, Madera Golf & Country Club, Madera, Merced Country Club, and Stockdale Country Club, in Bakersfield.  He passed that love of caring for and maintaining golf courses on to his four sons and three grandsons who are also golf course superintendents and members of the GCSAA and GCSA of Central California.
 Cleve was a charter member of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of Central California. He was a strong supporter of our industry and remained an active member well after his retirement.  Many members of the association helped celebrate Cleve’s 100th birthday which indicated that he not only was a member but a good friend to many of our members. He is preceded in death by Ruthie Stone, his loving wife of 65 years; son Harold of Blackwell Oklahoma and sister, Versa Lynn of Ponca City, OK.
 Cleve is survived by sons Owen and his wife Faye, Gerald and his wife Kathleen of Tonkawa, Ok , and Lowell and his wife Jan of Madera, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
 Cleve was one of the founding members GCSA of Central California and the California GCSA.  He was instrumental in encouraging the commercial members to bring equipment and goods to meetings to educate the superintendents on how to use the equipment and learn about new products.  This is something that continues to this day.  Cleve continued to be an advocate of continuing education throughout his retirement.   Even though he hadn’t been able to attend meetings he continued to stay up on association happenings.  He read the newsletter every month and always had his opinions on association matters that he shared with his sons Lowell and Owen.
 The Central California Chapter and the Golf Course Superintendents Association is a better organization because of the wisdom and encouragement Cleve offered our members over the years.  Cleve was truly a classic example of dedication to a profession.

 Remembrances may be made to American Cancer Society, 2222 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 201., Fresno, CA
 

Cleve Stone, wife Ruthie & Sons, Owen, & Gerald, Undated photo

Cleve with Son Owen after Cleve’s retirement from Fort Washington CC, Fresno, CA,  Photo undated.

Sandy Clark, CGCS
President San Diego GCSA

Irene Cline, GCSACC Association Manager
 
 

Frank Pak-Liang Wong
Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension, Plant Pathology & Assistant Plant Pathologist & Lecturer
Urban plant pathology - Diseases of turfgrass and landscape ornamentals
PhD Plant Pathology 2000 -- Cornell University 
BS Biochemistry 1995 -- University of California, Davis (Highest Honors)
202 Fawcett Lab Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-2936 
frank.wong@ucr.edu
Interesst:
The focus of my research and extension program is the management of diseases of turf and landscape in California. Both are multi-billion dollar industries in California. We dedicate much of the program on turfgrass diseases, especially those caused by new and invasive pathogens. We have also had a large emphasis on diseases of landscape ornamentals affected by the bacteria, Xylella fastidosa.

Current projects in the lab include:
- Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale) control on annual bluegrass 
- Population structure of gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea) affecting ryegrass and kikuyugrass 
- Biology of Waitea circinata var circinata (Rhizoctonia circinata), a new disease of annual bluegrass 
- Fungicide resistance development for anthracnose and gray leaf spot 
- Characterization of Xylella fastidosa populations causing disease in urban landscapes
 

GCSAA Webcast Series
GCSAA's live education webcasts will be 90 minutes long and will take place at the computer of your choice. 
To increase the event's interaction, we recommend the use of a microphone, but you can ask questions and participate using the text chat feature.
Visit the system check today to learn more about what's required and test your system, free of charge.

GCSAA's live education Webcasts Series 
08/02/07   Beat the Heat - How YOU Can Prevent Skin Cancer 10:00:00 AM Details
09/06/07   You Manage Your Course's Stress - Now Manage Yours! 10:00:00 AM Details
09/11/07   Making the Most of the Internet 10:00:00 AM Details
09/18/07   How to Read Your Soils Report 10:00:00 AM Details

To register today, use our online shopping cart. From the details description page, select "Add to Cart" from the quick facts box to put your course in a shopping cart. 
When your cart is full, "View cart/Check out" will take you to the payment options. You may also complete and fax the registration form to (785) 832-4449. 

Visit the ON DEMAND Webcast events, Choose any of our recorded webcasts - view them when you want and as many times as you want (within one year from purchase.)

For Details; visit the GCSAA Webcast ON DEMAND Address: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/webcast/archivedwebcast.asp
Or call Kyle Kreighbaum 800-472-7878 x5167 

In this Guideline:

Weed identification      KEY
Damage 
Weed invasion 
Weed management before planting 
Weed management in newly planted lawns 
 Weed management in established lawns 
Renovating lawns 
Publication 
Glossary 

Weeds occur in every lawn, but they seldom become problems in well-managed, vigorously growing turfgrass. Proper site preparation and turfgrass selection before planting are essential to give a new lawn a healthy start. Once a lawn is established, poor maintenance practices that weaken it–such as improper irrigation, fertilization, or mowing—are the primary factors likely to predispose it to weed invasion. Activities that lead to compaction also contribute significantly to turfgrass stress, making it easier for weeds to invade. An integrated weed management program can reduce most weed populations to tolerable levels and prevent large, unsightly weed patches. Total eradication of weeds is not a realistic or necessary goal for most lawns and park turfgrass; however, with good management practices a lawn can be practically weed-free without the extensive use of chemicals. 

WEED IDENTIFICATION      Key to identifying weeds 
Identifying weeds and knowing their life cycles are essential to management. Three general categories of weeds may be found in lawns: broadleaves, grasses, and sedges. Take care to distinguish weedy grasses from similar-looking lawn grass species. 

The life cycle of weeds may be annual, biennial, or perennial. Annual weeds are most commonly identified as either winter/cool-season or summer/warm-season and survive only one season. If not controlled before they flower, they can produce seed that will sprout the following year. Biennial weeds survive for two growing seasons, reproducing vegetatively or by seed; however, seed is not produced until the second year. Perennial weeds survive many years, and though some may produce seed, many primarily reproduce vegetatively by creeping stems (stolons and rhizomes), tubers, or fleshy roots. Perennial weeds are the hardest to control once established. The most troublesome weed species in lawns are listed in Table 1. For additional weeds, see the Turfgrass Weed Photo Gallery on the UC IPM Web site.

Authors: M. LeStrange, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.; and C. A. Reynolds, UC Statewide IPM Program
Produced by IPM Education and Publications, University of California Statewide IPM Program 
Published 1/04  >>>>>> Complete Guideline
 

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (July 23, 2007) – The Toro Company and their distributors have built a reputation with customers for quality products, timely parts delivery and excellent service. Toro Protection Plus (TPP) provides protection from mechanical breakdown for both new and pre-owned equipment, putting customers in control of their maintenance budget. Since its introduction nearly 10 years ago, TPP has proven beneficial to hundreds of customers. 

The www.toroused.com website features a ‘one-stop shop’ to locate pre-owned Toro turf equipment from Toro distributors, including off-lease inventory through the Toro Financing program and trade-in equipment. 

· Certified Pre-Owned Equipment Program – “Certified Pre-Owned Equipment” will now feature six months TPP coverage, with the opportunity to upgrade to a greater coverage term. Only Toro distributors can sell “Certified Pre-Owned Equipment”.
· Increased Limits – Single and lifetime claim limits have increased by 60%, providing coverage equal to that on new equipment.
· 30 day / 100-hour plan – Addition of a shorter-term coverage period and all the same benefits of the existing TPP Pre-Owned programs to benefit the value-conscious customer.
“These program enhancements are the result of invaluable customer input,” said Duane Felumlee, Toro services marketing manager. “The Toro Protection Plus Pre-Owned Program makes more sense than ever before by offering equipment protection, increased budget control and unmatched customer assurance.” 
 

IDENTIFICATION
Ground squirrels are easily identified as they forage aboveground near their burrows. The ground squirrel's body measures 9 to 11 inches and its semi-bushy tail adds another 5 to 9 inches in length. The fur is brownish gray and speckled with off-white along the back; the sides of the head and shoulders are light gray to whitish. One subspecies that occupies most of northern California has a dark, triangular-shaped patch on its back between the shoulders; this patch is missing from other species. While ground squirrels are similar in appearance to tree squirrels and may climb trees, when frightened they will always retreat to a burrow, whereas tree squirrels will climb a tree or tall structure and never use a burrow. 

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
Ground squirrels live in a wide variety of natural habitats but usually avoid thick chaparral, dense woods, and wet areas. Populations may be particularly high in grazed rangelands and in areas disturbed by humans such as road or ditchbanks, fence rows, around buildings, and in or bordering many crops. 
Ground squirrels live in a burrow system where they sleep, rest, rear young, store food, and avoid danger. The burrow openings are about 4 inches in diameter, but can vary considerably. The burrows may be 5 to 30 feet or more in length and may go 2 to 4 feet below the soil surface. Often there is more than one opening in a burrow system. Ground squirrels live in colonies that may include several dozen animals in a complex of burrows. More than one squirrel may live in a burrow. 
Ground squirrels are active during the day, mainly from mid-morning through late afternoon, especially on warm, sunny days. Ground squirrels have two periods of dormancy during the year. During winter months most ground squirrels hibernate, but some young may be active at this time, especially in areas where winters are not severe. During the hottest times of the year most adults go into a period of inactivity, called estivation, that may last a few days to a week or more. During these periods, the burrow appears open at the entrance but the squirrel plugs it with soil near the nest. 
Ground squirrels breed once a year, averaging seven to eight per litter. Timing of breeding varies with location: in southern California breeding begins in December, in the Central Valley in February through April, and somewhat later in the mountain ranges. Aboveground activity by adults is at a maximum at the height of the breeding season. The young are born in the burrow and grow rapidly; by about 6 weeks of age they usually emerge from the burrow. At 6 months of age they resemble adults. 
Ground squirrels are primarily herbivorous. Their diet changes with the season. After emergence from hibernation, they feed almost exclusively on green grasses and herbaceous plants. When annual plants begin to dry and produce seed, squirrels switch to seeds, grains, and nuts, and begin to store food. Ground squirrels usually forage close to their burrows. Their home range typically is within a 75-yard radius of their burrow. 

DAMAGE
Ground squirrels damage many food-bearing and ornamental plants. Particularly vulnerable are grains and nut and fruit trees such as almond, apple, apricot, orange, peach, pistachio, prune, and walnut. Ground squirrels will enter gardens and devour vegetables in the seedling stage. They may damage young shrubs, vines, and trees by gnawing bark, girdling trunks, eating twigs and leaves, and burrowing around roots. Ground squirrels will gnaw on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation lines. They also eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds and may limit attempts to attract quail to the yard. 
Burrowing can be quite destructive. Burrows and mounds make it difficult to mow, and they present hazards to machinery, pedestrians, and livestock. Burrows around trees and shrubs can damage and desiccate roots, and sometimes topple trees. Burrows beneath buildings and other structures sometimes necessitate repair. 
Ground squirrels can harbor diseases harmful to humans, particularly when squirrel populations are dense. A major concern is bubonic plague transmitted to humans by fleas carried on the squirrels. Ground squirrels are susceptible to plague, which has wiped out entire colonies. If you find unusual numbers of squirrels or other rodents dead for no apparent reason, notify public health officials. Do not handle dead squirrels under these circumstances. 

LEGAL STATUS AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Ground squirrels are classified as nongame mammals by the California Fish and Game Code. Nongame mammals injuring growing crops or other property may be controlled in any legal manner by the owner or tenant; tree squirrels, on the other hand, are classified as game animals and have a hunting season.
Note that the Mohave ground squirrel (S. mohavensis) and the San Joaquin antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni) are classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are protected. Although neither of these relatively small squirrels is likely to be misidentified as the much larger California ground squirrel, their ranges could overlap in some areas. The endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), several endangered species of kangaroo rats, the riparian brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius), riparian wood rat (Neotoma fuscipes riparia), as well as some endangered amphibians and reptiles, are also found within California ground squirrels' range and could be impacted by some squirrel control techniques. Before using pesticides for ground squirrel control, read the product label to determine if any restrictions exist on rodent control within the ranges of these and other endangered and protected animals. Also, if the kit fox is found in your county (for a range map, see the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's Web site listed in "References"), contact your county agricultural commissioner for additional information.

MANAGEMENT
The selection of control procedures is heavily influenced by the unique life cycle and behavior of the ground squirrel. For example, baiting with treated grain is effective in summer and fall because squirrels primarily feed on seeds during this period. Fumigation is most effective in spring when soil is moist, which helps seal gasses in the burrow system. Fumigating at this time also is more effective because squirrels are removed before they can reproduce. The best time for baiting, trapping, and fumigation depends on the activity periods and food sources of the ground squirrel. 

Trapping
Traps are practical for control when squirrel numbers are low to moderate. Live-catch traps are not recommended because they present the problem of how to dispose of the live animals. Because ground squirrels carry diseases and are agricultural pests, the California Fish and Game Code specifies that it is illegal to release them elsewhere without a written permit.
There are several types of traps that kill ground squirrels, including box traps, Conibear traps, and tunnel traps. Box traps should be placed on the ground near squirrel burrows or runways. Bait these traps with walnuts, almonds, oats, barley, or melon rinds. Place the bait well behind the trigger or tied to it. Bait the traps but do not set them for several days so the squirrels become accustomed to them. After the squirrels are used to taking the bait, rebait and set the traps.
To reduce hazards to children, pets, poultry, and nontarget wildlife, place box-type traps in a covered box with a 3-inch diameter entrance. Put the box near active burrows with signs of recent diggings. Inactive burrows will be filled with leaves, old straw, or have cobwebs across the entrance.
The Conibear trap (No. 110) with a 4-1/2 by 4-1/2-inch jaw spread is also an effective kill trap. The wire trigger can be baited but is usually left unbaited. Place the trap directly in the burrow opening so the squirrel must pass through it, tripping the trigger. It may be necessary to partially fill in the burrow entrance around the outer edges of the trap with soil to prevent the squirrel from slipping around the outside of the trap. Closing all other burrows with soil may hasten success by directing the squirrel to the remaining open burrow with the trap. Attach the Conibear trap to a stake to prevent a scavenger from carrying off the trap and squirrel. With this type of trap, leaving the trap baited but unset has little effect on trapping success.
Inspect traps at least once a day and remove dead squirrels. Do not handle the carcasses without protective gear. Use a plastic bag slipped over each hand and arm as a glove. Once the squirrel is removed from the trap, hold the animal with one hand and turn the bag inside out while slipping it off your arm and hand. If possible, keep small children and pets out of the area while traps are in use. In kit fox areas, spring all Conibear traps before nightfall and reset them the following morning.

Fumigation
Fumigation is a relatively safe method of control. As with any pesticide, read and follow label instructions with particular regard for nontarget species and safety factors. With some fumigants, flames may be produced, creating a fire danger. Do not use such fumigants where a significant fire hazard exists, such as near buildings, dry grass, or other flammable materials. To avoid the accumulation of fumes in enclosed areas, never fumigate beneath buildings or in burrows that may open under occupied buildings.
Be aware of the signs of nontarget species inhabiting inactive ground squirrel burrows. Kit foxes will use an old burrow, enlarging the opening, often creating a keyhole-shaped entrance. Active pupping dens may be littered with prey remains, droppings, and matted vegetation, and show signs of fresh paw prints. The burrowing owl (Athenecunicularia) is another potential occupant of abandoned ground squirrel burrows. Only fumigate active ground squirrel burrows; county agricultural commissioners can provide additional information on how to recognize these. Do not treat a burrow if you suspect a nontarget animal is present.
Many county agricultural commissioners' offices sell USDA gas cartridges, which are designed for fumigating burrowing rodents. Other types of fumigation cartridges are also available at retail outlets. Fumigation is most effective in spring or other times when soil moisture is high, which helps to contain the gas within the burrow system. Do not fumigate in summer or when the soil is dry because the gas more readily diffuses into small cracks present in dry soil. Do not fumigate during hibernation because the squirrel plugs its burrow with soil, preventing fumes from reaching the nest chamber. The plug cannot be seen by examining the burrow entrance.
Treat all active burrow systems when fumigating. When using a USDA gas cartridge, puncture the end with a nail or screwdriver at the points marked and rotate the nail to loosen the material inside. Insert the fuse into the center hole. Place the cartridge in the burrow as far as possible and light the fuse. With a shovel handle or stick, push the lighted cartridge down the burrow and quickly seal the opening with soil, tamping it down. Fill in connected burrows if smoke is seen escaping. Larger burrow systems usually require two or more cartridges placed in the same or connecting burrow openings. After 24 hours, check for reopened burrows and re-treat as needed.

Toxic Baits
Anticoagulant baits, available at county agricultural commissioners' offices, are recommended for controlling ground squirrels. To be effective, anticoagulants must be consumed in several feedings over a period of 5 or more days. These features, as well as an antidote (vitamin K1), make anticoagulant baits relatively safe for humans and pets. Keep pets out of treated areas, check the areas daily, and remove and dispose of any carcasses. Dogs are more likely to consume the pelletized cereal-based baits than the loose grain baits. Pelletized baits are prohibited in kit fox areas.
Anticoagulant baits can be used in bait boxes or by repeated spot baiting. Bait boxes are small structures that the squirrel must enter to eat the bait. Boxes contain sufficient bait for repeated feedings. They are the preferred baiting method around homes and other areas where children, pets, and poultry are present.
Unless a bait label specifies otherwise, bait boxes can be constructed from any durable material and in a variety of designs. If you design a bait box, make the entrance hole(s) about 3 inches across to allow access to squirrels but not to larger animals. Construct a lip to prevent bait from spilling out of the box when squirrels exit. Provide a lock on the box or devise some other method that will make it difficult for children to open. Secure the bait box so it cannot be turned over or easily removed. A self-feeding arrangement insures that the pest gets a continuous supply of bait. Never fill a bait box with more than 5 pounds of bait.
Place bait boxes near runways or burrows. If squirrels are present over a large area, space the boxes at 100- to 200-foot intervals. Initially, inspect bait stations daily and add bait as needed. Increase the amount of bait if all is eaten by the end of the day. Fresh bait is important; replace moldy or old bait. Do not use old, leftover bait. It may take a number of days before squirrels become accustomed to the bait box and enter it. Anticoagulant bait generally requires 2 to 4 weeks or more to be effective. Continue baiting until all feeding ceases and no squirrels are observed. While few ground squirrels will die aboveground, those that do should be picked up and disposed of as described in the section above on Trapping and in accordance with label directions. Also, pick up and dispose of unused bait (according to label instructions) upon completion of the control program.

Habitat Modification
Ground squirrels generally are found in open areas, although they sometimes use available cover. Remove brush piles and debris to make an area less desirable to ground squirrels. This also aids in detection of squirrels and their burrows, and improves access during control operations.
Ground squirrels can reinvade a site by moving into vacant burrows. Destroy old burrows by deep ripping them to a depth of at least 20 inches, using a tractor and ripping bar(s). Simply filling in the burrows with soil does not prevent reinvasion as ground squirrels easily find and reopen old burrows. 

Other Control Techniques
Shooting squirrels with a .22 rifle may provide some control but is very time-consuming. Shooting is recommended only when it can be safely done in rural locations where squirrel numbers are very low. There are no effective frightening devices or repellents that will cause ground squirrels to leave their burrows or avoid an area or crop. 

Natural Control
Many predators, including hawks, eagles, rattlesnakes, and coyotes, eat ground squirrels. In most cases, predators are not able to keep ground squirrel populations below the level at which they become pests for the home gardener. Dogs may prevent squirrels from entering small areas, but they cannot control established squirrel populations. 

Follow-up
For those who live next to wildlands or other areas where squirrels are common, an ongoing control program will be necessary. Squirrels will reinvade over time. Once ground squirrels have been controlled, periodically monitor the area for reinfestation. Check for new burrows. Start control actions as soon as new squirrels are noticed. It is easier and less expensive to control a small population.

Produced by IPM Education and Publications, University of California Statewide IPM Program 

The purpose of this Accumulative Research Summary is to provide the most recent reporting on past and current studies in a brief outline format along with associated Final Reports. It covers studies under the UCRTRAC umbrella, approximately from 1996 to the present.

Section A. Irrigation Water Use Efficiency Including Utilization of Effluent Water
Section B. Impact of Turfgrass Chemicals and Fertilizers on the Environment
Section C. Unbiased Product Testing (fertilizers, pesticides, equipment, etc.)
Section D. Unbiased Cultivar Evaluations
Section E. Production of Quality Putting Greens
Section F. Wear and traffic issues, including safety and playability
Section G. The Ability to Respond to Sudden Research and Education Industry Needs
Section H. Other 

>>>> Link to Research Summaries

---

Manage and identify insects, mites, diseases, nematodes, weeds, and vertebrates 

Homes, gardens, landscapes, and turf (including Pest Notes) 
Agriculture and floriculture (Pest Management Guidelines) 
Use tools to help make decisions

Weather data and products 
Degree-days
Interactive tools and models

Research tools and databases: California pesticide use summaries

Water management. It’s become a hot topic, especially as drought conditions have worsened. The push to conserve our water resources is arguably the most significant issue affecting the irrigation industry today. Many golf course superintendents have taken steps to implement water-saving management practices at golf facilities around the country.
In our water-impoverished state of California, one such superintendent has taken a firm stand on how water resources are managed at his course in San Diego. Sandy Clark CGCS, golf course superintendent at Barona Creek Golf Club, has a personal stake in the importance of saving water. But it helps that the club’s managers share this same philosophy.
“Our emphasis on efficient water management at Barona Creek goes hand-in-hand with the tribal philosophy of living in harmony with the land, which says not to waste or damage your resources,” Clark explains of Barona Creek’s 18-hole resort and public course that’s situated on reservation land.

Everything Working Together
Clark’s strategy for efficient irrigation involves a variety of techniques and constant experimentation. 
“My staff and I are firm believers in the idea of a firm and fast golf course,” he says. “That means that when you’re driving a cart on the course in the morning, you’re not going to hear sloshing under the tires. We only irrigate to the extent we need to—no more, no less.”
The entire Barona Creek facility, which also includes a hotel and casino, also shares the water produced from its state-of-the-art reclaimed water plant. “The quality is very good,” says Clark, who uses some of the water to irrigate the golf course.
In addition to moisture sensors, monitoring the weather and managing his Toro irrigation system, Clark routinely experiments with new technology including inorganic amendments and biological materials to improve soil quality. 

The Power Of Turf
Clark says that the overall health of the turf as well as the type of grass play an important role in helping superintendents water wisely. 

To maintain healthy grass, Clark swears by fertigation. “We use a fertilizer injection system,” he says. “With that, we inject wetting agents constantly to make our water more efficient.” 
The type of grass a course uses also has a direct impact on irrigation excess. Clark primarily uses Bermudagrass, with the exception of the greens which are Bentgrass. “No other grass would be able to survive in our city’s high 90 to low 100-degree temperatures for an extended period of time,” Clark says.

The End Of Overseeding?
In fact, grass type is becoming a hot topic among some industry circles. There is a trend toward analyzing whether golf courses should continue to overseed. Clark says that overseeing is not ideal for efficient water management.
“Overseeding takes enormous amounts of water the first week or so to bring up that new ryegrass,” Clark says. “As an industry, we’re going to have to weigh if that’s an effective use of our resources. As a result, paspalum grass and improved Bermuda grasses are becoming options that people are looking at now. They both seem tolerate drought and poor water quality better than other selections.” 
Clark adds, “I think you’re going to see a lot of people experimenting with grasses and maybe even re-grassing several areas just to see the difference it makes in water usage.  Turf reduction will become a strong trend in several parts of the country, in a further effort to save water.” 

Nothing Beats Observation
If there is a secret to Clark’s water management success, it comes down to the importance of daily observation on the golf course. 
“We use tools to help us water efficiently—things like weather stations, moisture sensors and high-quality irrigation products,” he says. “But even with the greatest technology, we turf managers will never get away from the hands-on, daily inspection that’s involved with this kind of work.”

More Automation
Lonn predicts that irrigation management, including saving water, will become more automated as new, refined technologies emerge.
“Greater automation will give golf course superintendents more freedom and flexibility,” he says. “Can we get to the point that irrigation will not require any human intervention? That’s unlikely, but we can make it a lot easier for superintendents to manage—and conserve—water by taking irrigation technology to a much greater level.”
Now and in the coming years, Lonn believes more emphasis will be placed on developing irrigation technologies that measure soil moisture and plant health—factors that are important in making water-conserving irrigation decisions less subjective.

Shifting Focus: Soil And Plant Health
 “When we irrigate, we put moisture in the soil—that’s all we do,” Lonn says. “The soil is the reservoir for the plant to get water. From a technology point-of-view, it makes sense then to focus on measuring factors that impact the overall health of the turf.”
Adequate soil moisture is one key to overall turf health, Lonn says. “In the future, that’s why we’re going to see the development of technology that measures moisture in the soil and communicates that information back to the irrigation controller,” he says.
Lonn says that we’ll also witness the development of tools that help us monitor overall plant health. “This is called spectral reflectance,” he says. “These measurements allow us to look at the way plants selectively absorb light, which tells us whether the plant is stressed. In turn, this information would help make better irrigation decisions and identify disease related stress before it is visible to the eye.”
“Technologically, we’re not that far away from delivering these technologies,” he says.

Kristi Phillips, Public Relations Manager
Canyon Communications
1630 S. Stapley Dr. #117
Mesa, AZ  85204

With Southern California rainfall at one of its lowest levels in a century, the agency supplying water to most of the region is calling on consumers to reduce their consumption and has started a radio advertising campaign to get the word out, officials with Metropolitan Water District said Friday.

The "Let's Save" campaign will reach radio listeners across the region starting Monday. It encourages consumers to save water inside and outside the home by doing such things as shortening shower times and reducing the amount of water used in the yard. 

Water district officials issued a news release Friday that states that they plan to meet consumer demands for water this summer despite the dry conditions in Southern California.

"However, we understand that every drop of water saved this summer is a drop of water that can be stored for next year and beyond," Metropolitan board Chairman Timothy F. Brick stated in the news release.

To meet demand this year, the agency will have to dip into its reserves to the tune of 500,000 acre feet, Metropolitan Water District officials said. An acre-foot of water is equal to 326,000 gallons, or enough water to supply the household needs of two families for one year.

The region was hit by a six-year drought between 1987 and 1992. But the threat of water shortages was much greater then because the agency only had about 225,000 acre-feet of water stored. Since then, the district has increased its storage capacity significantly and today has more than 2.5 million acre-feet of water stored around Southern California, including Diamond Valley Lake in Southwest Riverside County.

Those reservoirs may come in handy this summer. The Sierra snowpack that helps ensure water supplies for the region was at its lowest level in two decades last winter, state officials have reported.

Concerns have arisen that if Sierra snow falls short again next winter, Southern Californians could face water shortages in 2008. Much of the water from the snowpack flows into the rivers that feed the Bay Delta in the Sacramento area. Southern California's imported water supply comes from two main sources: the Bay Delta and the Colorado River, which is entering its eighth year of drought.

In a Friday phone interview, Metropolitan Water District spokesman Denis Wolcott said the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation considers the Colorado River drought one of the worst in history.

The implications for Southern California are ominous, he said, adding that it's vital that residents learn to conserve.

"If the drought continues for a couple more years, we may have very serious conditions," Wolcott said.

By: WILLIAM FINN BENNETT - Staff Writer 
Contact staff writer William Finn Bennett at (760) 740-5426 or wbennett@nctimes.com.

Legal News Alert: Golf & Resort

The Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, has proposed Tentative Resolution R9-2007-0104 (Tentative Resolution). As written, the order will have significant impact on the owners and operators of golf courses located in San Diego County, southern Orange County, and southern Riverside County. 

The Tentative Resolution creates a new set of discharge requirements for reclaimed water, which are noted on pages D-28 through D-29 of the Tentative Resolution. While recycled water has always been regulated under 22 CCR Section 60310, this new Tentative Resolution imposes three additional requirements: 

1.       The Tentative Resolution contains an absolute prohibition against the discharge of recycled water either directly or indirectly to any surface water of the state, including ephemeral streams and vernal pools. Compliance with this requirement could be very costly and potentially impossible for existing courses. Course managers will need to control irrigation overspray to assure that no irrigation runoff enters the storm drain system or a water of the state. Irrigation ponds will need to be covered or redesigned to avoid overtopping in rainstorms. 

2.       Golf courses will be required to prepare a Report of Waste Discharge (RoWD) pursuant to California Water Code Section 13260. This is a detailed and costly analysis of the pollutant loads contained in the reclaimed water, their potential transport into surface water or ground water, and the potential impact on beneficial uses resulting from the transport of those pollutants prior to the commencement of any discharge. It is likely that an analysis also will be required for other chemicals added to, or transported by, the recycled water such as fertilizers and pesticides. There does not appear to be any grace period for golf courses currently using recycled water. 

3.       Golf courses will be required to submit technical and/or monitoring reports as directed by the Regional Water Board. The content of these reports has not yet been established. However, recent attempts to add similar open-ended monitoring requirements to projects have resulted in increased costs in excess of $100,000 per year.

These Tentative Resolution provisions put golf course owners in a very awkward position. State water rights law mandates the use of recycled water on golf courses whenever it is available. These Tentative Resolution provisions may make compliance with those water rights laws very costly, if not impossible, to comply. 

The public comment period for this Tentative Resolution will close on August 8, 2007 and, if unchallenged, the Tentative Resolution will be adopted in September 2007. The Tentative Resolution will then go into effect in January 2008. Unless golf course owners and operators participate in the public comment process and develop a record concerning the infeasibility of these new provisions, they will lose their standing to appeal. Moreover, if left unchallenged, this will become a precedent for other regulatory agencies to follow across the country. 

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