July 2008
Volume 4 Issue 7, ISSN 1938-7466
The
California Golf Course Superintendents E-Magazine, a monthly publication
for the California GCSA Membership.
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July 2008
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California E-Magazine Supporter
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Advertising space still available; ADVERTISING RATE CHARTS |
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* CGCSA News! * US Open Highlights, inside the ropes! * 2008 California GCSA Annual Conference * 2009 California Hospitality Suite, New Orleans * Online Membership Directory * California GCSA Government Relations Network * Job Opportunities * GCSAA "News" * Golf Industry News
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California GCSA Board of Directors Webcast
Meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2008.
US Open Highlights, inside the ropes!
OPEN
Photos for your enjoyment!
2008 California GCSA Annual Conference, Trade Show & Golf Championship! The 2008 Annual Conference will be held at the Morongo Resort in Cabazon, CA, November 9 -11, 2008 Keep Checking the Annual Conference web page for updates! http://www.californiagcsa.org/annual_mtg.htm Nearby attractions, (for the wife and kids)! East Valley Golf Club
>>> Link
California GCSA Blog Center Click Here 2009 California Hospitality Suite New Orleans, LA Harrah's Casino Feb. 5, 2009 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm 228 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504)533-6000
Online Membership Directory The California Membership Directory is now available at: www.calgcsadir.org California GCSA Government Relations Report Visit the California GCSA Government Relation Web Page >>>> for more information California Government Relations Network Alert! Jim Husting, CGCS California GCSA Government Relations Chairman jchust@sbcglobal.net >>>> for more information
Link to: CGCSA Legislative Update Here are the latest “hot” bills we are watching. Please pay close attention to AB 2175 as this bill is morphing into something quite interesting. Remember to access the pdf file on State Net the login is sxstefth and text. James C. Husting, CGCS
Capitol Partners
Bill
CA AB 815
Medium
06/18/2008 : · From SENATE Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER with author's amendments. · In SENATE. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER. CA AB 877
Hot
07/10/2007 : · In SENATE Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER: Not heard. CA AB 1602
Medium
06/14/2007 : · To SENATE Committee on ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. CA AB 2046
Hot
06/18/2008 : · From SENATE Committee on LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Do pass to Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER. CA AB 2175
Hot
06/17/2008 : · From SENATE Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER with author's amendments. · In SENATE. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER. CA AB 2222
Hot
06/16/2008 : · From SENATE Committee on ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: Do pass as amended to Committee on APPROPRIATIONS. CA SB 27
Medium
06/17/2008 : · From ASSEMBLY Committee on WATER, PARKS AND WILDLIFE with author's amendments. · In ASSEMBLY. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Committee on WATER, PARKS AND WILDLIFE. CA SB 258
Medium
06/25/2007 : · From ASSEMBLY Committee on WATER, PARKS AND WILDLIFE with author's amendments. · In ASSEMBLY. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Committee on WATER, PARKS AND WILDLIFE. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- "Job Opportunities" New Jobs Posted May 17th
Job Opportunities for all other
golf course positions, is not password protected.
"GCSAA News" GCSAA expands TGIF access to all member superintendents
The most comprehensive index of turfgrass information in existence is now available at the touch of a button to all GCSAA Class A and Superintendent Members. Through an agreement between the Golf Course Superintendents Association of American (GCSAA) and Michigan State University's Turfgrass Information Center, the Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) can be accessed by Superintendent Members along with Class A members, who were given access in 2007. GCSAA Class A and Superintendent Members can enter the TGIF through the GCSAA Web site at http://www.gcsaa.org/solutions/TGIF.aspx or by clicking on Solutions/Tools on the left-hand side of the gcsaa.org homepage and then clicking on Turfgrass Information File (TGIF).
Pesticide License or GCSAA IPM Exam Requirement Two options are available to document this requirement: 1. Provide a copy of your state pesticide license or 2. Successfully complete a GCSAA-developed IPM Exam. This exam will test on the basic principles of safe pesticide storage, disposal and application. The exam and its study materials are currently available for a $40 test fee. And can be taken as an online exam or a proctored paper-based exam. If you choose the Online Exam option you may order online now or you can call us at 800-472-7878. After you enroll, you will have access to the study guide right away. You can print this material or view it online. The online exam is 100 multiple choice or fill-in-the blank questions. It is divided into three sections of equal length that you can complete independently. The GCSAA Integrated Pest Management Study Manual, along with other reference materials of your choice, may be used during the examination. The use of a pocket calculator is also permitted. You may not solicit help from other outside agencies such as members or superintendents in completing the exam. The score for each section of the exam will be transmitted electronically
to GCSAA. You will be notified of your score by email within five business
days. You can also contact us if you have questions at any time.
IPM examinations administration guidelines
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GCSA of Central California, July
16, 2008, Monthly Meeting
GCSA of Southern California,
Monday, July 21, 2008
GCSA of Northern California, Wednesday, July 30, 2008, Crew Appreciation Day Online Meeting Registration: http://www.californiagcsa.org/gcsanc-july2008-secure-reg-form.htm
Hi-Lo Desert GCSA, Monday, July 21, 2008 Hi-Lo Desert GCSA & GCSA of Southern California Joint Meeting Online Meeting Registration: https://californiagcsa.org/hi-lo-socal-joint-secure-reg-form.htm
San Diego GCSA, July 24, 2008, Just For Fun Golf Tournament Online Registration: https://californiagcsa.org/sdgcsa-just-for-fun-registration-form.htm
Sierra Nevada GCSA, July 14,
2008, Catta Verdera C.C.
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What: UCR Turfgrass & Landscape Research Field Day Where: Turfgrass Research Center, UCR Agricultural Operations When: Thursday, September 4,
2008
Registration: 7:30 am Tours Begin: 9:00 am • National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) tall fescue, zoysiagrass,
seashore paspalum trials
Tours End: 1:00 pm Lunch: 1:00 pm DPR and GCSAA credits will be submitted for approval. Registration forms will be mailed in early August. For more information, please contact Lynne Cochran at 951-827-4430, or lynne.cochran@ucr.edu. |
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CAN YOU AFFORD TO FERTILIZE?
There is no escaping the rapidly increasing expenses associated with operating a golf course. Rising oil prices have effected the cost of all petroleum based manufactured goods, raw materials such as ammonia, natural gas and sulfur have increased to staggering levels, and the weakening American dollar have significantly impacted the cost of imported goods. Some of these factors have also increased the price of fertilizer yet plant nutrition is vital to a successful management plan. Can our industry continue to afford to fertilize? Are Golf Course Superintendents being forced to jeopardize the basic fundamentals of plant health? Making good choices before deciding whether fertilizer is a necessity or luxury, could potentially smooth long term economic clumps in the turf. Driving the rising fertilizer prices are simple supply and demand equations. The global population continues to prosper creating a hunger for a higher protein diets, China, India and several other countries continue to industrialize with a thirst for almost all raw materials. And corn continues to lead the race in the demand for ethanol based bio fuels. In addition to these variables, high natural gas prices have caused twenty five U.S. ammonia plants to close permanently since fiscal year 1999 creating the foundation for soaring fertilizer prices. So how does this impact the Golf Course Superintendents attempting to balance the budget and please the golfer? Fertilizer is a necessity to feed the growing global population and without it people would starve. The fertilizer produced to grow corn, soy beans, and wheat is the same fertilizer produced to grow lawns, parks, and golf courses. It originates from the same pile. U.S. corn was trading for only $2.00 a bushel in 2006 and has increased upward to $6.50 a bushel. Our industry grows turf grass and there is no way to capture the higher fertilizer costs through crop yields. Fertilizer has become more expensive but eliminating it from a turf management program could be far more costly than the current price per bag. Like many other businesses, a golf course relies on a certain cliental to insure consistent revenue. Without the golfer, there is no revenue. As the economy weakens, so does the discretionary income that is used for recreational activities. Golf courses generally have a certain value to the consumer based on course design, playing conditions and price. Once the playing conditions diminish, so does the value. Golf Course Superintendents are struggling to balance budgets and often asking whether fertility is worth the expense. If the golf course were not fertilized, the impacts would be noticeable and severe. Traffic areas would not recover. Diseases such as, Rusts, Dollar Spot, Red Thread and others associated with low nitrogen fertility would become problematic. The reactive approach for treating diseases would pose an economic impact when considering the cost for fungicides and their application. Perhaps the worse case scenario would be the long term effects of this risk. Once you have lost business or even worse, your reputation, it is difficult to get it back. While the idea to save money by cutting corners may have good intentions, the efforts could quickly backfire with the perception of a less than desirable facility. There are professional and effective methods for communicating and capturing returns under these adverse economic scenarios. Communication could be the one tool that proves most valuable. Making major adjustments or cuts without communicating them is not the correct approach. Monthly meetings, newsletters, monthly billings, scheduled walkthroughs are all opportunities to share information and invite positive feedback. It is not uncommon to adjust budgets throughout the season. These can be far less painful if properly communicated and would be less likely to generate an unpleasant phone call from an unhappy customer. Yellow grass or dead grass on the other hand will almost always generate a phone call. Other ways to conserve when facing tight budget times is the use of the controlled release fertilizers. The initial cost may appear high but the cost average over several weeks is more economical. For example, fertilizer that is $30 per bag and lasts 10 weeks has an average cost of $3 per week. Whereas fertilize that is $20 per bag and lasts only 5 weeks has a weekly average cost of $4 per week. There is also a labor savings as fewer applications are needed on an annual basis. Equally important is doing your homework and buying quality fertilizer. There is a difference between slow release and controlled release. Generally, the more control the better. Ask your supplier the questions and challenge them to help you assemble a fertility program. You should expect the same level of service and quality from your supplier that your customers expect of you. There is no shortage of challenges facing the golf industry today. The cost of fuel, equipment and labor are continuing to soar. There are constructive methods for doing more with less. However, without a well orchestrated plan, proper management and a consistent long term approach, reducing or eliminating fertilizer could spell disaster. While all the soaring costs have raised several questions about whether you could afford to fertilize; A better question could be…could you afford not to?
Keys to Protecting Your Most Valuable Resource - Harnessing the Force of Habit As a golf course superintendent, you know it’s important to be consistent with regular course maintenance. And, being smart about when, where and how your resources are applied, helps ensure your success at maintaining healthy, vibrant grounds. But what sort of focus is put on protecting your most valuable resource… the human bodies that are responsible for doing all the work? If you are like most superintendents, providing safety training for your workers may not be your area of expertise. The most common injuries occurring on golf courses (as well as almost all industries) are musculoskeletal injuries such as sprain/strain, cumulative trauma, and repetitive motion injuries. (50 to 70% of all work related injuries in the US are in this category). These injuries are out pacing any other category by a huge margin, and they constitute the lion share of financial losses to industry. These injuries are difficult to treat, and to the safety manager, they often seem to be even more difficult to prevent. They can be prevented however, and the key to prevention is in the habits of the worker. Put Less Stress “IN”
Three simple rules can be applied to any job task to ensure appropriate,
safe technique: 1) keep the back straight [power posture]; 2) keep the
load close, and 3) avoid twisting.
Get The Stress “OUT”
Tools And Environments
The Key Is In The Habits
Changing habits is a difficult thing for us humans to achieve. However, with focused training, practice, and ongoing reinforcement, you can help all of your employees to become smart body managers. This should be the goal, and the commitment, of your safety program. Dr. Blackwelder is president of Injury Prevention Partners (IPP), and is a specialist in human biomechanics and ergonomics. IPP provides on-site, customized training to industry, and has developed specialized training programs for golf courses. Trainings can be delivered in either Spanish or English. IPP can be reached on the web at www.ippartner.biz, or by phone at (949) 240-8355
"Raising Fuel Cost" As gasoline prices reach $4 per gallon, Golf Courses are faced with
either passing on fuel costs to their membership or customers or accepting
lower profits for their businesses.
What are we go to do? Stop mowing, stop or cut-back on watering? Try to convince the golfers that BROWN is beautiful! The golf course superintendent, needs to discover ways to save fuel.
It used to be that the diesel powered units were cheaper to operate, not so today. Diesel fuel just passed the $5.00 a gallon price, and is also on the rise with gasoline. What are you doing to combat the raising price of fuel?
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/smallbusiness/small-business.pdf |
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The California GCSA is supporting the 2008 - 09 turfgrass & water research projects. The turfgrass research project is "The Management and Biology of Brown Ring Patch on Annual Bluegrass Greens". Dr. Frank Wong's, UC Riverside. The Water research project is "The Fate and Transport of Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products, and Endocine Disrupting Compounds in Golf Courses Irrigated with Reuse Water". Mike McCullough, NCGA. 2007 Anguina Field Research Supporters The 2007 Anguina pacificae efficacy field trial as conducted on the 12th green at the Cypress Point Club. The report contains 15 color photographs and colored highlights in
15 data tables and 11 figures.
Thanks again for your participation in the trial.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
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Manage and identify insects, mites, diseases, nematodes, weeds, and vertebrates Homes, gardens, landscapes, and turf (including Pest Notes)
Weather data and products
Research tools and databases: California pesticide use summaries |
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For the latest Weekly Turf Diseases found in California, visit: http://www.californiagcsa.org/turf_research.htm PACE TURF MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST FOR SUMMER Preventive Approach Advised by PACE TURFGRASS RESEARCH INSTITUTE A copy of this article is posted in the PACE Newsroom at: www.paceturf.org For more information, Call: (858) 272-9897, Email gelernt@paceturf.org OR visit the PACE web site www.paceturf.org |
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Recycled water users must have their irrigation
distribution systems checked annually for potential cross-connection situations
and perform a cross-connection control shutdown test every four years,
as required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. However, the most
important benefit of performing the cross-connection control test is being
able to provide proof that public health is protected from actual or potential
cross-connections. As you know, recycled water is considered nonpotable
water, and therefore must not be cross-connected with the drinking or potable
water system at any time.
How do cross-connections occur? Sometimes piping is installed by someone who is unaware of the dangers of cross-connections; there are also times when connections are made as a simple matter of convenience, without regard to the dangerous situation that it might be creating; there are occasions where, without proper research, people have connected to recycled water systems, unaware that the pipe carries recycled water instead of potable water. Pipes designed to carry recycled water are typically colored purple or wrapped with a purple marker. There are locations where the pipe has not been converted to purple or the marker is gone and this leads to a higher probability for a cross-connection to occur. Also, modified connections to piping may be made with reliance on an inadequate protection valve or other mechanical device allowing for a potential cross-connection. If any of the above situations is true, there is a potential for backflow to occur. Water pressure tends to want to equalize, therefore water will flow from high to low pressure areas. During a backflow, water is forced to flow the opposite direction whether caused by backpressure, back siphonage, vacuum, or reverse flow. The term backflow means any unwanted flow of nonpotable water into a potable water system. The direction of flow under these conditions is in the reverse direction than that intended by the system. Backflow of water has the potential to cause public health hazards if it contains a pollutant and/or a contaminant which impairs water quality. The water supplier is responsible for protecting quality of the public water supply from hazards and contamination by implementation of a cross-connection control program. For recycled water users, a cross-connection program typically consists of annual surveys and performing control tests at least once every four years. These tests are conducted by an American Waterworks Association (AWWA) certified cross-connection control program specialist or equivalent. Among other things, during each of these tests the AWWA specialist looks for proper backflow prevention devices, proper identification of recycled water irrigation system pipes, valves, and other appurtenances. Any locations of overspray, runoff, and ponding of recycled water are noted. New modifications of the irrigation system are closely examined for cross-connection potential. Recycled water use signs are checked for visibility and legibility. The four year cross-connection control test, also called a shutdown test, is a more extensive and lengthy process than the annual survey. This test is required to be completed by the wastewater discharge permit for recycled water users and it ensures that the irrigation system is secure and not susceptible to a cross-connection situation; and that public health is not compromised. The following is the basic process that is followed for the shutdown test: A test procedure is developed and proposed to be completed; the proposed test procedures are sent to the California Department of Public Health for approval; upon their approval of the proposed test procedures, the recycled water user is notified and the shutdown test is performed. During this shutdown test, pressure recorders are strategically placed on the irrigation system and the irrigation system is turned off for a period of time. The pressure recorders are then checked for spikes which would indicate that water is flowing from the potable system to the irrigation system, signifying a potential cross-connection. Then the process is repeated on the domestic water system. The domestic water system is shut down while the recycled system is cycled through all operating modes. The charts from the recorders that do not have spikes are proof that during the cross-connection test, no cross-connection has occurred. Although it seems to be an inconvenience, the test fulfills the requirements of the recycled water user’s permit and is far better than being faced with a public health hazard. The recycled water user has cross-connection responsibilities,
as well. Recycled water users must designate someone as their on-site recycled
water supervisor. The general wastewater discharge requirements for recycled
water users outline the responsibilities of the on-site supervisors. At
the Coachella Valley Water District (in Riverside County), staff works
closely with the on-site supervisor, who typically is responsible for the
installation, operation and maintenance of the recycled water irrigation
system. In addition, the on-site supervisor ensures that personnel are
familiar with the locations of the domestic and recycled lines to ensure
that the potable and recycled systems are not interconnected and that the
staff is safe from health hazards.
It is also necessary to understand that if improper
methods are substituted for convenience, a direct cross-connection may
occur. The hazards resulting from direct cross-connections greatly outweigh
any convenience gained. So, together, AWWA specialist and the on-site supervisor
check the irrigation distribution system visually and physically for areas
that may cause a potential cross-connection.
The “Purple Book,” which contains the California Health Laws Related to Recycled Water, is available at www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Documents/Recharge/Purplebookupdate6-01.PDF and the EPA’s Cross Connection Control Manual can be found at www.epa.gov/ogwdw/crossconnection.html. Olivia Daniels,
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Keep your yard looking great
Did you know that over half of household water use, on average, goes to maintaining yards and landscapes? That’s why improving outdoor watering efficiency by installing a “smart” sprinkler controller is one of the best and easiest ways for homeowners to reduce their overall water usage, save money and keep their yards healthy and beautiful throughout the year. How “smart” sprinkler controllers help
During hot weather, plants require more water than during cooler periods.
“Smart” controllers adjust the amount of water applied accordingly.
Conduct a Sprinkler System Inspection: “Smart” controllers work properly only when the entire sprinkler system is working optimally. That’s why it’s important to conduct a full sprinkler system inspection, or audit, prior to installing a new “smart” controller. The system audit will check for leaks, malfunctioning hardware, water pressure, site coverage and uniformity, and other related issues that might impact the effectiveness of your entire system. Repairing these problems will ensure your “smart” controller is able to deliver the benefits promised. Work with a Professional: “Smart” sprinkler controllers are generally only available through irrigation or landscape contractors. The Irrigation Association® has compiled a list of professionals who are certified to install “smart” irrigation controllers. To locate an Irrigation Association certified professional, or to confirm the status of any irrigation contractor in your area, please consult our list of Certified Professionals. Do Your Homework: Landscape and irrigation professionals often refer
to sprinklers as “irrigation systems.” The Irrigation Association®,
a non-profit organization supporting water conservation through efficient
irrigation, has published an Irrigation Consumer Bill of Rights to educate
consumers about the questions to ask prospective contractors before purchasing
a new sprinkler system. Before beginning any work, be sure to confirm that
your contractor is specifically trained in the installation of the “smart”
controller they have selected.
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 When
precision irrigation decisions count, the Field Scout TDR Series offers
growers a tool to eliminate the guesswork. Based on proven time-domain
measurement technology, these portable units accurately measure soil moisture
across the full range of soil moisture conditions. Select from the 7.5,
12 or 20-cm (3, 4.8 or 8-inch) probe rods to suit your desired depth measurement.
Install PVC access tubes and take readings deeper in the soil profile.
The TDR 300 has two volumetric water content modes; one for standard soils and one for higher clay soils. In volumetric water content (VWC) mode, the meter converts a measured electrical signal into percent soil moisture content using an equation valid over a wide range of mineral soils. In irrigation mode, the meter displays a relative water content (RWC) on a scale of 0 to 100 corresponding to a user-defined upper and lower soil moisture reference level. Water deficit, the amount of water needed to bring the soil moisture content up to the upper reference level, is also calculated and displayed. The reference levels are easily programmed into the meter with the accompanying software. Create up to 2 management sites based on your soil types and crop needs. Use the raw reading mode (measurement period in microseconds) to do soil-specific calibrations. Irrigation & Soil Moisture Solutions >>> View Here Copyright © 2008 Spectrum Technologies, Inc. All
Rights Reserved.
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Also check the CGCSA Web Site Golf Products Directory for a listing of products, services & companies. For information on advertising in this E-Magazine,
please contact: Email:
Bob
Tillema, CGCS
California GCSA Web Page 
For questions concerning delivery
of this newsletter, please contact the California GCSA at: Toll Free: (866)
643-8707
To receive the "California GCSA
Monthly E-Magazine", Please Sign up!
Editor, Troy Mullane, Publisher, Robert
J Tillema, CGCS
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© 2005-2006 California GCSA., All Rights Reserved.
This article is protected by United States copyright and other intellectual
property laws and
may not be reproduced, rewritten, distributed, re-disseminated,
transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast, directly or indirectly,
in any medium
without the prior written permission of California Golf
Course Superintendents Association.
Torrey
Pines Golf Course
