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*   Job Opportunities

*   GCSAA "News"
Mark Woodward, CGCS selected GCSAA CEO 

*   Chapters News

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*   Dr. Frank Wong

*   GCSASC Honors Three Members

*   H.V. Carter Co. closes its door!

*   Member Profile: Jonas Conlan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

April 28, 2008

TO: Off-Road Implementation Advisory Group (ORIAG) Applicant

SUBJECT: SELECTION OF ORIAG MEMBERS

This letter is to confirm your selection as an ORIAG member.  I am very pleased that you will be a part of this important group, and look forward to working closely together as the in-use off-road diesel vehicle regulation is implemented.  We are looking to the ORIAG to help fine tune our outreach, training, and implementation strategies and materials, as well as increase awareness of the needs and opinions of affected stakeholders. 
I would like to remind you that by your application for membership, you have committed to fulfill the responsibilities of an ORIAG member (e.g., attend meetings and provide ideas and feedback).  However, if at any time you are unable to continue serving as a member of ORIAG, please advise me immediately so that we may consider an alternate member. 

The first meeting will be held May 12, 2008 in the Byron Sher Auditorium in Sacramento from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the address below:

California Environmental Protection Agency Building
Byron Sher Auditorium
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA  95814

Information about ORIAG, such as meeting dates, locations, agendas, and meeting materials can be found at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/ORIAG.htm.  Also, these meetings will be webcast; details regarding how to access the webcast will be available on ARB's website prior to the meeting.  However, as some conference rooms have limited space, if you are a member and you plan to invite anyone else, you may need to limit this to one additional attendee. 

The goal of this initial meeting will be to brief members on the current status of the regulation, to solicit input on topics ORIAG would like to address, and to plan and organize ORIAG’s future activities.  Staff will also offer a demonstration of the current reporting tool prototype.

Should you have any questions regarding ORIAG, please contact Beth White at eiwhite@arb.ca.gov or at 916-324-1704.  Again, I would like to thank you for your interest in becoming an ORIAG member.

Sincerely,
 
 

Erik White, Chief
Heavy-Duty Diesel In-Use Strategies Branch

cc: Beth White, MSCD

Stanford, CA- On Monday, April 28, 2008, members of the Northern California Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSANC) will participate in an innovative field workshop at the Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex at Stanford University. The educational workshop and tour will provide an in-depth look at the nation’s newest, innovatively-designed training complex in collegiate golf. 

According to Stanford University’s golf course superintendent Ken Williams, CGCS, the 30-acre L-shaped facility consists of two sections (200 yd. wide by 400 yd. long, and 100 yd. wide by 400 yd. long). It has three main tee areas, along with six, uniquely-designed green complexes strategically positioned around the perimeter of the site (each green modeled after the work of a renowned architect) with accompanying bunkers filled with varying sand textures.

The complex has already experienced a “wow factor” from Stanford’s golf coaches, and their team players who’ll frequent it regularly in preparation for competitive play. “With different hitting areas, varying green complexes and bunkering, the complex was designed to closely mirror playing conditions found during regular competition,” stated Williams.  “Thanks to the university and its supporters coupled with our masterful design and construction team, we were able to achieve that lofty goal.”

Already touted by sports enthusiasts as the best golf training center in the country, the complex was created by Robert Trent Jones II design team (Palo Alto, CA.) with Jay Blasi as project architect, and Doug Ingram as project shaper. Ed Ott, GCSANC member and president of Colony Landscape, took on the arduous responsibility as project contractor, and Andy Slack, GCSANC member and president of Spot Water Management served as irrigation designer. Since the project’s inception, the design team has also  relied on valuable input from Stanford University’s golf team coaches. Stanford’s course superintendent Ken Williams remains at the core of this collaborative project. In addition to his other duties at Stanford University GC, he will oversee agronomy and maintenance for the new golf training complex. 

During the 2008 GCSANC Field Workshop (an educational event held in conjunction with the University of California Cooperative Extension) members from the RTJ II design team and project affiliates, will provide insight on how the complex emerged to its excellence. “Over the years we’ve conducted numerous field workshops throughout the region, but I’m especially looking forward to this year’s event at Stanford’s golf training complex,” stated Ali Harivandi, Ph.D., Co-founder of the GCSANC Field Workshop. “With the panel of industry experts scheduled to be on site with us, attendees will be able to gain extensive knowledge on a variety of subjects related to this innovative project.” 

From: Golf Course Superintendents of Northern California
Date: April 23, 2008 
GCSANC Contact: Barb@e-easi.net Media Contact:  EmmyPGA@aol.com
Phone: (530) 902-8181

The Golf Course Superintendents Association or Southern California (GCSASC) recognized three of its members for their contributions within the turf care industry at the: January 21st GCSASC/USGA/SCGA meeting held at Old Ranch Country Club.

The GCSASC Superintendent of the Year Award-Private Clubs was presented to Rafael Martinez, golf course superintendent at Via Verde Country Club. Martinez, an active member of the GCSASC, is a respected superintendent by his club members and his peers. He has profound dedication and commitment to workplace responsibilities and staff and he maintains integrity and passion for his career and profession. 

The GCSASC Superintendent or the Year-Public Clubs was presented to Kevin Neal. Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Regional Superintendent for ValleyCrest Golf Coarse Maintenance at Industry Hills Golf Course. Neal is a past president of the GCSASC and has been an active member for many years. Neal is the consummate professional and is the epitome of the professional golf course superintendent. 

Bill Culbertson, sales representative with So Cal Pump & Well, is the recipient of the GCSASC Affiliate of the Year Award. Culbertson has been described as the definition of volunteer and dedication. Bill unselfishly gives of his time to organize events, donate trophies, supply water to the to the tournaments and is the consummate volunteer. Culbertson also serves as an Affiliate Representative on the California GCSA Board of Directors.

Mark J. Woodward, golf operations manager for the city of San Diego has been selected chief executive officer for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

His selection by the GCSAA Board of Directors comes after conducting a national search to replace Steve Mona, who became the chief executive of the World Golf Foundation March 3. A familiar face to GCSAA, Woodward has been actively involved as a committee participant, a member of the board of directors and 68th president of the association in 2004. He is in his 30th year as a GCSAA member and first achieved the status of certified golf course superintendent in 1986. He is the first golf course superintendent to serve as GCSAA’s permanent chief executive.

“We were extremely pleased with the quantity and quality of candidates that were interested in the position. Without a doubt, Mark presented the best fit for the association,” GCSAA President David S. Downing II, CGCS said. “He is a talented individual with a myriad of skills and abilities that will serve him, the membership, the association, the industry and the game well. He has a strong track record of service to GCSAA and success as a golf course superintendent and an administrator. His efforts have earned him rave reviews in bolstering golf operations for the city of San Diego.”

In his capacity in San Diego, Woodward developed a five year business plan that has resulted in generating an additional $3 million in revenue from 2006 to 2007, including the implementation of the Advance Tee Time program that added $500,000 in revenue in the first year. His department has hosted numerous high profile events including three junior world golf championships, three city amateur championships, three PGA Tour events and the upcoming U.S. Open -- on top of the three golf facilities annually hosting 260 golf outings. His plan resulted in creating 20,000 additional tee times available for the public golfer. From a golf course standpoint, Woodward has implemented a management plan that has produced drastically improved course conditions and enhanced environmental stewardship.

“Mark will begin his duties at GCSAA on July 1,” Downing said. “It is important to him and to GCSAA that he sees to completion the U.S. Open. It is a wonderful celebration of the game and it is only fitting that he finishes his integral role in conducting the event.”

Woodward was named to his position in San Diego in January 2005 after serving 31 years in various capacities with the Phoenix suburb of Mesa, Ariz. His last position there was parks and recreation administrator, which included the oversight of two golf courses, a tennis facility, the Chicago Cubs spring training home, a minor league baseball training site, a park ranger program and a cemetery. He is a 1974 graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in environmental resources and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

In addition to his past volunteer service to GCSAA, Woodward is active in the National Institute of Golf Management sponsored by the National Golf Foundation. He joined the NIGM board of regents in 1992, serving as its chair in 1999. He was a trustee for the Environmental Institute for Golf, serving as secretary in 2004.

Woodward has a strong golf course management background. He began his career as an assistant golf course superintendent at Mesa’s Dobson Ranch Golf Course, helping to construct the layout. Two years later he assumed the superintendent position and then in 1987 assumed the additional duties of managing Mesa’s Riverview Golf Course. His grandfather Jay is one of only three superintendents to have been inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame and was recognized as one of 11 GCSAA members to be recognized for outstanding service at the association’s 50th anniversary celebration. Other family members to have served in the superintendent profession include his son Matt, son-in-law Cody Swirczynski, a cousin, Mike Pock, and his sons, Ernie and Jay.

Woodward, 55, (born September 6, 1952) is a native of Phoenix, Ariz. He and his wife Amy have six children including Mark’s son Matt and his daughter Erin and Amy’s daughters, Rachel, Christine, Nicole and Jessie. They currently have seven grand children.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association’s philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

For More Information Contact: Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Director of Communications, 800-472-7878, ext. 4430 or 913-449-1635

Based on member feedback, GCSAA is extending the deadline to May 5 for the Golf Course Pesticide Use Survey, the fourth survey in GCSAA’s Golf Course Environmental Profile Project. The extension will allow superintendents more time to complete the entire survey, including the section requiring input of pesticide-use data. Time needed to input data will depend on the number of pesticide applications made in 2007, but you can save your work and return as often as necessary to complete it.

To Frank Wong, congratulations on making tenure. You have been a great new resource for superintendents throughout California in the time you have been here. It's always great to see your enthusiasm when you make presentations. Just don't get so excited when we get a new disease out on our courses!!!!! Here's to many more years working with the superintendents throughout California!

Gary K. Carls, CGCS

To all Northern California golf courses.

For an interim period of time, Golf Ventures West will be glad to help support you in any part needs you may have. We can supply all Jacobsen, Smithco, National, Turfco, Verti Drain and EZ-GO parts.

You may contact the Corona office at 951-371-1888 or any of our locations.

For more information on GV West or to find a credit application go to www.gvwest.com

 Mike D. Eastwood
 President 
 Golf Ventures West LLC
 Phone: (602) 442-4653
  Fax: (602) 455-4322
 E-Mail: meastwood@gvwest.com
 www.gvwest.com
 

     We all know that Jonas is the course superintendent at Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City. He has been at The Princess since October 1st, 2001. Before that he was the Assistant at the old Sun City Golf Course for 3 ½ years.

     Jonas first started to learn about the game of golf when he was 12 years old at a course in Michigan. This is where he learned how to play golf and became interested in the game because he caddied. He eventually secured a job at this course in Michigan on the maintenance crew. After he graduated from high school, he attained his Bachelor of Arts at Albion College in Michigan, and majored in Economics. From there he was advised by his old boss to get into the golf business. He graduated from Michigan State in the two-year Turf Grass Program.

     He eventually was hired by PGA West to relocate here to the desert and started there as an assistant. He then spent one year there before moving to The Princess.

     Jonas is the oldest of four children. A brother and sister still live in Michigan and they are both school teachers. Jonas’ youngest brother, Travis, plays professional basketball in Belgium for Mon’s City, a 1st division team for the last 4 years. Mon’s is a little City South of Brussels. From Mon’s, everything is in striking distance when Jonas visits his brother. Jonas does not need much encouragement when it comes to visiting Travis because this leads to what Jonas likes to do best, travel. From Mon’s as the home base, he can just hop on a train, go to Paris, Italy, and see Europe and enjoy the history and culture of these great cities of the world.

     The most difficult golf course that Jonas has ever played is Royale Birkdale Golf Club, which is in a suburb north of Liverpool, and close to the home of the Beatles. He shot 81 at this course, which is a Links Course, lots of sand dunes, tall fescue, and severe undulations on the fairways, a real test of golf, not for the average golfer to enjoy, but Jonas was up to the task, as he is a “2” ( TWO ) Handicap.

     If Jonas decided to make a career change, I am sure that he could do a number of various things but the most appealing one would be to become a professional poker player. He also would have loved to have chosen a career as a professional tour caddie, as this would have provided him the opportunity to see the world. 

     Jonas is a past- president of the Hi-Lo organization for two consecutive years, 2005 and 2006.

     One of the funniest things that ever happened to Jonas on the golf course was this. One day his brother and some friends were playing golf and while they were playing they decided to video tape a few of the approach shots to the green. So, Jonas, being Jonas grabs the camera, goes up to the front of the green and tells the guys to hit up! The camera is running, the guy is hitting, and Jonas loses sight of the golf ball while videoing, not a good idea, they yell at him to “watch out”, he drops the camera, turns his back to the guys, and the ball hits him straight in the back, the words were edited out of the filming of course. That deserves a that-a-boy, Jonas!

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;  Next Series to begin in September 2008, because Superintendents are working on the golf course. 
All Webcast times are Central.

GCSAA Education CD's are available for purchase in the GCSAA Online Store: Click here for link.

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,Coming soon ON DEMAND WEBCAST will be listed by categories!
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 Address: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/webcast/webcast.aspx
Or call  (800) 472-7878 x 5167 

Licensing

Summary:
In California, a golf course superintendent who uses or supervises the use of federally restricted use pesticides or State restricted materials needs to possess a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC). A golf course superintendent must obtain a "restricted materials permit" when using State restricted materials in addition to needing a QAC. An individual who offers a recommendation on any agricultural use, who holds them self forth as an authority on any agricultural use, or who solicits services or sales for any agricultural use, must possess a valid Agricultural Pest Control Adviser License (APCA). An individual cannot act as an agricultural pest control adviser in any county in the state where they make recommendations for agricultural use without first registering with the county agricultural commissioner. All recommendations must be made in writing. All agricultural pest control advisers must renew registration annually. In California, a golf course superintendent is classified as a commercial applicator. If a golf course superintendent possesses a valid qualified applicator certificate, they are considered a certified commercial applicator. (Select the “Licensing” link above and select either the “Agricultural Pest Control Adviser” link or the “Qualified Applicator Certificate” link to review California’s complete licensing requirements.)

Recordkeeping

Summary:
A golf course superintendent must keep records of the following information for each pest control application: (1) date of application; (2) name of the operator of the property treated; (3) location of property treated; (4) crop commodity, or site treated; (5) total acreage or units treated at the site; and (6) pesticide, including the U.S. EPA or State registration number which is on the pesticide label, and amount used. Records must be kept for two years and available upon inspection. Further, individuals that are required to maintain pesticide use records must report a summary of the monthly use of pesticides to the commissioner of the county in which the work was performed. If the county in which the work was performed has no commissioner, the report shall be made to the director. The report shall include the following: (1) name and address of the person who or business/organization which applied the pesticide(s); (2) county where the pest control was performed; (3) month and year of pesticide use; (4) crop, commodity or site treated, except when using a designated use code, as specified on the Monthly Summary Pesticide Use Report form; (5) pesticide, including the U.S. EPA or State registration number which is on the pesticide label, and the amount used; (6) number of applications made with each pesticide and the total number of applications made during the month; and (7) total acres or units treated with each pesticide, except when using a designated use code, as specified on Summary Pesticide Use Report form. (Select the “Recordkeeping” link above to review California’s complete recordkeeping requirements.)

Posting

Summary:
California does not specifically require posting on golf courses. However, all pesticide applications on public property is required if all the following conditions exist: 1) there is a reentry interval of 24 hours or longer for the pesticide used; 2) the application takes place on public property; and 3) there is foreseeable exposure to the public. The signs must be in English and Spanish and contain a warning that the area has been treated with a pesticide and that individuals are not to enter the area. Posting shall be accomplished immediately prior to pesticide applications, and the signs shall be removed within 24 hours after the expiration of the reentry interval. Signs shall be posted at regular intervals and at all regular points of public entry. Some of the pesticides licensed for use on golf courses are restricted materials. These pesticides carry additional mitigation measures and possibly greater notification or posting requirements. "Restricted materials permit" conditions and labeling requirements may effect the posting requirements of applications. Refer to 3CCR section 6400-6486.8 for the regulations regarding restricted materials, FAC section 12978 for posting of public property; 3CCR sections 6618 and 6619 regarding application notices, and 3CCR sections 6772-6776 for requirements on restricted entry intervals and posting.

Notification

Summary:
Also see Posting, because posting is a form of notification. The operator of a property for purposes other than the commercial or research production of an agricultural plant commodity (such as a golf course), shall assure that notice is given to all persons who are on the treated property, or likely to enter during the application or the period of time that any restrictions on entry are in effect. The restricted entry interval (REI) is found on the product label but should also check 3CCR 6772. The property operator (the golf course superintendent) is required to ensure that notice is given to any and all persons (public/employees) known to be on or likely to enter a treated area on the date a pesticide application is made or while the REI is in effect. The notice must be understandable to the receiver, state the date of the application and identify the pesticide by brand name or common chemical name; and the entry/re-entry precautions. State regulations do not specify how persons are to be notified. A golf course superintendent may give either oral or written (posting) notification as required by the label and or regulation.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have begun tackling one of turf management's more perplexing questions: which fungi cause fairy ring, and what are the best management practices for dealing with each of them? 

If you have been plagued with fairy ring, you already know that textbooks identify over 60 different fungi that are known to cause fairy ring. But what the textbooks don't say is that most of these fungi are uncharacterized. What's more, it isn't clear whether management methods that work for one fairy ring fungus will work for others.

Luckily, plant pathologist Lee Miller, who is a graduate student in Dr. Lane Tredway's lab, will be taking a closer look. But he needs your help in the form of samples of fairy ring-affected turf. To submit a sample to Miller for analysis, please follow the instructions below: 

Fairy ring sample submission: 

§                         Send 1-2 cup cutter plugs from the leading (outside) edge of the ring. 

§                         Wrap bottom and sides of sample in aluminum foil to keep stable 

§                         If mushrooms or puffballs are present, place as many as possible in soil sample box or paper bag (no plastic!!). 

§                         Put samples in shipping box and stuff with newspaper to keep plugs in place during shipping. Send to: 

Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
North Carolina State University
Attention: Lee Miller
Campus Box 7211
1227 Gardner Hall
100 Derieux Place
Raleigh, NC 27695
919-515-3619 

     As time goes on, more and more beneficial uses for recycled water are discovered. Mostly recycled water tends to be thought of as a source of water for irrigation purposes. For instance, recycled water can be used to irrigate golf courses, residential landscaping, freeway landscaping, parks, playgrounds, school yards, churches, cemeteries, orchards, vineyards, ornamental nursery stock, fodder, seed, fiber, and food crops. 

     Yet, there are so many other beneficial uses for recycled water. Recycled water may be used as a supply for recreational impoundments, fish hatcheries, and other landscape impoundments. Recycled water is used in the industrial community for cooling towers, boiler feed, process water, and evaporative condensers, not to mention groundwater recharge, flushing toilets and urinals, priming drain traps, structural fire fighting, decorative fountains, and flushing out sanitary sewers. In the construction industry recycled water is used for backfill consolidation around nonpotable piping, soil compaction, mixing concrete, power generation, and dust control. Recycled water can even be used for street sweeping, cleaning sidewalks and other outdoor work areas. Believe it or not recycled water can be used to create artificial snow. All of the beneficial uses of recycled water mentioned above are allowed in California. However, these uses are, of course, dependent of the different levels of treatment that the recycled water receives.

     As statewide demands for domestic water increase and water providers pursue alternative sources of water, California’s recycled water use is expanding and becoming even more attractive. Golf course superintendents are very conscientious of the water being applied to their greens, tees, and fairways and recycled water is a popular choice for golf course irrigation for many reasons. In the following paragraphs, I’d like to discuss the numerous benefits of using recycled water for golf course irrigation.

     First and foremost is the financial advantage. Golf courses pay less for recycled water than it costs for pumping groundwater. The California Water Code 32600-32603 states that “the cost of supplying the nonpotable water is comparable to, or less than, the cost of supplying potable domestic water. The savings has been quite dramatic for those who are in situations where domestic water used for irrigation was replaced by recycled water. 

     Recycled water contains higher concentrations of nutrients than groundwater and, therefore, the need for chemical fertilizers is reduced. Superintendents are saving money on fertilizer when they use recycled water. Because the nutrients are homogenous throughout the recycled water, it provides a uniform application of fertilizer when applied by an irrigation system. Superintendents using recycled water have mentioned to me that they can’t believe how green their courses are.

     Recycled water is a drought proof source of water. When drought restrictions are imposed, the golf courses using recycled water will still have a reliable source of water. Recycled water will be available no matter if groundwater and domestic water use is limited. The course will be watered and remain green during times when other courses may not be so fortunate.

     Users of recycled water have their irrigation distribution systems checked annually for potential cross connection situations and every four years a cross connection control shutdown test is required. The irrigation distribution systems are visually and physically checked for areas that may cause a potential cross connection. These checks ensure that the system is operating properly. Inadvertently, this becomes another opportunity for checking the system for any needed maintenance or minor adjustments, which may include adjusting pop-ups or fixed-spray heads to eliminate ponding, overspray, and runoff of water, thereby helping to conserve water. 

     Recycled water use can be viewed as a positive public relations tool. Being “green” is a concern of the public, not to mention the media. Using recycled water is looked upon favorably by those concerned with the keeping the environment free from pollution. Golf course superintendents are good stewards of the earth and recycled water use is another means to prove it. 

     Finally, the most important benefit of using recycled water is potable water conservation. Utilizing recycled water reduces demand on limited domestic supplies, thereby helping to conserve our precious groundwater. For example, Coachella Valley desert dwellers are very lucky to have a vast underground aquifer that contains nearly pristine water. We have not had to import water and treat it to meet state and federal drinking water standards. The groundwater used for domestic purposes in the Coachella Valley receives minimal treatment. However, the Coachella Valley’s aquifer is in a state of overdraft, where more groundwater is being removed than we are able to replace. Golf courses using recycled water are helping to reduce the overdraft by removing less water from the ground. Conserving the groundwater ensures that our future generations will benefit from the underground aquifer in the Coachella Valley just as the current generation.  Potable water conservation is a concern everywhere, and using recycled water helps conserve potable water. 

     By using recycled water golf courses can play an important role in helping to meet the continued demand and supply challenges. Although I have only mentioned a few, the benefits for a golf course using recycled water are numerous. Thank you so much for your cooperation, understanding, participation, and support of recycled water and groundwater conservation projects. 

Olivia Daniels,
Recycled Water Manager
Coachella Valley Water District
(760) 398-2661 ext. 3586
odaniels@cvwd.org
 

Estimating crop evaporation (ET) and soil salinity is important to evaluate plant water use and improve irrigation and drainage management practices. Remote sensing satellite imagery offers a means to rapidly and frequently determine ET over large cropping areas. Since ET is partly influenced by the moisture content and electrical conductivity of soil water, salinity levels in soils can be inferred form ET calculations. An algorithm called SEBAL (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land) has been used by numerous researchers to calculate ET form satellite images. The robustness of SEBAL compared to other models lies in the fact that estimated ET is independent from weather, crop, and land use information. SEBAL has been thoroughly tested and validated across different climates and for different vegetation surfaces over the past fifteen years in Europe, the United States, and other regions of the world. Recently a salinity module has been included in the SEBAL algorithm to determine soil water potential in the root zone and infer soil salinity. Therefore, there is a need to validate the use of this new module in California for mapping soil salinity. This research proposes to calculate ET on selected croplands of Fresno County and to validate the salinity module in SEBAL algorithm to estimate soil salinity in those croplands. The project will be conducted over a three-year period and will provide vital data and information on the use of remotely sensed images and SEBAL to quickly and cost-effectively determine ET and soil salinity over large areas of California.

Principal Investigator: Florence Cassel
email address: fcasselss@csufresno.edu

Sensor Testing- SWAT

In order to meet the needs of existing and future populations and ensure that habits and ecosystems are protected, which emphasizes careful, efficient use of water is essential in order to achieve these objectives. The role of efficient water use for agricultural and turf-grass production forms a critical relationship, particularly in areas prone to periodic or prolonged drought. The challenge to the irrigation industry is to provide "efficient" irrigation systems for the consumer. It is true there are many water efficient products available in the marketplace. These devices include soil moisture sensors, matched precipitation rate and flow control nozzles, pressure regulation and numerous drip/micro products. However not all products are created equally, and some require more knowledge to properly operate than the homeowner possesses or desire. Over the past two years. The Center for Irrigation Technology has been working closely with water purveyors statewide and the irrigation Association as part of their "Smart" Water Application Technology" (SWAT). A major goal of SWAT is to develop standardized testing protocols for evaluating the reliability, accuracy and repeatability of commercially available soil moisture sensor. Based on beta testing of these protocols following extensive review and revisions by industry personnel, academics and water purveyors, the protocols are now ready for application on commercially available moisture sensors. This project proposes to apply standardized testing protocols on soil moisture sensors operating on different principles. Manufactures will submit 20 of their sensors, of which 10 will be randomly selected and subjected to tests under varying temperature and salinity conditions for cars, medium and fine textured soils. Summary results of the tests will include regression analysis of the moisture content measured by the sensor versus the values calculated from the experimental procedure. The finding from this project will contribute to SWAT's overall mission, and in general, California's agriculture and turf industry, of achieving exceptional water use efficiency in irrigation practices.
Principle Investigator: David Zoldoske
E-mail address:  davidzo@csufresno.edu

Agency: Water Resource Control Board

Requirements

Ground water requirements: 

Property owners are entitled to divert “percolating” groundwater that is under their land for use without a permit or license issued by the State Water Board. However, if use of underground water on non-overlying land is proposed and the source of the water is groundwater flowing in a subterranean stream flowing in a known and definite channel, a permit from the State Water Board is required. To be a subterranean stream, groundwater must meet four criteria: (1) a subsurface channel must be present; (2) the channel must have relatively impermeable bed and banks; (3) the course of the channel must be known or capable of being determined by reasonable inference; and (4) groundwater must be flowing in the channel. This situation often occurs in coastal areas where a stream has cut a channel through bedrock and then laid down alluvial material. If water is pumped from the alluvium and the underlying bedrock is relatively impermeable as compared to the alluvium, it is likely that a subterranean stream exists. A Statement of Water Diversion and Use should be filed for use of water from a subterranean stream on overlying land. Underground water that is not flowing through a subterranean stream is considered to be percolating groundwater. The diversion of percolating groundwater is not is not subject to the SWRCB's permitting authority. However, persons or entities who divert more than 25 acre-feet per year of groundwater in Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties should file a “Notice of Groundwater Extraction and Diversion.” Failure to file such a notice is legally equivalent to not using water and can affect any future claims to divert water if the groundwater basin is adjudicated. 
Owners of lands overlying a percolating groundwater basin or other common source of supply have the first right to withdraw water for reasonable beneficial use on their overlying lands, and the right of each owner is equal and correlative to the right of all other owners similarly situated. California does not have a permit process for regulation of ground water use. In several basins, groundwater use is subject to regulation in accordance with court decrees adjudicating the groundwater rights within the basins. 

Surface Water: 

All diverters of surface water are required to file a Statement of Water Diversion and Use with the SWRCB (Division 2 of Part 5.1 of the California Water Code). The following diversions are excluded from the requirement: 1) from a spring which does not flow off the property on which it is located; 2) covered by an application, permit, or license to appropriate water on file with the SWRCB; 3) included in a notice filed under the recordation of ground water extractions law in the counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura; 4) regulated by a water master; 5) reported by the California Department of Water Resources in its hydrologic data bulletins; 6) included in the consumptive use data for the delta lowlands published by the California Department of Water Resources in its hydrologic data bulletins; 7) included in annual reports filed with a court or the SWRCB by a water master appointed by a court or pursuant to statute to administer a final judgment determining rights to water reports identify the persons who have diverted water and give the general place of use and the quantity of water which has been diverted from each source. 

Those persons who hold a water right permit are required to annually report their diversion and use to the State Water Board. Those who hold a water right license are triennially required to report their diversion and use to the State Water Board. A water right permit or license may be revoked by the State Water Board after five years of nonuse. 

Who should apply for a water right? 

Anyone who intends to divert water from surface waters or subterranean streams flowing in known and definite channels, either directly to use on land which is not riparian to the source, or to storage in a reservoir for later use; or for direct use of water which would not naturally be in the source. The purpose of filing an application for a permit is to secure a right to the use of unappropriated water and to establish a record of the right sought under the application so that its status in relation to other rights may be determined more readily. Unappropriated water is water that has never been appropriated; water that was previously appropriated, but is not longer appropriated; return flows from appropriated water; and water that is not used by riparian water users. 

Steps to obtain an appropriation by permit: 

1) An application is filed with SWRCB on forms provided. Applicants are required to demonstrate that water is available for appropriation. Applications must be accompanied by a filing fee and may be subject to annual application fees under certain circumstances. Water right applications are also subject to fees payable to the California Department of Fish and Game. 

2) Notice of application is issued by the SWRCB and is posted or published by the applicant. 

3) If protests are filed with and accepted by the State Water Board, the applicant is provided an opportunity to resolve the protest to the mutual satisfaction of the applicant and the protestant. Protests can be filed based on allegations of : (1) interference with a superior water right, (2) unreasonable impacts to the environment, (3) public trust impacts or (4) that the proposed appropriation is not in the public interest. The public trust applies to navigation, fisheries or other instream beneficial uses. If a protest cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the applicant and protestant, the State Water Board will determine whether to approve the application in one of two ways. If the amount of water to be appropriated is less than 3 cubic feet per second by direct diversion or 200 acre-feet per annum to storage, the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights will conduct a field investigation and issue a decision. For larger requested appropriations, the State Water Board will hold an evidentiary hearing. 

4) The application is reviewed and analyzed for possible environmental impacts as required by the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970. Applicants are required to assume all costs associated with environmental review. Upon completion, environmental documents are filed by the State Water Board with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. Some environmental documents require a filing fee that must be paid by the applicant. 

5) Prior to issuing a permit on an application, the State Water Board must determine that water is available for appropriation and must consider the impacts of the diversion on the public trust and the environment and mitigate those effects if reasonable. In addition, the State Water Board must consider any relevant water quality control plan for the basin that will be affected and any fishery flow requirements that have been set by the Department of Fish and Game. Lastly the State Water Board will consider whether it is in the public interest to approve an application. If an application is approved a permit is issued. 

6) Any permit issued will include the conditions under which the proposed diversion can occur, including conditions to protect senior water right holders, the environment, the public trust, water quality, and the public interest. The permit will also include a project development schedule. Water use may not increase after the end of the development schedule. When construction and use of water are complete to the full extent contemplated and consistent with the permitted development schedule, an inspection is made for possible issuance of a license. A license has no time limit and continues as long as proper use is made for the water and required reports are submitted. The State Water Board may cancel a permit or license after five years of non-use or upon request by the water right holder. Water right permits and licenses are subject to annual fees of at least $100 per year. These fees may increase in the future. 

Water may also be purchased from a water right holder or from an entity that 
contracts for a water supply with a water right holder. The diversion of water without 
a water right or other legal entitlement is subject to enforcement action by the State 
Water Board, including fines of up to $500 per day. 

Additional Information: 

Concerning procedures for appropriating water is available in SWRCB's publications entitled, "How to File an Application/Registration to Appropriate Water in California" and "A Guide to California Water Right Appropriations". These free publications may be accessed at the State Water Board’s internet site or can be picked up from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights, 901 P Street, Third Floor, Sacramento, California 95814. If you wish to write for either one or both of these publications, address your request to the Division of Water Rights, Post Office Box 2000, Sacramento, CA 95812-2000 or telephone (916) 341-5300 and request they be mailed to you.

Fees: Fees dependent on amount withdrawn

Statute/Law: The California Water Code

Web sites: California's State Water Resource Control Board 

Disclaimer

This water withdrawal database is published by the GCSAA Department of Information and Public Policy and is designed to help those involved in golf course management stay informed about regulations and laws that affect the profession. The water withdrawal database is offered for educational and informational purposes and is advisory only. Compliance with state and federal environmental laws is the responsibility of each individual. Information in the database was gathered from information provided by the appropriate regulatory entity in each state. Information placed on these Web pages is not official and is not intended to replace any official source. If you have questions or need more information please contact the GCSAA Department of Information and Public Policy at 800-472-7878.

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