Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/399958
;<9-9,:,(9*/5,>: RESEARCH DONORS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND DONATION METER BY WCTA STAFF The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show. At that time, we typically see an influx of dollars through contributions from allied organizations like the BC Golf Superintendents Association and Kwantlen University Turf Club along with revenues generated from our Silent Auction and other fundraisers. The good news is the WCTA Research fund receieved $1250 from the BCGSA this year and a record-setting, $5000 from the KPU Turf Club! Another $1080 was generated through Peter Sorokovsky's 'Give Me 5 Bucks' campaign, $400 has been received through direct member donations and $800 was raised by the Vancouver Island Parks and Grounds Supervisors for a YTD total of $8,128. The bad news is our annual Silent Auction was cancelled as we just didn't get enough donations to the cause this year. That said, thanks must go to the organizations, companies and individuals who have made generous contributions to turf research through both donations and supporting events and functions over the years. The Silent Auction was a big part of our fundraising efforts for over 15 years and we are now looking at new ways to garner funds to support the research that supports the turf management industry. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who serve on our Research Committee: Peter Sorokovsky - City of Burnaby (Chair) David Davidson - Kwantlen Polytechnic University David Duncan - THP Co. (WCTA Past President) David Woodske - BC Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Brian Holl - Lamorna Enterprises Keith Lyall - Sun Peaks Resort (WCTA Past President) Stephen Kerbrat - Smithers Golf Club (BCGSA Representative) Jason Habeck - Lewiston Golf & Country Club (NTA Representative) Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) Elizabeth Hudgins - (Special Consultant) Current Turfgrass Research Priorities: • Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices • Soil and root-zone management, best management practices • Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides • Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage) • Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests • Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas • Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance Our goal this year is to raise $20,000! Here are the 2014 turf research contributors so far: Platinum ($2000 Or More) Kwantlen University Turf Club Gold ($500-$1999) BC Golf Superintendents Association Peter Sorokovksy's 'Give Me 5 Bucks' campaign Vancouver Island Parks and Grounds Supervisor's Association Silver ($1 - $500) Jeff Hoyem Eric Heuver - Eagle Lake Turf Farm Jim Boeckman - Dawson Creek G&CC .6(3 ;6+(;, >*;( The first meeting of the AGA-BC Environmental Advocacy Committee took place June 24, 2013 at the University Golf Club. This committee replaced the standing Pesticide Advocacy Committee whose original purpose was to advise AGA-BC member groups on the issue of pesticide use and advocate for the continued use of federally regulated plant protection products on behalf of the BC golf industry. The new committee's purpose was expanded to ensure the golf industry remained involved with all environmental issues facing golf and that the industry's record of environmental achievement and position on related issues are continuously communicated to government and the public. Current members of the committee include: Keith Lyall (WCTA Past President) Committee Chair Trevor Smith (WCTA and AGA-BC president) Dean Piller (BCGSA President) Stephen Kerbrat (BCGSA Vice President) Greg Austin (BC Director, CGSA) Tab Buckner (STC) Jerry Rousseau (WCTA Executive Director) The committee also took on the challenge of raising funds for environmental advocacy efforts and by the end of summer 2013, $46,000 was raised through our association partners. Currently, the committee is pleased to report it has approved disbursement of a portion of those funds as follows: 1) Contribution of 1/3 the cost of the golf awareness day held April 30, 2014 – approximately $8000. 2) Contribute to half the lobbyist cost which totals approximately $25,000 through December 2014. AGA-BC has developed the 'Golf Industry Scorecard' for use with public and government advocacy efforts that identifies golf's social, economic and environmental benefits. This communication tool has proven to be highly effective, as an example, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skill Training Shirley Bond recently commented during a meeting that is was one of the best presentations she had seen in her political career. Moving forward, the focus of the lobbyist will be on two of these three pillars, environment and grow the game, while the committee continues to bring the golf industry closer to a delegated authority model or in simpler terms, self-regulation. Creating a separate category of pesticide certificate for fine turf/golf applicators will identify golf industry personnel as exceptionally well trained in the use of federally regulated pest control products and provide both government decision-makers and the general public, the highest level of confidence in our environmental stewardship. Keith Lyall, Committee Chair INDUSTRY RIES GBC niron ental doa Co ittee eleases unds EITH LALL 30 TURF LINE NEWS