Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/50980
t the 2010 Annual General Meeting in Nanaimo, the membership passed the following statement: 'The WCTA, in its efforts to represent all of its members and to promote the highest level of Integrated Pest Management and environmentally sustainable practices, is open to all points of view that support peer reviewed, factual scientific research in support of education, innovations and practical knowledge related to the care and management of Turfgrass.' With the possibility of a pesticide ban in British Columbia, our Board has been lobbying in the best interest of our collective membership. The direction from the members to the board, and the board to our executive director, Jerry Rousseau, has been as follows: - The WCTA supports IPM. The WCTA does not support a ban on cosmetic pesticides; we support the proper use of registered pesticides by qualified people in the proper way. - We support further research, education, and a system of laws in this country supported by scientific data and ongoing re-evaluation. In light of this direction, we have been representing our golf members by taking part in a group called the National Allied Golf Association of BC which is made up of all golf industry sectors. The following stakeholders have a collective interest in keeping the golf business viable: golf course owners (NGCOA), golf course superintendents (BCGSA, WCTA), golf professionals (PGA of BC), golf course general managers (CMSC) and the golfers themselves (BCGA). Working together on this specific issue, we have come up with a strategy to educate policy makers as to why pesticides are an important part of an IPM program for all turf managers. We have presented to our MLA's that an outright pesticide ban would have an extremely negative impact on golf course playing surfaces, resulting in a major decrease in rounds of golf played in both the tourism and local golf markets, which lowers overall revenues, which in turn would lower tax revenues, inevitably causing job losses with the end result being a severe impact on the economic viability of the golf industry in this province. We have also encouraged the MLA's, and the appropriate people on the pesticide bylaw committee, to review the scientific evidence pertaining to this issue. We have explained that we, as turf managers, consider ourselves environmental stewards and make great efforts to reduce our use of pesticides, not only according to a proper IPM program, but to save money as well as protect the environment we live, work and play in. The last thing we would support is improper use of any chemicals around our colleagues, families and friends. We have encouraged our members and the members of our affiliate associations to write to, and if possible meet with their local MLAs to explain the situation as it affects them and each and every one of us. We have hosted the Canadian Cancer Society out to tour one of the most environmentally friendly golf courses I know of and have shown them that the public perception of how golf courses utilize pesticides is so very far from the reality we work with every day. Progress is being made and our critics are starting to realize that we are educated, professional, and most importantly, deserve a seat at the table when it comes to having input on these important decisions. All of this has lead to the NAGA BC invitation to participate in the government consulting process as the committee labours to come up with a solution to the pesticide issue. This could very well result in new and more restrictive legislation than already exists. We would not discount the efforts of those who support a ban, rather, we would hope to educate them as well. Meetings of the Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides are in progress and Jerry had the opportunity to make a presentation on October 26th, along with Kris Jonasson of the BCGA and Doug Ferne of the NGCOA. This presentation was a joint effort put together in conjunction with NAGA and reviewed by the members of the board of directors here at the WCTA. The day was a huge success and I would like to congratulate Jerry on his efforts. While we don't know yet if it has had the desired results, we know for sure that we were well represented and without Jerry's hard work and diligence, we would not have been represented at all. All the October 26th presentations made to the Special Committee are available to the public in both written and audio formats on the BC Legislature website. We encourage WCTA members to take the time to review the presentations in their entirety to gain a full perspective of the day's proceedings. I would also like to thank and congratulate all of our members who have taken the time to write letters and meet with their MLAs. When all our members work together with a unified approach, we come out ahead no matter what. If you haven't had a chance to write or meet with your MLA, there is still time. In closing I would just like to thank everyone who has worked on this project; it has taken a tremendous amount of time and effort but in the end I am confident it will pay off! Sincerely Scott Mitchell President, WCTA