The Tools You Need for Success. EOP 2024
Problem Solving Made Easy with Your EOP One-Stop-Shop
We’ve done the work to collect and compile all the EOP tools you need to have a successful 2025 season, and our sales representatives are here to help you use them best.
Syngenta, Envu, Nufarm, BASF, FMC, Corteva, SePRO, and PBI Gordon
Harrell’s
Call your Harrell’s representative today.
DANIEL WILSON
dswilson@harrells.com (865) 440-3032
M ARK STOVALL
mstovall@harrells.com (423) 290-3921
JED SPENCER
jspencer@harrells.com (501) 743-0543
WHAT A SUMMER!
Triple digit heat, lows in the 60’s, drought, flooding, and Fall Army worms in late July. Membership and coaches don’t care about that though. They are just a few wrenches that Mother Nature likes to throw at us. Add those to an already packed schedule and limited resources, and it can make life tough. We get through it though.
That is why we are professionals. We adapt and overcome. We lean on each other for various resources. Keep your heads up. Hopefully, relief is around the corner. As summer lingers into fall, college football makes its return, Bentgrass becomes a little happier, & kids return to school.
Speaking of kids, the FedEx St.Jude Championship has just ended. I watched a video of Nick Bisanz show a young man, Quentin Hines, the agronomy side of golf. What an ambassador to our industry! It is encouraging to see young people still interested in this industry and a person like Nick to provide him with an experience he will never forget.
Your Board of Directors have been working diligently to provide you with an outstanding Conference & Tradeshow with some top-notch education. I am looking forward to seeing everyone, old friends and new, in Murfreesboro in a few months. Until then, I hope you are well and having a successful season. Relief is around the corner…
Best Wishes,
Ryan Storey
2024 TTA President
PUBLISHED
EDITOR
TTA
President
Vice
TTA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY 6, 2025
2025 TTA Conference & Trade Show Embassy Suites / Murfreesboro, TN
JANUARY 12 – 16, 2025
2025 SFMA Conference Palm Springs, CA
FEBRUARY 1 – 6, 2025
2025 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show San Diego, CA
TTA
Bill
Dr.
Dr.
Coosa
Corbin
ADVERTISER INDEX
59 th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW
Since 1965, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association has held strong to its core mission: To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research. We invite you to join us at this year’s conference and trade show at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro. This year’s conference features an excellent education program and an expanded tradeshow floor, plus our annual Stars of the Industry awards recognitions! This is a conference you will not want to miss!
REGISTRATION
Registration available online by clicking the links at: ttaonline.org/event
Everyone is encouraged to register early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The TTA has reserved a block of room at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro until December 1. After December 1, reservations will be subject to availability and regular rates. The TTA rate is $174. Please call (615) 890-4464 to make your room reservation and reference The Tennessee Turfgrass Association group code TTG.
LOCATION
The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. From I-24 East or West take exit 76 Medical Center Parkway. Head north on Medical Center Parkway, hotel is located on the right. It is located 29 miles (35 minutes) from the Nashville airport (BNA). You may reach the hotel by calling 615-890-4464.
PESTICIDE POINTS
Applications for pesticide points will be submitted to Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Mississippi.
GCSAA CONTINUING EDUCATION
This program will be submitted for GCSAA continuing education.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing. They may be emailed to info@ttaonline.org. Full refunds will be made if written notice of cancellation is received on or before December 1, 2024. After December 1, 2024, and prior to December 13, 2024 one half of the per person fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after December 13, 2024. The association has to provide all food guarantees to the hotel on December 13 and is no longer able to lower those numbers.
Substitutions are always welcome.
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HYDRA-PHITE 0-0-31
One of the purest liquids on the market, Hydra-Phite is a highly concentrated potassium phosphite reacted under strict temperature and quality control for enhanced compatibility and performance. Designed to mobilize in the plant, Hydra-Phite works rapidly to correct deficiencies, enhance plant and root development and improve resistance to environmental factors which favor disease development. Along with enhanced resistance to stress, Hydra-Phite is extremely systemic, rapidly transporting through phloem and xylem to areas of deficiencies or need
HYDRA-PHITE PLUS 0-0-28
Hydra-Phite Plus is a highly concentrated potassium phosphite containing proprietary bio-stimulant technology derived from desert plant extracts to increase plant strength and growth. In addition, the SAR (Systemic Acquired Resistance) elicitors increase plant vigor and trigger plant defense responses making the turf stronger even during the most stressful periods of the season. Hydra-Phite Plus uses this highly synergistic combination of phosphite, desert plant extracts, and SAR elicitors to produce a natural resistance to plant stress while enhancing turf quality.
UT TURFGRASS BEACON 24
Attendees of the Beacon event took to X to share the highlights of this pioneering new event. #Beacon24 featured these and more photos from two days of networking, education and fun!
Experience Superior Turf with TifTuf ®
In just seven years, TifTuf®’s installation of over 2 billion square feet has saved more than 48 billion gallons of water. It’s the only Bermudagrass to top National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials 93% of the time, far ahead of Tahoma at 73%. Recognized for its drought tolerance, TifTuf® is the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative’s standard for future university testing and has earned the #1 ranking in the USDA/NTEP ET-Based Water Deficit Research Trial.
TifTuf ®’s water efficiency has garnered numerous awards, including the Smart Approved Water Mark from Australia’s Water Services Association, the Georgia House and Senate’s Extraordinary Water Conservation award, and the
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TifTuf® is the most produced proprietary Bermudagrass globally, with more produced in the U.S. than all other varieties combined worldwide. It is the preferred choice for new golf courses, sports fields, and residential and commercial landscapes, and it’s the only Bermuda
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If you’re not following all the up-to-the-minute news on X (formerly Twitter), you may be missing out on some great information and opportunities. From event updates to Job Listings to networking, X
SUNRISE POWERED SOLAR
How The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is Using Solar Powered Lights to Improve Customer Safety and Satisfaction
By Paul Carter, CGCS
Like most golf course maintenance staffs, the agronomy team at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay start our day in the dark, long before the first golfer arrives and long before the first ball is teed up. The early morning darkness is not easy to work in and not always safe. It hides many dangers.
The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is in Harrison, Tennessee, about 25 miles from downtown Chattanooga. Because it is a rural golf course on the grounds of Harrison Bay State Park, ambient lighting from nearby buildings is virtually nonexistent. Being on the extreme western edge of the Eastern time zone means sunlight is late to arrive to the course as well, especially in the months of early spring and late fall.
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Decreased down time, increased revenue.
The surface is very “puttable.”
The dots are sand that is level with the turf.
DryJect® is a high-pressure, water based injection system that blasts holes through the root zone and fractures the soil profile. Plus, it automatically fills holes as it aerates.
DryJect® makes a big difference in playability … right away!
As a public golf course, we depend on outings and tournaments for revenue. The outings and tournaments depend on volunteers to assist in setting up for the event. Last year prior to an 8:00 AM shotgun tournament we had an incident which could have been tragic. It opened our eyes to a severe safety issue at our course, one that I knew had to be addressed.
For large tournaments, as this one was, we arrange our golf carts around the putting green. Often volunteers for the outings will place items in the carts before the golfers arrive. As I was traveling on the cart path by the golf carts lined up around the putting green, a lady stepped out from between two parked carts directly into my path. Luckily, I was on a riding greensmower traveling at a slower speed and was able to stop. If I had been in my normal utility vehicle, I am sure the result would have been very different. It was the shock of this situation that made me realize that something had to be done about the lack of safe lighting around our putting green and clubhouse area. Enough was enough.
The last thing a business wants is for a guest to be injured, or an employee for that matter. Our lack of sufficient lighting had to be corrected. Picking the proper route to solve this problem was the question. Do we use traditional street lighting? Would we have to hire an electrical contractor? Would we have to trench around the putting green to install the power lines? How would we be able to control when the lights came on and when they went off? What would a system like this cost?
The idea of a traditional electric streetlight was not appealing to me. The thought of disturbing the area around the putting green and clubhouse with trenches for power cables was even less appealing. The possibility of golfers staying well past closing time continuing to practice under the lights was an absolute deal breaker. So, I needed to find a lighting solution that looked good without standing out in the surroundings. One that could be installed, preferably by our staff
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and without the need of an electrical contractor. And one that was environmentally sensitive while also allowing me to control when the light would be active and for how long.
The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay prides itself in being a champion for the environment. Certified by Audubon International as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and by the Golf Environment Organization we strive to lessen our impact on the environment. The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is one of nine golf courses comprising the Tennessee Golf Trail, all owned and operated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Part of the mission of our department is to protect the environment and preserve natural resources.
Following the incident last October I contacted our Facilities Director for TDEC, Mr. Tim Stewart, and described the situation that had occurred and relayed my concerns. After a brief conversation Mr. Stewart asked if I had considered the use of solar powered lights. I had not.
Could a solar powered lighting system provide enough illumination for the area? Could the lights be controlled as I wanted them to be? Without the need for power lines would we need to disturb the landscape with trenches? Could we find a lighting fixture that would look good? Could solar powered lights work?
Fonroche Lighting, a solar powered lighting company in Forest Hill, Texas, was recommended by Mr. Stewart. After a quick view of their website (www.FonrocheSolarLighting.com), I contacted them. I was very skeptical that they could meet all the requirements that I had for the project.
Michael Montenero, regional sales manager for Fonroche, just kept saying “yes” to each of my questions. He informed me that solar powered lights use LED lights and provide as much illumination as traditional electric streetlights. Solar powered lights do not need electric power so the only disruption to the landscape would be an 18" hole augured to install the pole and then backfilled. They had several
sleek design options to choose from and they could control the on/off and duration of the lights in any manner that I wanted. Solar powered lights could work.
For this project I wanted to not only provide lighting for the putting green but also for the parking lot which is close by. There would be three lights installed around the putting green and four installed for the parking lot and clubhouse area. The lights would be the same, but the timing and duration of the nighttime lighting would be different. This was the request that I didn’t think they could achieve. I wanted the three lights around the putting green to only come on one hour before sunrise. I wanted the four lights around the parking lot to turn on one hour past sunset then lower in illumination during the night and then brighten back up one hour before sunrise. I also did not want to have a timer that could be adjusted or turned on without permission. I didn’t want to worry about physically turning the lights on or turning them on with a remote. I didn’t want to worry about keeping up with changing times of sunrise or sunset or worrying with the change of daylight savings time.
Fonroche Lighting had the solution I was seeking. Their proprietary SmartLight technology uses astrological and chronological timing built into the software of the batteries to track the length of the sunlight present from day to day. The software automatically adjusts operational times based on seasonal sunlight changes. No timer needed. No on/off switch needed. No chance of the lights being on when I didn’t want them. The specially formulated NiMH batteries perform well in a wide variety of temperatures from -40 to +156F. The ability to vary the angle of the solar panels depending on location will allow solar lighting to provide maintenance free and environmentally sustainable light to golf courses anywhere. Thanks to this technology, I could just set it and forget it.
Going away from the traditional model can be scary. Although I knew of several golf courses that have lighting
systems around putting greens and practice areas, I did not know of any that were utilizing solar power. The cost of the solar powered lighting system was also a question and how it would compare to standard electric systems. To start the process, we received a quote from a local electrical contractor to provide and install seven lights. This would include all electrical connections and the installation of a new electrical breaker panel in the cart storage building. The quote we received was for $37,184.28.
Of the three solar powered lighting companies we contacted, Fonroche Lighting provided us with the best package. For $29,185.48 they would provide the seven poles, lights and solar panels and all connecting hardware. The lights would be programmed to meet my requirements and would be covered by a 10-year warranty. An additional $3,118.40 would be needed for equipment rental and installation supplies and all the work would be performed by BTHB staff. Solar powered lighting would be less expensive to install and maintain. 365 nights of light a year—guaranteed. No worries about power outages. No maintenance costs. No operating costs. Increased safety and security. The benefits of solar powered lighting just kept adding up and the environmental benefits are going to keep adding up for years to come. A standard electric streetlight consumes on average 80 watts of energy per hour during operation. In Chattanooga, streetlights operate for an average of 4,200 hours annually. This is a total of 336 kilowatt hours of energy each year. Each kilowatt hour consumed results in the emission of 0.99 pounds of CO2. Our choice to install seven solar powered lights will benefit the environment by a yearly reduction of over 2,328 pounds of carbon emissions. Solar powered lights were looking better and better.
We had found our lighting solution. Now could we find a partner that would help us fund this much needed project. The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay has been part of many
environmental projects through the years and several of these have been heavily assisted by our friends at the Office of Sustainable Practices (OSP). OSP is a division of TDEC working to promote a culture of environmental sustainability among businesses and individuals in Tennessee to help conserve natural resources. We have worked with OSP before on projects such as our Electric Equipment Initiative where we converted 29 pieces of gasoline powered golf course maintenance equipment to fully electric models. Just last year they provided funds for the installation of two PondHawk solar powered pond aerators to help improve the water quality in our irrigation pond.
I reached out to Ms. Kathy Glapa, Operations Manager with OSP and told her of my vision. I explained how it would benefit the golf course and the environment and asked if OSP might be interested in assisting. Ms. Glapa responded that they would be happy to. When asked why OSP was interested in being a partner for this project she stated, “The most intriguing part of this project was the fact that our office could help with security and the safety of citizens. We also enjoy that we can offer an option that doesn’t increase the bottom line because the lights operate completely on solar and not off the energy grid.”
Dig a hole. Plant a pole. It was really that simple. Without the need to be connected to the electric power grid we had the freedom to place the lights where we wanted. We would not need the services, or expense, of an outside contractor. We would not need to disturb the landscape surrounding the putting green or the parking lot with trenches for power wire. Dig the hole and plant the pole.
Once the solar powered lighting systems were delivered, an 18" auger attachment was rented for our skid steer loader and with it we excavated a hole five feet deep for each light pole. This insured enough room around the 9" base of the light pole to be sufficiently secured. The 25' tall, galvanized aluminum light poles, which are powder coated black, were then raised
and installed in place with the help of a 65' articulating boom lift. Once the base of the light pole was secured five feet deep in the prepared hole it was plumbed and backfilled with gravel and quick setting concrete. We allowed several days for the concrete to harden around the base of the light poles. This ensured the light pole was ready for the installation of the light and solar panel at the top.
The lighting system from Fonroche Lighting is a “plug and play” system. All the materials needed for an easy installation are supplied and the installation instructions are easy to follow. No need for an electrical contractor license or any skilled electrical experience. The complete installation process was done by our agronomy staff in a manner of days. Once installed, the lighting systems require no maintenance for 10 years and will operate emission free.
The solar powered lighting project will impact our facility in many ways. The greatest impact will be safety. Safety of both our golfers and guests, and our employees. Jerry Klassen, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay outside operations employee touts this project as a “complete success” saying “out of all the projects that have been done at this course, this is by far the best one. To be able to see where you are going when pulling out the carts in the morning is great. We are no longer using the lights on our phones to light our path.”
For the “dew whippers,” those golfers who are the first ones out on the course each day, the lighted putting green improves their experience. Steve James, a regular early morning golfer at Harrison Bay, remarked when asked about the lights around the putting green, “The great thing about having a putting green that is illuminated early in the morning is that the contour and the texture of the green is more pronounced and easier to see. Putting is what I like to do first when arriving at the golf course” and the lighting on the putting green sets him up for a “great day at the golf course.”
An additional benefit is increased morning efficiency. The lights on the putting green and around the clubhouse and parking lot area allow our agronomy staff to be more efficient in the morning hours as well. No longer are we using head lamps or lights from utility vehicles to change the practice pin locations or blow off leaves and debris. We can more properly and accurately apply fertilizer and plant protective products before the operations staff or golfers arrive. The lights allow our staff to better prepare our property, in a safe environment, to improve the golfer’s experience.
It was a pleasure working with TDEC’s Office of Sustainable Practices and with Fonroche Lighting to make this project a reality. The collaborative effort of all involved in this project has helped to improve the golf course property, helping us to remove unseen hazards and dangers.
The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay was once in the dark but now we are in the light. Our mornings start off brighter, more productive, and safer. Our employees and our guests can now move about the clubhouse and putting green area in a fully illuminated environment. We took what could have been a tragic situation and improved our operation for the betterment of our golfers
and guests. The addition of the solar powered lighting system has changed the way we look at our operation. We now see it in a whole new light.
WINSTEAD TURF MATRIX
1. What is Matrix?
• Reinforced product grown at bottom of sand based profile
• Sprigged field to insure highest percolation rates
• Ready to Play product
2. Where is it used?
• High demand athletic fields: football, soccer, baseball, softball, and rugby.
• High traffic areas: Horsetracks, goalmouths, and tournament crosswalks.
José Javier Vargas Almodóvar Research Associate II
Turf & Ornamental Weed Science
The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7379 jvargas@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @UTweedwhisperer
Greg Breeden Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @gbreeden1
THE TURFGRASS TEAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Professor, The University of Tennessee Director – UT Weed Diagnostics Center 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 EJ Chapman Drive. Knoxville, TN 37996 Office: (865) 974-8603 tnturfgrassweeds.org weeddiagnostics.org mobileweedmanual.com @UTturfweeds
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu @DicksonTurf
Midhula Gireesh, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
The University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211 mgireesh@utk.edu (615) 835-4571
Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science
The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. 2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975
bhorvath@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @UTturfpath
Becky Bowling, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist
The University of Tennessee 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 E.J. Chapman Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 974-2595 Rgrubbs5@utk.edu @TNTurfWoman
John Sorochan, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Science
The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @sorochan
John Stier, Ph.D. Associate Dean
The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @Drjohnstier
Nar B. Ranabhat, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211 (615) 835-4572 nranabhat@utk.edu @UTplantPathoDoc
U.S. Department of Labor Finalizes Farmworker Protection Rule
The rule targets vulnerability and abuses experienced by workers under the H-2A program that undermine fair labor standards for all farmworkers in the U.S.
TheDepartment of Labor announced a final rule to strengthen protections for farmworkers. The rule targets vulnerability and abuses experienced by workers under the H-2A program that undermine fair labor standards for all farmworkers in the U.S.
The H-2A program allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers when the department determines there is a lack of able, willing and qualified U.S. workers to perform the agricultural labor or services, and that employing temporary labor will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
“H-2A workers too frequently face abusive working conditions that undercut all farmworkers in the U.S.,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “This rule ensures farmworkers employed through the H-2A program are treated fairly, have a voice in their workplace and are able to perform their work safely. It also promotes employer accountability, benefitting all farmworkers by upholding labor standards. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to being the most pro-worker administration in history, and this rule is a significant milestone in that effort.”
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The final rule includes the following
• Adding new protections for worker self-advocacy: The final rule improves workers’ ability to engage in advocacy regarding their working conditions by expanding the range of activities protected by anti-retaliation provisions. For workers not protected by the National Labor Relations Act, this rule protects workers’ choice to engage in self-organization or concerted activities and to decline attending employer-sponsored “captive audience” meetings where employers discourage workers from joining unions or engage in other protected activities. The rule also allows workers to consult key service providers, such as legal service providers, and to meet with them in employer-furnished housing. Workers also may now invite and accept guests, including labor organizations, service providers and others, to their employer-furnished housing.
• Clarifying “for cause” termination: Workers employed under the H-2A program have the right to payment for three-fourths of the hours offered in the work contract, as well as housing and meals until the worker leaves, outbound transportation and — if the worker is a U.S. worker — to be contacted for employment in the next year, unless they are terminated for cause. The final rule clarifies that an employer only terminates a worker for cause when the worker either fails to comply with employer policies or fails to perform job duties satisfactorily after, in most cases, the transparent application of a system of progressive discipline. The rule establishes that for a worker to be terminated for cause, five conditions must be met, including a requirement that workers are either informed about or reasonably should have known the policy, rule or performance expectation unless the worker has engaged in egregious misconduct.
• Making foreign labor recruitment more transparent: The final rule imposes new disclosure requirements to improve foreign worker recruitment chain transparency, provides additional information about the nature of the job opportunity and bolsters the department’s ability to protect workers from exploitation and abuse. The new provisions require employers to provide a copy of all agreements with any agent or recruiter they engage or plan to engage, disclose the name and location of any person or entity working for the recruiter who will solicit prospective H-2A workers and disclose in the H-2A application the name, location and contact information of the workplace’s owners, operators and managers.
• Ensuring timely wage changes for H-2A workers, which helps prevent an adverse effect on the wages of similarly employed workers in the U.S.: Returning to longstanding practice, the final rule designates the effective date of updated adverse effect wage rates as of the date of publication in the Federal Register. This change safeguards fair compensation for workers under the H-2A program and addresses potential adverse effects on the wages and working conditions of similarly employed workers in the U.S. The rule would also require employers who fail to provide adequate notice to workers of a delay in their start date to pay workers the applicable rate for each day that work is delayed for up to 14 days.
• Improving transportation safety: Many H-2A workers travel in vans or buses, sometimes driven after long days by tired workers. The final rule includes a seat belt requirement to reduce the hazards associated with the transportation of farmworkers. If a vehicle is required by Department of Transportation regulations to be manufactured with seat belts, the final rule prohibits the operation of these vehicles to transport workers under the H-2A program unless each occupant is wearing a seat belt.
• Preventing labor exploitation and human trafficking: The final rule clarifies that employers are prohibited from holding or confiscating a worker’s passport, visa or other identification documents, which is a tactic used to exploit workers.
• Ensuring employer accountability: The final rule updates procedures for discontinuing employment services for employers that have failed to meet the Department of Labor’s requirements. Relatedly, the rule requires states to discontinue services to debarred employers. It also streamlines the procedures for applying debarment to a successor who carries forward a debarred company. In addition, the rule codifies how the department determines whether separate entities are acting as one employer for purposes of assessing seasonal or temporary need and how these entities are treated for enforcement purposes.
The final rule is effective on June 28, 2024. However, H-2A applications filed before Aug. 28, 2024, will be processed according to applicable federal regulations as is in effect as of June 27, 2024. Applications submitted on or after Aug. 29, 2024, will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Farmworker Protection Rule.
For more information about the rule, visit the Employment and Training Administration and Wage and Hour Division web pages.
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
What is The Endangered Species Act
and What Does it Mean for Turfgrass Managers
Legislative Branch
U.S. Federal Government
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
President of the U.S.
The Cabinet
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Department of Interior (DOI)
Independent and Semi-Independent Government Agencies
Private, Non-Profit Organization
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
National Academic of Sciences (NAS)
Figure 1. United States Government Organizational Structure: Illustration highlighting key agencies involved in implementing the Endangered Species Act, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency
By Estefania G. Polli and Travis Gannon
Estefania G. Polli is a Ph.D. candidate under the direction of Travis Gannon in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University.
Travis Gannon is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University.
The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has encountered difficulties complying with the ESA (Endangered Species Act), resulting in the completion of less than 5% of its obligations under the Act. As a consequence, EPA faces over 20 lawsuits and impeding deadlines for over 50 pesticides by 2030. Moreover, failure to fulfill its obligations has led to the suspension of pesticide registrations for three dicamba products in agronomic crop systems on February 6, 2024. These regulatory challenges and legal risks have created confusion and uncertainty for the pesticide industry and end-users.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was designed to protect endangered and threatened species, along with their habitats. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the ESA seeks to prevent species extinction and promote habitat conservation. Federal agencies, including the EPA, must consult FWS and NMFS to ensure their actions do not harm endangered or threatened species or their habitats.
EPA’s responsibilities under the ESA include regulating pesticides establishing the Endangered Species Protection Program in 1988. However, the process of evaluating the impact of pesticides on species and their habitats has been slow, expensive, and difficult. In response, collaborative efforts between the EPA, FWS, NMFS and U.S. Department of Agriculture have been made to develop more efficient ecological risk assessment methods. Moreover, in 2021, the EPA initiated the development of workplans to continue improving its compliance with the ESA.
The latest workplan highlights measures taken and planned to improve protection on non-target species. These measures include pilot species identification, impact of new pesticides on listed species, development of region-specific strategies using the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website, exploration of mitigation strategies for nonagricultural uses, and implementation of early ecological mitigation for groups of pesticides through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Interim Ecological Mitigation developed by the EPA. This Interim step proposes additional mitigation and conservation measures, aiming to reduce negative effects or potential risks of pesticide use, particularly caused by water runoff, soil erosion, and spray drift. Currently, its scope encompasses only agronomic crops, though there is an anticipation of integrating turfgrass systems into it in the near future. While EPA has drafted some general guidelines for major agronomic crop production systems, there is limited information available specific to managed turfgrass sites and other specialty crop systems. EPA has stated they plan to explore strategies for pesticide use in non-agricultural areas, specifically mentioning collaboration with FWS and the American Mosquito Control Association to develop mitigation measures for certain insecticides. However, they did not specify what those mitigations might be. Similarly, EPA is exploring broad mitigation measures to
minimize exposure when pesticides are used in residential settings (and presumably other settings), though no specific mitigations were mentioned. Additionally, EPA plans to collaborate with various pesticide user groups to better devise these mitigation strategies indicating there may be an opportunity for you (as a professional pesticide applicator) to provide feedback.
The proposed changes are outlined below:
Water Runoff and Soil Erosion
Additional measures would primarily apply to pesticides with an organic carbon partitioning coefficient (Koc) of 1,000 L kg-1 or less, indicating moderate to high mobility in soil. Moreover, these measures include two surface proposed water protection statements that applicators would follow when precipitation occurs or is forecasted: “do not apply during rain” and “do not apply when a storm event likely to produce runoff from the treated area is forecasted to occur within 48 hours following application.” Meanwhile, growers would be responsible for selecting mitigation measures from a predefined pick list. The EPA may propose one or more measures from the pick list based on specific ecological risks, benefits, and pesticide use. Examples of reduction measures on the pick list include vegetative filter strips, cover crops, field borders, and riparian buffer strips or zones, none or reduced tillage, contour buffer strips, and vegetative barriers.
Spray Drift
Application restrictions regarding droplet size, windspeed, and release height limits, as well as the aerial application prohibitions, will remain on the label. In addition to these restrictions, the EPA intends to propose spray drift buffers from aquatic habitats (e.g., lakes, reservoirs, rivers, permanent streams, wetlands or natural ponds, estuaries, and commercial fish farm ponds) and conservation areas (e.g., public lands and parks, Wilderness Areas, National Wildlife Refuges, reserves, conservation easements).
How does ESA affect the pesticide industry and applicators, sod growers, and turf managers?
Pesticide Industry
The FIFRA Interim Ecological Mitigation serves as the initial framework to registrants to address pesticide risks to nontarget species during both registration and registration review processes. For each FIFRA action, the EPA will consider a menu and propose, based on the risks and benefits of the particular pesticide, which specific measures to include on the pesticide label. Moreover, the EPA has proposed incorporating language for pesticide products, pesticide incident reporting, insect pollinators protection, and geographical restrictions by directing users to reference BLT website.
Pesticide Applicators
Pesticide labels are evolving to include more detailed directions and restrictions. Applicators are responsible for carefully reading and following these instructions. Additionally, as per label instructions, they will likely be required to consult the BLT online database and comply with any mitigation specified in a Bulletin for the application area. It is important to note that Bulletins do not replace or override any additional restrictions that a state may impose. Thus, applicators need to be aware of pesticide regulations at both state and federal levels. As previously stated, implications for turfgrass managers remain ambiguous at this time; however, an example of specific geographical use limitations in North Carolina currently for four dicamba formulations approved for use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean crops is included in Figure 2
Turfgrass Managers
The implementation of additional mitigation and conservation measures may increase labor and expense for turfgrass managers. Some of these measures may require significant changes to existing systems, which could involve investments in infrastructure, equipment and workforce. However, there are potential long-term benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and reduced environmental impact. Further, land managers may qualify for financial assistance or incentive programs from public and private organizations to help offset implementation costs and encourage the adoption of these measures.
Overall, the ESA will impact land managers by requiring them to be knowledgeable about the endangered species present in areas where they apply pesticides and to implement appropriate conservation efforts to ensure those species aren’t adversely affected. As previously stated, what compliance looks like in specialty cropping systems, including managed turfgrass areas is unclear at this time.
References
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2022) ESA WORKPLAN UPDATE: Nontarget Species for Registration and Other FIFRA Actions. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/ 2022-11/esa-workplan-update.pdf. Accessed: May 14, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) Conventional Pesticide Registration. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/ conventional-pesticide-registration. Accessed: January 30, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) Endangered Species: Information For Pesticide Users. https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/ endangered-species-information-pesticide-users. Accessed: January 31, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) EPA Advances Early Pesticides Protections for Endangered Species, Increases Regulatory Certainty for Agriculture. https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-advances-early-pesticidesprotections-endangered-species-increases-regulatory. Accessed: February 5, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) Tips for Reducing Pesticide Impacts to Threatened and Endangered Species. https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/tips-reducingpesticide-impacts-threatened-and-endangered-species. Accessed: February 5, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2024) Protecting Endangered Species from Pesticide. https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species. Accessed: January 30, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2024) Bulletins Live! Two — View the Bulletins. https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/ bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins. Accessed: May 25, 2024.
This article was originally published in North Carolina Turfgrass and is reprinted with permission.
Figure 2. Restricted areas for dicamba formulations in North Carolina from the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website.
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