Hole Notes May 2017

Hole Notes The Official Publication of the MGCSA

Vol. 52, No. 4 May 2017

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May 25 Badgerland Exposure Golf Event Luck Golf Club Host Kevin Clunis CGCS June 15 Western Exposure Golf Event Little Crow Country Club Host Kevin Gruber June 19 Southern Exposure Golf Evnt Interlaken Golf Club Host Bill Brooks Page 4

CONTENTS

Vol. 52, No. 4 May 2017

Feature Articles: The Common Ground Initiative

pages 22 - 31

The Root of the Problem

By Mark Rehder, S&S Tree Summertime Control of Grassy and Broadleaf Weeds

By Dr. Dave Gardner, Ohio State University Drone Regulations At Last

pages

EDITOR DAVE KAZMIERCZAK, CGCS

DAVE@PRESTWICK.COMCASTBIZ.NET

by Dr. Paul Koch, University of Wisconsin, Madison

pages

by David Camarotto and Frank Aba-Onu

MDA Inspection Authority, Overview and Future Topics

by The Minneosta Department of Agriculture

32- 34 36 - 45

pages

48 - 53

pages

46 - 50

Monthly Columns: Presidential Perspective pages 6 - 8

By Erin McManus In Bounds pages 10 - 13

By Jack MacKenzie, CGCS Within the Leather pages 63 - 68

By Roger Stewart CGCS

Cover Shot: Oxalis, yuck!

Time to treat annual weeds. Read pages 36 through 45 Affiliate Spotlight: Reinders Inc.

Dr. Paul Koch The Common Ground Initiative A new environmental approach to chemistries Pages 22- 31 Great Pictorial Content: MGA Spring Forum Affiliate Appreciation and Business Meeting Spring Assistant InReach Forum and Golf

page page page

37 47 55

The Root of the Problem Tree Root Control the EASY Way Pages 32 - 34

By Mark Rehder, S&S Tree Hole Notes (ISSN 108-27994) is digitally published monthly except bimonthly in November/December and January/February by the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, 10050 204th Street North, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Jack MacKenzie CGCS publisher.

Please send any address changes, articles for publication, advertising and concerns to jack@mgcsa.org.

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Presidential Perspective

by Erin McManus, Superintendent Medina Golf and Country Club

Spring into Summer!

The golf courses were open in early April and received a lot of rain. Now that we have had a couple weeks of drier weather and some warmth, the turf is starting to grow and the golf course is taking shape. Most of us have just finished aerification and will be getting the golf course tuned up for summer. Most of the employees have returned and projects are getting done. We are finally going to start hitting our stride and get into a “normal” mowing routine.

What else are you looking forward to this summer? My new pup Lea is growing fast, learning daily and some of my summer hobbies are starting.

If you know me a little, you

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know I have hunting dogs and I like to chase pheasants in the fall. I end up working a lot in the summer to save some time for my fall passion.

What better way to get a new pup trained than spend endless hours on the golf course running around chasing geese and squirrels and the occasional turtle. She has adapted to riding in the golf cart and is getting better at not running up to everyone to say “Hello”.

I hunt with some very good dogs in the fall and control is one of the most important things you can train a new dog. Control for me can mean kenneling in a golf cart or sitting on the collar of the green while I walk around looking at the turf. Every chance I have to make Lea sit or kennel is a great way to get control of her. The random chance to hit a sit command while she is distracted with what is going

on just reinforces the idea that she needs to listen to me. I can go about my day with very little interruption to my normal routine and still get a lot of control training done. Lea is at a stage in her growth and development that she will take in a lot of the instruction and absorb it quickly.

Short intervals of training interrupted by the vast playground of the golf course can really help develop the control of the dog.

The golf course is getting busy and all of the members that winter in the south are returning so the course is getting busier. We are finally getting daylight at 5:00am and able

to get into a normal maintenance routine. All of our member leagues are starting and we are going to be hitting the Memorial Day weekend soon. The member tournaments will shortly follow and next thing you know we are getting ready for snow.

I not ready for that quite yet, but I am ready for my other summer hobbies to start this next week.

My Monday night Pistol league starts soon and I can get back into shooting every week and working on basic pistol skills.

We have a Monday outside event at the club just about every Monday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. With 140 guests being unleashed on the

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course, Monday afternoons are good days to not be around here. I started shooting pistol league last summer and really have enjoyed the scheduled time to go and shoot. My daughter has taken up trap shooting in school and I will participate in some trap shoots with her throughout the summer. She is getting better as a shotgunner and hopefully will join Lea this fall for her first pheasant hunt.

and get more clubs to support the association. Jack has been busy attending DNR meetings and working hard to make sure we are being included in the conversations with any legislative changes that will affect golf courses.

We are looking at getting the BMP program finished up with the GCSAA and Jack has been diving into those documents.

We are looking for agronomic The pictures to MGCSA is be included in the BMP manual. If doing a lot of great things and our Rounds for Research has started off you have some good pictures that very well. Thanks to those courses you think might be beneficial please that were able to donate certificates forward them on to Jack or myself. for this program. The Board has I hope everyone gets their spring introduced a couple new initiatives projects wrapped up and get into the golf season in great shape. to help drive some new members

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Save the Dates and Destinations:

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In Bounds

by Jack MacKenzie, CGCS

Whose The Hill initiative. This growing responsibility is it action event, allows professionals anyway? in the golf industry the opportunity to toot their own horns, disseminate The simple information regarding their answer is, business needs, project anticipated YOUR’S. The not-so-easy portion and reasonable outcomes and are of the equation is why. I suppose it ‘golf course-centric,’ thus easy to boils down to investment, interest discuss. Participants in the Day or worse, apathy. And the final On The Hill have been impressed outcome of any initiative falls upon with the content to be shared, these motivating factors. format and platform of one-on-one discourse. They are invested in the

Lets face it; some topics professional action and anticipated really grab your attention and spur outcome. personal motivation. Typically these issues impact close to your

As I reach out to our legislators heart or near your comfort zone at various activities through the of expertise. Also, concerns that year, it impresses me how many are actionable, those that you can recall fondly their visits from the make a tangible impact upon, will DOH participants. Your peer’s tend to grab your attention as well. invested actions are gaining Passion equates to invested attention notoriety and benefit everyone’s and will get results, especially with environmental stewardship story. mass.

The final outcome will be providing the public assurances that our

An example is the Day On industry is taking responsibility

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for our actions. As turf managers, you have an investment to protect.

Yet, it is easy to appreciate that not everyone wants to be a physical advocate.

The majority of our membership is only interested in the political field and has invested in their Executive Director to carry the good word of our industry. This is fine and dandy, but to be very direct, we gain momentum with mass; mass in the form of many voices and many bodies, physically, emotionally and intellectually involved.

Historically speaking, when I began in this industry I was apathetic and not at all involved in the MGCSA as my job and family took center stage. About 15 years into my career, participation peaked my interest as I realized the value in following the activities of my association. A few years later I became invested in the industry through active participation upon

the Board of Directors, the MNLA and the MTGF. By applying my intimate knowledge of the business with a personal investment of time, I developed my passion for propelling our initiatives forward. The ED position has been one additional step in supporting an industry that I really care about.

Although some would proudly tout me as an “Army of One� for the golf course superintendent sector, I really need help, specifically the help from you in growing the physical numbers of the MGCSA membership. Currently the association represents an embarrassingly low 62 percent of all 500 golf destinations courses in the state.

When asked by our legislators and state agencies who and how many courses I support, I maintain the rule of honesty, and tell the truth of a rather limited, although interested, membership. As important as a passionate, articulate

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and responsible individual is, mass makes a difference, especially when our legislator’s return on their investment is in the number of votes received in their districts.

Over the last eight months, your Board of Directors and I have reached out to the non-members of our association in an effort to bolster our mass through email, snail mail and phone call solicitations.

Admittedly, the MGCSA picked up a couple new members, however there is great room for a bump in our numbers.

helped defeat a legislative amendment that would have increased water permit fees by up to ten fold, saving courses thousands of dollars annually. The MGCSA also gave testimony to the Legislative Water Commission on the benefits of golf courses, a “communities’ largest rain garden”.

2016: MGCSA testimony defeated a legislative amendment that would have removed 90 percent of all turf insecticides from use upon golf courses averting a serious turf management crisis.

In 2016, following several years

Even more recently the of petitioning with the MDA, MGCSA Affiliate base undertook state law changed and eliminated a sponsorship program to assist in the mandated multiple licensure the recruitment of new members to requirements so golf course increase our presence at the Capitol. managers are now only required to obtain Turf and Ornamental license

So what are the arguments for rather than certification in all areas joining an association that represents of application saving every course your professional interests at the hundreds of dollars and many manlocal and state level? Here are just a hours of continuing education. few.

Simply said, your association

2015: MGCSA testimony has made a dramatic impact on

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legislative decisions, and perhaps more importantly, all Minnesota golf courses’ bottom-lines, through investing in advocacy. Shouldn’t every course in the state appreciate this initiative and support the cause?

who care about the future of their individual courses and more importantly the industry. This drive is all about providing me the ammunition in mass to accomplish important industry initiatives.

What can you do to help make this association stronger than it currently is? Upon the next few pages you will find a list of Minnesota golf course destinations, unveiled by Explore Minnesota, the MGA and various other course locator web sites, who are not listed on our roster. Please take a look and reach out to those in your area who are not members of the MGCSA. Many are nine-hole tracks, but those are the ones who have received the greatest per-hole savings through MGCSA advocacy.

Who knows, this endeavor may even motivate additional members of the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association to be more “invested” in the business of golf course management and broaden their interest in professional advocacy. You can make a huge difference in advocacy either through direct and physical support or even something as simple as making a quick call to the course down the street, you know, that club that borrows your aeifier every year.

This recruitment drive isn’t about enhancing the dues revenues of the MGCSA. Rather it is all about showing the apathetic nonmembers the value of MGCSA membership and populating the masses of interested new members

Isn’t it your responsibility as a professional? Take amoment, scan the courses on the following pages and reach out to neighbor, asking them to join the MGCSA. It could be a simple as an invitation.

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Afton Alps Golf Course Green Lea Golf Club Applewood Hills Public GC Atikwa Golf Course Balmoral Golf Course Black Bear Golf Course Boulder Pointe Golf Club Bulrush Golf Club Castle Highlands Golf Course The Bluffs @ Coffee Mill Golf Creeksbend Golf Course Daytona Country Club Detroit CC-Pine to Palm Course Detroit Country Club - Lakeview Dodge Country Club Emerald Greens Golf Course Falls Country Club Fiddlestix Golf Course Fountain Valley Golf Club Glencoe Country Club Greenwood Golf Course Gunflint Hills Golf Club Hawley Golf & Country Club Hayden Hills Executive Golf Hollydale Golf Club Ironman Golf Course Island Pine Golf Club Koronis Hills Golf Course Lake Miltona Golf Club Lake Pepin Golf Course Lakeview Golf Course Lakeview Municipal Golf Course Page 12 Page 14

Hastings Albert Lea Stillwater Alexandria Battle Lake Carlton Elko Rush City Bemidji Wabasha New Prague Dayton Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes Dodge Center Hastings International Falls Isle Farmington Glencoe Bemidji Grand Marais Hawley Dayton Plymouth Detroit Lakes Pine Island Paynesville Alexandria Lake City Mound Two Harbors

Legacy Golf Long Prairie Country Club Lynx National Golf Course Maple Valley Golf & Country Club Meadow Greens Golf Course Mesaba Country Club Mississippi Dunes Golf Links Mount Frontenac Golf Course Oak Summitt Golf Course Oakcrest Golf Course Pezhekee Golf Course Pine Ridge Golf Course Prairie View Community Golf Course Princeton Golf Club Purple Hawk Country Club Ramsey Golf Club Ridges at Sand Creek Riverview Greens Rum River Hills Golf Course Sanbrook Golf Course Shadowbrooke Golf Course Shamrock Golf Club Shoreland Country Club St. Charles Golf Course Stones Throw Golf Course Straight River Golf Course Summit Golf Club Terrace View Golf Club The Crossings Thief River Falls Golf Club Thumper Pond Golf Course Valley Golf Course

Faribault Long Prairie Sauk Centre Rochester Austin Hibbing Cottage Grove Frontenac Rochester Roseau Glenwood Sartell Brooten Princeton Cambridge Austin Jordan

Ramsey Isanti Lester Prairie Corcoran St.Peter St. Charles Milaca Faribault Cannon Falls Mankato Montevideo Thief River Falls Ottertail East Grand Forks Page 15

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Valley High Golf Club Vintage Golf Course Warroad Estates Golf Course Wilderness Hills Golf Course Cedar Valley Golf Course Geneva Golf Club Gopher Hills Golf Course Rich Valley Golf Club Viking Meadows Golf Club 29 Pines Golf Course Apple Valley Golf Course Appleton Golf Club Arbor Pointe Golf Club Pheasant Links Babbitt Golf Club Bentwood Golf Course Big Lake Golf Club Blackduck Golf Club Blooming Prairie Country Club Blueberry Hills Country Club Bs On the River Country Club Buffalo Heights Golf Course Chosen Valley Golf Club Cimarron Golf Course Clarks Grove Golf Course Cokato Town & Country Club North Valley Country Club Eshquaguma Country Club Fairways Shores Executive Golf Course

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Houston Ostego Warroad Holyoke Winona Alexandria Cannon Falls Rosemount Cedar Mahtowa Apple Valley Appleton Inver Grove Heights Emmons Babbitt Climax Cloquet Blackduck Blooming Prairie Deer River Watertown Buffalo Chatfield Lake Elmo Clarks Grove Cokato Lakefield Gilbert Zimmerman

Farmers Golf & Health Club Ferndale Country Club Fort Ridgley Golf Course Fort Snelling Public Golf Course Fosston Golf Club Fox Lake Golf Club Frazee Golf Course Golf on the Edge Graceville Golf Club Grandy Nine Golf Course Granite Run Golf Club Green Valley Golf Course Havana Hills Golf Hawk Creek Country Club Heart of the Valley Golf Club Hibbing Municipal Golf Course Holiday Park Golf Course Island Lake Golf Training Center Jackson Golf Club Karlstad Golf Course Kenyon Country Club Lancaster Riverside Golf Course Lanesboro Golf Club Lewiston Country Club Lida Greens Golf Course Loon Lake Golf Club Ma-Cal-Grove Country Club Mahnomen Country Club Maple Hills Golf Club Maple Ridge Golf Course Meadowlark Country Club

Sanborn Rushford Fairfax Fort Snelling Fosston Sherburn Frazee Big Fork Graceville Stanchfield Granite Falls Lake Park Owatonna Raymond Ada

Hayward Shoreview Jackson Karlstad Kenyon Lancaster Lanesboro Lewiston Pelican Rapids Jackson Caledonia Frazee Bemidji Melrose Page 17

Minakwa Golf Club Minneopa Golf Club Moose Lake Golf Club Nordic Trails Golf Course North Branch Golf Course Oak Harbor Golf Course Oak Knolls Golf Course Oak View Golf Course Oak View Golf Course Oakwood Golf Course Olivia Golf Club Osakis Country Club Pierz Municipal Golf Course Pike Lake Country Club Pine Creek Golf Course Piper Hills Golf Course Preston Golf & Country Club Proctor Golf Course Quadna Hills Golf Course Red Rock Golf Course River's Bend at the Old Barn Resort Riverside Golf Club Rodina Golf Course Rolling Hills Golf Course Root River Country Club Sand Hill River Golf Club Sandstone Area Country Club Sandtrap Golf Course Sauk Centre Country Club Stalker Lake Golf Course Stone Creek Golf Club

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Crookston Mankato Sturgeon Lake Alexandria North Branch Baudette Red Lake Falls Greenbush Freeborn Ottertail Olivia Osakis Pierz Duluth LaCresent Plainview Preston Proctor Hill City Hoffman Preston Stephen Alexandria Pelican Rapids Spring Valley Fertile Sandstone Cass Lake Sauk Centre Dalton Foley

Stoney Creek Golf Course The Retreat Golf Club Thompson Oaks Golf Course Three Brothers Vermilion River Green Tracy Country Club Travelers Country Club on the Mississippi Twin Pines Golf Course Two River Golf Club Tyler Community Golf Club Valley Golf Course (Willmar) Vermilion Fairways Golf Club Warren Riverside Country Club Wells Golf Club Westfield Golf Club Wheaton Country Club Willow Creek Municipal Golf Course Windom Country Club Winthrop Golf Club Wolf Ridge Golf Course Zumbro Falls Golf Club Zumbro Valley Golf Club

Renville Floodwood West St. Paul Buyck Tracy Clear Lake Bagley Hallock Tyler Willmar Cook Warren Wells Winona Wheaton Barnesville Windom Winthrop Angora Zumbro Falls Mantorville

Thank you for your support of this initiative.

The voice of Minnesota Golf is very dependent upon the percent of golf destinations the MGCSA represents. A simple phone call, made by current members to non-members, will be a giant help at the Capitol.

MGCSA Western EXPOSURE Golf Event

Monday June 19th, 2017 AWESOME VENUE:

Interlaken Golf Course

Registration with coffee and donuts between 9:30 and 9:50 Shotgun Start, mixer, two-man scramble, at 10:00/ lunch at the turn Host Superintendent: Bill Brooks

$25 per player includes lunch, golf, cart and prizes

RSVP NEEDED by June 13th

MGCSA and Non-MGCSA Area Superintendents and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend this event Contact Jack MacKenzie, Executive Director MGCSA jack@mgcsa.org 651-324-8873 Please use Registration Form avalable at: mgcsa.org

It wouldn’t be the same without you

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The Common Ground Initiative

By Dr. Paul Koch, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Author’s Note: This article was originally published in the Nov/Dec 2016 issue of The Grass Roots. The plan outlined below is a draft proposal and will likely encounter numerous alterations before a final plan is presented to the industry. In addition, the plan is not currently affiliated with the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association or any other group outside of the Koch Lab at UW-Madison. I encourage any feedback, both positive or negative, from those in the Minnesota turfgrass industry.

Golf courses provide a wealth of environmental and economic benefits to our communities, from runoff mediation to carbon sequestration to contributing $2.4 billion to the state economy (according to the 2010 Golf 20/20 report). Golf course superintendents are excellent stewards of the environment, and most meticulously monitor the inputs they apply to insure only the minimum amount needed for acceptable turf quality is used. But increasing concern over pesticide usage is percolating through the region from all directions. From the north, Canada has large-scale pesticide restrictions on golf course turf with more on the way. From

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the east, Connecticut and New York have banned most pesticide applications on public school property and golf course superintendents in the region are concerned they may be targeted next. From the west, our neighbors in Minnesota commit significant resources to outreach with state decision makers to mitigate the impacts of new regulations on the golf industry.

No significant restrictions are on the horizon here in Wisconsin, but that doesn’t mean that superintendents here aren’t interested in reducing the impact of their pest management programs. In fact, a full 86 of 119 respondents (72%) to a survey I sent to the WGCSA email list

agreed with the following statement, ‘It is important to reduce the overall environmental impact of my pest management program’ (Figure 1). I have heard the same thing in discussions with multiple superintendents in Wisconsin and elsewhere about their interest in reducing the impact of their pest management programs.

Some are interested because they

believe it’s the right thing to do, others are interested because they want to reduce pesticide exposure for them and their employees, and still others are interested because their facility has identified reducing pesticide impact as a priority.

As a result of these individual discussions my team here at UW is working on an initiative that will

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Figure 1: Responses to an online survey sent out to the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association email list in the summer of 2016.

scale up our efforts to work with a larger number of superintendents, something we’re calling The Common Ground Initiative. I want to stress that this initiative is still in the development phase, but we’re unveiling it to you now because we want your feedback and participation in making the initiative as impactful and beneficial for your operation as possible. Below are some answers to questions that you may Page 24

be having right now as you read this article:

What is the Common Ground Initiative?

The initiative starts with the basic principle that the entire community benefits when healthy, functional turfgrass landscapes are present.

The ‘common ground’ comes from the desire of all parties to maintain

MGCSA Badgerland EXPOSURE Golf Event

Thursday May 25st, 2017 AWESOME VENUE:

Luck Golf Course

Registration with coffee and donuts between 9:30 and 9:50 Shotgun Start, mixer, two-man scramble, at 10:00/ lunch at the turn Host Superintendent: Kevin Clunis CGCS

$20 per player includes lunch, golf, cart and prizes

RSVP NEEDED by May 20th

MGCSA and Non-MGCSA Area Superintendents and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend this event Contact Jack MacKenzie, Executive Director MGCSA jack@mgcsa.org 651-324-8873 Please use Registration Form avalable at: mgcsa.org It wouldn’t be the same without you Page 25

these important landscapes while using pesticides that have lower non-target effects. The primary purpose of the initiative then is to provide guidance and incentive for turfgrass managers in Wisconsin to transition towards lower impact pest management programs AND

to document and promote the move towards lower impact pesticides for those that participate. The initiative will eventually encompass all segments of the turfgrass industry, though each industry segment will be handled independently because of their unique needs.

Figure 2: Study from 2015 at the OJ Noer Turfgrass Research Center in Madison, WI comparing the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) on fungicide programs that used a strict calendar-based application method using conventional fungicides, application scheduling using the Smith-Kerns Dollar Spot Model using conventional fungicides, and application scheduling using the Smith-Kerns Dollar Spot Model but using lower-impact fungicides. An approximate 85% reduction in EIQ was realized when lower-impact products were used.

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While we feel that when properly tive NOT? implemented into an integrated pest It is NOT a mandatory program. It management program the costs will not be prohibitive, we understand will be completely voluntary and that newer chemistries are usually should only be implemented by those who think it will benefit their more expensive than older ones. operations.

It is NOT a set pesticide program.

The initiative is designed to have a It is NOT a pesticide reduction or target parameter that the participants elimination program. Rather, it provides an incentive to pivot away will be required to meet, but also allow for ample flexibility to create from older pesticides that have a the program that best fits the needs greater environmental impact to newer ones that have a lower envi- of each facility. ronmental impact.

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Pesticide records used in this initiative will NOT be made public. The only thing made public is whether a particular institution is participating or not.

How will the initiative work?

The UW turf team is currently in the process of establishing the average level of pesticide usage from the golf industry in Wisconsin. Based on the results from our research over the past couple years, we will then establish a target reduction in environmental impact relative to the statewide average that we feel still provides plenty of options for maintaining healthy turf. Those interested in participating would contact us and work with us to develop a pest management program that meets the target parameter. If your program already meets the target parameter then you would not need to make any changes to be a participant. Following approval of the plan the course would then be a certified participant and could use the initiative to promote their sustainability efforts to their membership, their board, their municipality, or the general public. Participants

would average their environmental impact over 2 years to account for fluctuations in pest pressure, and participants will have a multiple year ‘grace’ period to transition their current program into one that meets the initiative’s target.

How will we measure environmental impact?

This is one of the remaining sticking points, as there are several metrics for measuring impact…and all have significant flaws. The two that we are currently working with are the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) and the Hazard Quotient (HQ). The EIQ attempts to be all encompassing and take into account numerous factors related to human and environmental health, but it is heavily correlated to amount of active ingredient applied and is a big, long, complicated equation. The HQ only takes into account acute or chronic toxicity to humans, but is a much simpler equation. For the time being we will work with both and make a decision later about which one is more effective for our needs.

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contact you for your records please participate! Your records will be For the last three years we have had kept private and you will get a free a ‘Reduced-Risk Disease Manage- analysis of how your pesticide proment’ trial that we have exhibited at gram compares to the statewide average. Also, please contact us if you our Summer Field Day (http://tdl. would like to volunteer your records wisc.edu/2014-summer-fungicideresearch-reports/). Over those three for inclusion in the study…the more years we have consistently demon- courses we have the more accurate our average will be! strated acceptable disease control while reducing the amount of active After we calculate the statewide ingredient applied and the EIQ by approximately 90% over a standard average, hopefully by spring of program we borrowed from a Wis- 2017, we will use our recent research to set the target parameter consin superintendent (Figure 3). for participating in the initiative. I While this doesn’t prove reduceddon’t know what this parameter will impact programs work in the field, it is an indication that this approach be until we calculate the statewide can be successful for many superin- average, but I can assure you it will be one that can be met! It won’t tendents. do you or us any good to develop a parameter that no one can possibly What are the next steps? meet!

The next step is to calculate the statewide average of environmental Once the parameter has been set we will solicit participants for the impact. To complete this we will need the pesticide records for 2015 initiative. Participating will be as simple as calculating your current and 2016 from approximately 75 impact level and developing a plan Wisconsin golf courses. We have for reaching the target within a set randomly chosen these 75 courses period (likely 2 to 3 years). Once from a list of 420 Wisconsin golf courses and will contact those cho- the initiative goes live, we will discuss as an industry how best to prosen before the end of 2016. If we Can it work in the field?

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mote and market the efforts of those great industry. I look forward to hearing your feedback, both good participating in the initiative. and bad, and urge you to contact me I fully understand that talking about with your comments, questions, and concerns as we strive to build an pesticide usage and providing records makes many of us uncomfort- initiative that further showcases the environmental stewardship of the able. However, I also strongly believe that not talking about pesticide Wisconsin golf industry. Please feel usage or not debating methods that free to email me at plkoch@wisc. might improve efficiency or reduce edu or call me at 608-576-2673 to discuss this initiative. environmental impact is a poor long-term strategy for our state’s

The MGCSA wishes to thank Dr. Paul Koch for his contributions to the upper mid-west turf industry. As our business models and maintenance practices become more scrutinized, it is important that new perspectives are introduced and considered.

HERFORT

G o l f

NORBY

C o u r s e A r c h i t e c t s

Phone: 952.361.0644 Fax: 952.361.0645 e-mail: golfnorby@earthlink.net web: www.herfortnorby.com

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The Root of the Problem Managing Tree Encroachment

By Mark Rehder, S&S Tree

Famous trees are synonymous with famous golf courses; the Big Oak at Augusta clubhouse, the Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach #18, and locally, the Oak at Keller #4, to name a few. Then there are those trees that are still legends even though they have succumbed to the chain saw for one reason or another. Like the Live Oak near the tee box at TPC Sawgrass #6 that was leaning and cracked, the Eisenhower Loblolly Pine that was storm damaged, or the mighty Elm at Winged Foot East that died of disease. On rare occasions golfers will try to remove trees on their own terms, like the Lone Fir at Chambers Bay that was vandalized.

The fact remains that trees and golf courses do not always make for good bed fellows and

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can get attention for all the wrong reasons. In the case of superintendent Brian Boll of North Oaks Golf Club, it is large trees near greens that can cause irregularities in moisture and result in inconsistent roll speeds. Removing these trees is usu-

ally not an option as they often are part of the design and playability of the course.

To combat these greedy trees Brian will often have to dig down and manually remove roots near the surface that rob the green of much needed irrigation. Hand digging is an option, but often is very labor intensive and will leave a mess. It is not practical to dig along all green edges, fairway edges, or cart paths, which are all areas that can be impacted by tree roots. One tool that the North Oaks Golf Club recently

used was a cable plow with a specially designed blade to cut tree roots to a depth of 2 to 3-feet. It is important to consult a tree care professional before root cutting to make certain that the cutting is only done to one side of the tree and with respect to the root plate and larger diameter roots. Most of the roots that are causing problems for the greens and fairways are feeder roots. Up to 100 gallons can be absorbed out of the ground and released into the air by a large tree each day. It’s easy to see how their close proximity to a

Inserting the disrupter blade into the ground between the green and trees.

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putting green or fairway can have serious implications on moisture regimes. Feeder roots are generally within the first two feet of the soil and are responsible for bringing in water and nutrients into the tree.

Some species of trees such as maple, linden, willow, aspen, and pin oak, are known for having extensive surface roots. Instead of spending countless hours digging and cutting tree roots Brian called upon S&S Tree Specialists to provide a root cutting machine. Basically it’s a Ditch Witch on steroids that is also used for controlling oak wilt.

The machine has the power to pull up to a 4-and-a-half-foot blade, about 2 inches in width, cleanly cutting all roots as they remain underground. It has large floatation tires or tracks that evenly disperse the weight reducing soil compaction. After the machine has cut the roots any tufts of sod that were disturbed are put back in place and the large floatation tires or tracks drive over the cut and pack the soil and turf back in place. The result is that the area hardly even looks disturbed. “I was amazed with the light footprint that this machine has and the depth we were able Page 34

to cut,” noted Boll. He plans on using it again when the need arises not only along greens, but along fairways, cart paths, or wherever trees roots can cause problems.

Take Brian’s advice and give the folks at S&S Tree Specialists a call to discuss using this service on your property. We would be happy to provide an on-site consult to see if this service is right for your golf club.

Three iron damage?!

MGCSA Central EXPOSURE Golf Event

Thursday June 15st, 2017 AWESOME VENUE:

Little Crow Golf Course

Registration with coffee and donuts between 9:30 and 9:50 Shotgun Start, mixer, two-man scramble, at 10:00/ lunch at the turn Host Superintendent: Kevin Gruber

$25 per player includes lunch, golf, cart and prizes

RSVP NEEDED by June 10th

MGCSA and Non-MGCSA Area Superintendents and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend this event Contact Jack MacKenzie, Executive Director MGCSA jack@mgcsa.org 651-324-8873 Please use Registration Form avalable at: mgcsa.org

It wouldn’t be the same without you Page 35

Summertime Control of Grassy and Broadleaf Weeds

By Dr. Dave Gardner Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University tion product Last Call™ (see below). Table 1 is an abbreviated list of combination herbicide products.

Many of these combination products are more expensive, compared to standard 3-way formulations such as 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba. However, the products in this table are good choices for summertime spot treatments in cases where, in addition broadleaf weeds, crabgrass or yellow nutsedge are also present. If yellow nutsedge is present, choose a combination product that contains sulfentrazone. If you have crabgrass, a product that contains quinclorac, mesotrione, topramazone, or fenoxaprop will provide control.

Broad Spectrum Herbicides for Summertime Broadcast or Spot Ap- Alternatively, you can tank mix a nutsedge herbicide, such as sulfenplication Weed Control trazone or halosulfuron, or a crabThere have been many changes and grass herbicide, such as quinclorac, additions to the list of broadleaf her- with your favorite 3-way broadleaf bicides for use in turfgrass since the herbicide product. year 2000. Some newer herbicides One note of caution about control include PylexÂŽ and the combinaSummertime weed control can be a challenge, not because of the volume of weeds, but because of the diversity of species present in the turf. Oftentimes there are perennial broadleaf weeds that escaped or recovered from a springtime herbicide application, as well as grassy weeds and sedges that may need to be treated. Although fall is the best time to control perennial weeds, such as dandelion, the plantains, and white clover, spring and early summer (depending on the weed) is the time to target annual broadleaf weeds.

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The MGA Spring Turfgrass Forum

Sponsored by Reinder’s Inc. Host Chris Tritabaugh

Thank You MGA Page 37 37 Page

Fenoxaprop

Quinclorac

Pyrfaflufen

Sulfentrazone

Carfentrazone

Triclopyr

Fluroxypyr

Clopyralid

Dicamba

MCPP

MCPA

2,4-DP

2,4-D

Products Onetime Quincept Last Call Shutout Speedzone Powerzone Surge Q4 Solitare 4 Speed 4 Speed XT T-Zone

Table 1. Herbicide combination products that have a broad spectrum of weed control, making them good choices for spot treatments of summertime weeds. Always consult the label prior to use. In addition to broadleaf weeds, those products that contain either fenoxaprop or quinclorac will have activity on crabgrass and those that contain sulfentrazone will have activity of yellow nutsedge.

of crabgrass is that attention must be paid to the stage of crabgrass growth when the application is made. Crabgrass is much easier to control when it is still in leaf stage, before tillering. After it begins to tiller control can be difficult. Herbicides are very effective on leaf stage crabgrass. However, control of actively growing and flowering 2-5 tiller crabgrass can be a challenge. In our testing we have seen instances where after a mixed stand of dandelion, clover and crabgrass Page 38

was treated with a combination herbicide the broadleaf weeds were eliminated; however, the actively tillering crabgrass was only stunted and upon recovery, filled in the areas that used to be occupied by the broadleaf weeds. This can be avoided by making applications when crabgrass is in leaf stage, or depending on the herbicide, waiting a week or two until after the crabgrass has reached maturity. If you can’t make the application to leaf stage or 1 tiller crabgrass, then it may be better

to wait a couple of weeks because mature crabgrass is more susceptible to herbicides such as quinclorac than it is when tillering.

Some annual broadleaf weeds can actually be quite difficult to control, especially if they are mature and hardened off due to summer heat and drought stress. You may get better control of annual broadleaf weeds by using a product that contains carfentrazone, sulfentrazone, or pyraflufen-ethyl and this is especially true if you treat them when they are just emerging. Since they are annual plants, control is also possible with the use of a preemergence herbicide. Remember, most annual broadleaf weeds are not competitive with a dense, healthy stand of turfgrass. So, if you have an issue with annual broadleaf weeds, see the side-bar for tips on maximizing turfgrass health during the summer months.

Summertime temperatures increase the chance of non-target injury to surrounding trees and ornamentals when using postemmergence materials. The best control of weeds in cooler weather is with ester for-

mulations of the phenoxy and pyridinoxy herbicides. However, as temperatures rise into the 60’s and 70’s the ester formulations become very volatile, and non-target injury can occur. Amine formulations will reduce this risk in warmer weather.

Regardless of formulation, when air temperatures exceed 80-85 degrees postemergence broadleaf herbicides can cause phytotoxicity to the turf and should not be applied. Applications in this case are most advisable in the early morning hours.

Newer Herbicide Products and Combinations Last Call™ Herbicide This is a new combination herbicide from NuFarm that contains the active ingredients dicamba, fluroxypyr and fenoxaprop. Because it contains fenoxaprop it has activity not only on broadleaf weeds, but also on crabgrass. Fenoxaprop is typically thought to be more active on leaf stage crabgrass than on tillering crabgrass. However, our research suggests that Last Call can be effective against crabgrass that is in the 1-2 or even 2-4 tiller stage at application. It is labeled for golf fairPage 39

Figure 1. Annual Broadleaf Weed Control Guide Controlling annual broadleaf weeds is easy if you use recommended herbicides and target their application to the time that the weed is most vulnerable.

Knotweed (Sometimes confused with crabgrass when first emerging)

Mallow (Has a central taproot and does not root at the nodes like creeping charlie) Knotweed Pendimethalin, prodiamine, and dithiopyr are labeled, but you may want to use a postemergence material early in this weed’s life cycle. Knotweed germinates very early in the season, before the typical preemergence application window. If a preemergence is applied early enough for control, there may not be enough residual to control crabgrass and other annual grasses when they germinate.

Mallow can be controlled with postemergence products early in its life cycle.

Black medic (Short stem on end leaf distinguishes from white clover)

ways and roughs, residential and commercial turfgrass and sports fields and is safe on Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue and zoysiagrass.

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Black medic may be controlled with dithiopyr or with postemergence materials.

Last Call is also labelled for selective removal of bermudagrass.

Consult the label for specifics.

Change Up™ Herbicide

Another new combination herbicide from NuFarm, Change Up contains the active ingredients MCPA, fluroxypyr and dicamba.

Control of broadleaf weeds is very good with this formulation and this is a good product to consider in areas that are sensitive to the use of 2,4-D.

the spot application restriction will be lifted and broadcast applications will be permitted. Topramazone has both pre and postemergence activity and Pylex is labelled for the control of 15 grassy and 39 broadleaf weeds, both annual and perennial.

Pylex® has a broad spectrum of weeds that it is labelled to control.

Pylex® Herbicide A recent introduction from BASF It is excellent for the control of goosegrass and sedges. In addicontaining the new active ingretion, research has found that it can dient topramazone, which has a be very effective for the postemersimilar mode of action to that of mesotrione, the active ingredient in gence control of tillering crabgrass.

Tenacity herbicide. Topramazone In trials at the Ohio State University, we found that control was simiinhibits carotenoid biosynthesis lar, or in some cases, better than, which results in bleaching of affected leaf tissues. Pylex® is only control of crabgrass with mesotrione or quinclorac. Pylex® also has for use on centipedegrass or the activity on perennial grassy weeds cool season turfgrasses Kentucky and is labelled for either suppresbluegrass, perennial ryegrass and sion or control of creeping benttall or fine fescue. Also, it is important to note that as of this writ- grass, bermudagrass, dallisgrass ing, Pylex® is labeled only for spot and nimblewill. Control of these weeds is achieved with a 3 applitreatment applications on sports cation schedule similar to that of turf and residential surfaces and mesotrione. Consult the label for there is a special section on the label that articulates this. It is pos- specifics. sible though that in the near future For broadleaf weed control, research Page 41

Figure 2. Summer Annual Broadleaf Weed Control Guide

Summertime Annual Broadleaf Weeds

Pigweed (May have reddish stem and taproot)

Purslane (Fleshy leaves)

Spurge (Milky sap distinguishes from knotweed)

Oxalis (Yellow Woodsorrel) (Heart-shaped leaves)

Pigweed, purslane, spurge, and oxalis – these weeds germinate later in the season. Apply postemergence materials early in the life cycle, before seed set. These weeds may be partially controlled if you use a crabgrass preemergence herbicide. Prodiamine and dithiopyr are labeled for pigweed. Pendimethalin, prodiamine, dithiopyr, and oxadiazon are labeled for the others.

However, depending on conditions, there may not be sufficient preemergence residues remaining at germination time and you may get breakthrough. Remember, since these weeds germinate later in the season, your best control is proper cultural practices that maximize the competitiveness and density of the turfgrass. Pigweed and purslane, especially, are not competitive with a healthy turf stand and are more common at edges and in bare spots.

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at Ohio State University has found that topramazone has good activity against white clover but is not as active against broadleaf weeds such as dandelion or ground ivy.

Similar to mesotrione, PylexÂŽ can

be applied on the day of seeding for suppression or control of germinating grassy and broadleaf weeds but is safe to seedlings of tolerant turfgrass species.

Cultural Strategies to Minimize Annual Broadleaf Weed Encroachment, An Adendum

By Dr. Dave Gardner Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University

Mowing

The cardinal rule of mowing is not to remove more than 1/3rd of the leaf tissue with any one cutting.

If turfgrass is mowed often enough, the injury is minimal and the re-

sponse of the plant is to tiller and produce a more prostrate growth habit, which results in improved density. However, the natural tendency of the plant is to grow straight up, and if you wait too long before mowing then basically you are “har-

Page 43

vesting� the leaf blades. Removing excessive amounts of tissue results in scalping and is a tremendous bourdon on carbohydrate reserves. One of the easiest things to do in summertime is to avoid scalping.

It is also generally recommended that the height of cut be increased to the maximum recommended for the species used. Taller turf uses

drought damage, you should either water the turf correctly, or, allow it to go dormant. Dormancy is the grasses natural mechanism to deal with moisture deficits and is actually less harmful to the stand than sporadic watering. If you do chose to irrigate throughout the summer months, it should be done so that water is applied deeply and infre-

Effect of Water Status on Appearance of Leaf Cross Section

more water, but the taller canopy also shades the soil surface and reduces evaporative loss from the soil. Taller cut turf, therefore, usually conserves more water than does shorter cut turf. Another thing that you can do is to use a properly sharpened blade. This will reduce tearing of leaf tissue and reduce water loss through cuts in the leaf blade.

quently (1 to 2 inches once or twice per week) and when the plant is just beginning to show signs of moisture stress.

There are two easy methods of determining moisture stress, footprinting and color. If the plant is moisture stressed it will not have turgid leaves. The result is that when you walk on the turf, your footprints will remain. Also, moisture stressed grass takes on a different color or apOne of the easiest ways to damage a pearance, a bluish-gray green. The turf stand during the summer months nature of this color change is similar is with haphazard and inconsistent to what happens when you roll the irrigation. To avoid problems with turf to make stripping on the field.

Irrigation

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When the leaf is moisture stressed, it begins to roll up in cross section as pictured below:

ily in the fall. Heavy spring fertilizer applications promote more leaf tissue production (at the expense of carbohydrate reserves) and diminAs the plants roll up, they reflect ish the plants ability to withstand light differently than do turgid, flat summer stress. Fertilization should leaves. That is what causes the be fairly minimal during the sumchange in appearance. Again, to mer months, primarily if the grass avoid drought damage, commit to a appears to be “hungry� and this will regular irrigation schedule, or allow depend on whether you irrigate or the grass to enter dormancy. Hapallow the turf to go dormant. A note hazard irrigation is the single worst of caution: some fertilizers have thing you can do to the turf during high physiological burn potential the summertime. that is exacerbated by high temperatures. If, for example, you use potassium chloride (KCL) it should be applied when temperatures are beApplication timing is very important low 70°F and then thoroughly wafor minimizing weed encroachment tered in after application. Potassium in summer months. As a rule, fersulfate is another option that is more tilizer nitrogen should be applied expensive, but is also safer to turf. lightly in the spring and more heav-

Fertilization

The MGCSA wishes to thank and give credit to Dr. David Gardner, Associate Professor at Ohio State University, for allowing permission to reprint this article. Acknowledgement also goes to TURF Magazine and Grandview Media for their permission as well. The article originally appeared in TURF on line in the spring of 2014.

Page 45

A ToAsT, In ApprecIATIon of Your BusIness.

Here’s To You.

At Par Aide, we’d like to raise a paper cup to you, our valued customer.

Because it’s your unyielding dedication to the course that inspires us to keep building the industry’s most innovative products. So from Par Aide, we salute all you do. Cheers.

Wherever golf is played.

SILVER PARTNER

Par aide is a Proud sPonsor of MCCsa, GCsaa, The firsT Tee and The Wee one foundaTion.

Page 46

The MGCSA Affiliate Appreciation Event and Summer Business Meeting at New Hope Village Golf Host Mark Severson

Thank you Affiliate Members for your continued support of the MGCSA Page 47 47 Page

Drone Regulations at Last!

By DAVID CAMAROTTO AND FRANK ABA-ONU

FAA releases Part 107 (small systems) rules As of August 29, 2016, commercial Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) operators may, but no longer have to, wait for Section 333 commercial use exemptions. The FAA expects that the newly enacted Part 107 regulations will provide a quicker and cheaper alternative means of accessing the National Airspace System (NAS) for UAS use. The FAA estimates that the cost per user will be less than $200. Here are the ins and outs of the process.

The FAA enacted Part 107 to “harness new innovations safely, to spur job growth, advance critical scientific research and save lives.” Under Part 107, operators do not need a pilot’s license or medical certificate requirement. Moreover, Part 107 has no Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) requirement, insurance requirement, and most importantly, no airworthiness certificate requirement.

Part 107 does require that UAS: be limited to 55 lbs; be operated during daylight and civil twilight hours (if the UAS has appropriate collision lighting); have unaided visual-line-of-sight operations; not be operated over any persons not directly participating in the operation, nor under a covered structure, nor inside a stationary vehicle; yield right of way to other aircraft(s); be operated at no greater than 400 feet above ground level; must not have a groundspeed over 100 mph (87 knots); Page 48

not operate in Class A airspace, nor in Class B, C, D, and E airspace without ATC permission; not be operated from a moving vehicle unless the operation is over a sparsely populated area.

In addition, operators of UAS must acquire a certification as a remote pilot (or be supervised by a remote pilot). To acquire a remote pilot license, the individual must be at least 16 years old, pass a knowledge test at a FAAapproved knowledge testing center or have an existing non-student Part 61 pilot certificate, and clear the Transportation Security Administration security and threat assessment.

For those expecting rules governing delivery services (the “Amazon Rule”), Part 107 will not satiate your appetite. Although Part 107 does not allow for flight over people who are not part of “the operation,” it does allow for UAS to carry an external payload, so long as the total weight (UAS plus payload) does not exceed 55 pounds. In addition, the Senate has passed an aviation bill that would require the FAA to issue regulations within two years to enable drone deliveries.

The FAA did not provide regulations regarding the privacy rights of third parties. The FAA stated that it “never extended its administrative reach to regulate the use of cameras and other sensors extraneous to the airworthiness or safe operation of the aircraft in order to protect individual privacy.”

The FAA does encourages all UAS operators to consult local and state law before gathering information through remote sensing technology or photography, and to consult the General Best Practice Guidelines issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding guidelines for privacy protection on a national scale.

The FAA prohibits careless or reckless operations in the NAS. All Part 107 operators are required to notify the FAA within 10 calendar days of an operation that results in a “serious” injury involving hospitalization or loss of Page 49

consciousness, or property damage over $500.

Part 107 requirements are not set in stone—far from it. Part 107 allows commercial operators to request a waiver of most operational restrictions, such as: operating from a moving vehicle; daylight operation; visual line-of-sight; visual observer; operations of multiple UAS; yielding the right of way; operation over people; operation in certain airspace; and operating limitations for UAS. The commercial user must be able to demonstrate that the proposed operation can be conducted safely under a waiver.

Finally, rest assured, hobbyists: The FAA did not forget to invite you to the party. Hobbyists must meet the operating requirements under Part 101, instead of Part 107. However, the FAA has stated that for enforcement purposes, hobbyists who do not meet Part 101 requirements will be considered operators under Part 107, and thus subject to civil penalty.

In sum, Part 107 eliminates many of the most cumbersome and expensive requirements currently imposed on commercial drone operators, including the requirement for Section 333 exemptions. In addition, the ability to waive most of Part 107’s operational requirements allows commercial users to define their use of the NAS, so long as they do it in a safe and reasonable manner. So happy flying, drone enthusiasts. But before you do, make sure Part 107 becomes your new best friend.

Page 50

Notes 1 Leland E. Beck, “Monday Morning Regulatory Review – 6/27/16: Drone Regulations Finally Fly; Hydraulic Fracking Rule Drilled; First Persuader Decision Unpersuaded; Compost Guidance Composted & Civil Monetary Penalties Adjusted,” Federal Regulations Advisory (6/26/2016). http://www.fedregsadvisor.com/2016/06/26/monday-morning-regulatory-review-62716-drone-regulations-finally-fly-hydraulic-fracking-ruledrilled-first-persuader-decision-unpersuaded-compost-guidance-composted-civil-moneta/.

2 Federal Aviation Administration press release, “DOT and FAA Finalize Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems” (6/21/2016), available at https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm.

3 Peter Sachs, Esq., “Don’t bother with a 333. Wait for Part 107” (6/1/2016) dronelawjournal.com.

THE BUG STOPS HERE

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4 Id.

At Wild Marsh Golf Club, an aerial photo tells a thousand words.

5 Federal Aviation Administration and Office of the Secretary of Transportation, Department of Transportation, “Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems,� Final Rule (6/21/2016), at 497, available at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/06/28/2016-15079/ operation-and-certification-of-small-unmanned-aircraft-systems. The FAA does recommend that remote pilots evaluate their existing insurance policies to determine whether they have appropriate coverage for their operations.

6 Id. at 569.

7 See 14 CFR Part 107.

8 Leland, supra note 1.

9 Press Release, supra note 2.

Page 52

10 Final Rule, supra note 5 at 568.

11 Reuters, “The FAA Is Finally Going to Announce New Rules for Small Drones,” Fortune (6/21/2016), http://fortune.com/2016/06/21/faa-dronesrules/.

12 Final Rule, supra note 5 at 530. Exceptions apply to Hawaii and the District of Columbia.

13 14 CFR Part 107.9 (accident reporting).

14 14 CFR Part 107.205.

DAVID CAMAROTTO is a shareholder at Bassford Remele, P.A. David is an accomplished litigator and represents individuals, insureds, and selfinsured businesses in the defense of general liability, construction, and product liability matters. He is a member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys and is recognized as a Minnesota Super Lawyer.

UZODIMA FRANKLIN ABA-ONU is an associate at Bassford Remele, P.A. Frank practices in all areas of civil litigation, with a focus on general liability, products liability, professional liability, and employment law.

Superior Tech Products® Leading Edge Turfgrass Solutions Golf Courses | Sport Fields | Parks

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* Liquid & Granular Fertilizers * Organic Fertilizers * Post Patent Pesticides * Aerification Tines & Bedknifes * Natural & Artificial Turf grooming equipment.

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One Cause. One Goal. One Percent.

One Cause: Help golf course management professionals and their dependents that are having trouble paying medical bills due to the lack of

One Goal: Raise $10 million in 10 years to support these families.

One Percent: Donate 1% of your 2014 revenue, maintenance budget, or salary over the next 10 years in 10 payments.

Example Contribution: 2014 Salary = $70,000 1% = $700 Donation = $70 per year for 10 years

To learn more about One for the Wee One, visit weeone.org/onepercent or call (630) 457-7276.

Page 54

Wee One Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit association. A tribute to Wayne Otto, CGCS.

The Spring Assistants Professional Forum At Rush Creek Golf Club Hosted by Assistant Superintendent Matt Cavanaugh

Page 55

Inspection Authority, Overview, and Future Topics 2017

This outreach effort from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division (PFMD), working with the MGCSA, is to provide an updated series of bulletins published through the MGCSA Holes Notes. This will provide an introduction to the MDA’s authority for inspection, an inspection overview, and future topics.

Authority for Inspection: Inspections and investigations are conducted by the MDA to document compliance under the authority of: • • •

Minnesota Statutes chapter 18B; Pesticide Control Minnesota Statutes chapter 18C; Minnesota Fertilizer, Soil Amendment, and Plant Amendment Minnesota Statutes chapter 18D; Agricultural Chemical Liability

Authority for entry, inspection, and sampling is found in: •

Minnesota Statutes, section 18D.201

Minnesota Statutes and Rules can be found on the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes website: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/pubs/

Inspection Overview: During an inspection, an Agricultural Chemical Investigator (ACI) observes business practices to document compliance with statutes and rules. The following are primary items an ACI will check: Pesticide Applicator License & Category

Pesticide Container Disposal

Application Records

Pesticide & Fertilizer Mixing and Loading Area(s) Backflow Prevention Device(s) on Water Supply Pesticide Rinsate Use

Pesticide Labels Incident Response Plan Well Location(s) Page 56

Future Topics: There are rules and regulations specific to the golf courses. I will highlight one topic in each of the next five bulletins. The following topics were chosen based on compliance concerns documented by the MDA during inspections at golf courses.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Applicators’ License and Use Categories Backflow Prevention Pesticide and Fertilizer Storage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Incident Response Plan

To read about the MDA Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division’s events, programs, policies, and regulations, follow this link to the current issue of the PFMD Update: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/pfmdupdate I am interested to hear your opinions, ideas, and questions about your golf course as it relates to requirements in Minnesota Statutes and/or Rules. Please contact me anytime at the number or email address below.

Thank You, Corinne du Preez, Agricultural Advisor/ACI Minnesota Department of Agriculture Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division 3555 9th St NW, Suite 350 Rochester, MN 55901 Office (507) 206-2883 Corinne.dupreez@state.mn.us

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Affiliate Spotlight:

Reinders Reps Know Your Name and Your Game

Page 58

Reinders has a long and reputable history of offering top turfgrass and green industry supplies, while managing to stay current and scale with the changing needs of their customers.

course professionals with everything from high-quality turfgrass and irrigation products to commercial equipment.

When asked, local superintendents said Reinders turfgrass experts are known for responding quickly to a Reinders provides solutions and supplies to the Green Industry. As a 4:30 a.m. text, being there in person 151-year-old company prides itself for a delivery when the shop opens, on taking a modern and knowledge- and having a store that’s always open online at Reinders.com. able approach to supplying golf Below the Reinder’s Team is ready to serve your turf needs. Left to right: Joe Churchill, Arik Hemquist, Grant Blumreich, Dennis Salwei, Manager Dale Parske, Jerry Dietzel, Scott Gilbertson, Justin Bicek and Gary Scobey.

Page 59

A Regional Distributor, With Local Knowledge

North Oaks Golf Club Superintendent Brian Boll appreciates the Reinders is now the Midwest’s larg- depth of products available and the service he receives. “Reinders has a est full-service distributor of commercial outdoor products including: large market presence in the North Metro area, with a strong sales force fertilizer, grass seed, fungicides, herbicides, tools, winter and irriga- backed by solid individuals,” Boll said. “They offer many product tion supplies, power equipment, lines and access to affiliate vendors outdoor lighting and much more. to ease sourcing and purchasing The company is a one-stop source for products and expertise needed to products used in a golf course setkeep golf courses in championship ting. These products are vetted and have always been of professional condition.

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quality.”

Reinders is one of the longest running and most trusted names in the Midwest commercial Green Industry — with turfgrass experts and customer service specialists firmly rooted in Minnesota. Reinders is a proud member and supporter of the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association and the Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association, among others.

Reinders provides quick, reliable service in Minnesota from its 10-person Twin Cities sales team, and via store locations in Plymouth and Rochester.

A Staff of Experts + Best-In-Class Online Ordering Reinders has continually evolved to fulfill customers’ needs by moving to a modernized corporate facility and warehouse in 2012 and launching a fully-enhanced online store in 2016 at Reinders.com. After quickly registering for a Reinders online store login , superintendents can search for specific products from any device, view helpful product videos, download manuals, check real-time inventory status, place orders 24/7 and access their order history.

Reinders is a 5th generation company that has now expanded to 12 locations across the Midwest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Brackett’s Crossing Country Club Kansas. Reinders’ staff includes Superintendent Tom Proshek has enjoyed working with Reinders for former golf course superintendents, 10 years. “In dealing with our sales- landscape contractors and degreed man and the Rochester store, all of specialists in turf, plant pathology, their staff assist us in a timely fash- soils and aquatics. We have degreed ion to meet our needs. Their level of biologists/pond specialists and athservice is second to none,” Proshek letic field consultants who listen. said.

“The thing I like about (my rep) is Page 61

he is not pushy,” Eagle Valley Golf Course Superintendent Dave Erickson said. “Every microclimate is different, and I know what my golf course is telling me what to do — I know my needs. He listened to what my needs are without trying to tell me I should be doing something different. He’s not trying to change my program; he’s trying to work within my program.”

caliber of speaker presentations, the networking with fellow superintendents, and meetings with vendors make the event priceless.”

Reinders realizes success is directly connected to the level of service and quality of products they offer. The company is large enough to serve you, yet small enough to still know you by name.

A Focus on Green Industry Edu“They cation Brackett’s Crossing CC Superintendent Tom Proshek checks out a soil sample with his Reinder’s Rep Scott Gilbertson are a big Reinders has hosted a Green Industry Confer- company with extensive resources, yet have never lost sight of the imence every other year since 1973 in suburban Milwaukee, WI. It has portance of care and service each grown to become one of the largest customer receives throughout the company,” Boll said. independent shows in the country, bringing together nationally known To learn more about what Reinders speakers, 60+ seminars and more can do for you, contact Dale Parske, than 80 industry manufacturers.

952-250-8742, dparske@reinders. com.

“I’ve attended the Reinders show three times,” Proshek said. “The

Page 62

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Within the Leather

by Roger Stewart CGCS TPC Twin Cities

A couple weeks ago because you ask yourself why would anyone be interested in Jamie Bezanson called and asked me to write an article for what I have done or what I think.

Most of us are not comfortable Hole Notes since I am retiring talking about ourselves in the first at the end of June. I asked place and writing about it isn’t him what he would like me to easy either. Now that I have said write about and he responded, that I will do “Whatever you my best not want to write to bore you. about, your However, if it career, your time starts going in working in the that direction TPC Network, for you, just comments turn the pages about the golf to the next business, article, no what you’re Roger Stewart CGCS, left, retiring superin- offense taken. going to do in retirement, tendent at TPC Twin Cities and heir apparent, I guess Mark Michalski etc.”. For after you those of you who saw my have been in this profession for presentation at the Mega over 40 years and really haven’t Seminar this year, I apologize worked at any other job except if I cover any of that stuff on a golf course, you probably again. have something to say that might If nobody has ever asked interest people in our business. you to do something like I really should add that I have this, let me assure you worked at some other jobs as well, that it is a bit daunting like while in high school I worked PagePage 64 64

at a florist driving a delivery

When I look back on my truck, working at a motel helping career in the golf business, I think about words that would the housekeepers, and even at describe how I feel about what a Shell gas station at night, all I have done, how I got where I while working at a golf course after school and weekends during am and how do I feel about all of that. Given the sometimes the golf season. I also did a stint insecurity of our jobs, I feel like working second shift in an Alpo a survivor. dog food plant But I also while I went believe I am a to college. Oh lucky survivor yeah, for a while because I taught Turf my career Management opportunities and a Soils and had a lot to do Nutrition class with just being at a Community in the right College and place at the sold landscaping right time. design and plant

I’m a material door determined to door in the agronomist western suburbs of Chicago for Stewart encourages participation at both but not McKay Nursery state and national levels of governance necessarily the best out of Waterloo, agronomist. I know several WI. Both of those jobs I did at other superintendents who night during my second job as a are much better agronomists Golf Course Superintendent to than myself. I am a good make ends meet with a growing family to provide for. Now those and able manager and I prefer to plan and execute all seem like they happened in rather than to work off another life.

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the cuff. I have some great friends in the business who are very good at what they do and when you network with those capable and able types of people you become better at what they are good at. More than once those great friends gave an assist when I needed it. I am a believer in giving back to your profession and that really drove me to become involved in local associations and GCSAA.

That involvement led to many different opportunities for me not only in the job market but it also led to many more opportunities to meet people and contribute to a network that proved invaluable throughout my career and hopefully into the future as well.

As my career progressed, more and more I was in a position to help and mentor people coming into the business and that has been one of the most gratifying experiences for me. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with so many capable people who have gone on to PagePage 66

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great careers in our profession. I have been so fortunate to have worked for the PGA Tour and the TPC Network, hosting 17 PGA TOUR Champions events and being a part of that terrific company. I have benefitted from the experience and expertise of my fellow TPC Network superintendents, who collectively are some of the most talented people I have met in my career.

When you realize that many of them host a televised tournament every year and two of those events draw nearly as big a crowd of spectators as the Ryder Cup, you realize just how good they are at their job. So I guess overall, I feel like a lucky survivor, and a fortunate one as well.

Where is the golf business and our profession headed in the future? When I look back over the years, it’s pretty obvious that I was lucky to have started my career when I did. In the late 60s and early 70s, there were not very many college graduates with turf degrees going into our profession.

The golf business was just starting to grow into what would be a

to retire over the next few juggernaut in the late 70s into the years creating movement 80s and 90s. I see many parallels in superintendent positions to the opportunities in the golf and therefore opportunities for business now.

The recession that started assistant superintendent as well. in 2008 decimated the job market Ironic how those opportunities for assistant superintendents. With exist now just as they did in the few assistant positions available, late 60s and into the 70s especially career paths became more like dead when you consider the tumultuous ends and that period of drove many growth and young people decline in between. out of our profession.

Yet another Turf schools reason saw dramatic for me to reflect on drops in enrollment how lucky I have been when the job opportunities in my Roger, in good company with, from left to right, Joe dried up. All Rolstad, Ken Hoffman, Mark Michalski and EM career. of this has led What Matt Thorp. to the current I worry shortage of candidates for assistant about the most is where golf is positions in our profession. going as a sport in the future.

Therefore, if you are getting into The popularity of the sport this business right now, as a recent seems to ebb and flow from turf graduate, I think the future is one year to the next. The very bright. difficulty of learning the

There are far more job game to be proficient, the openings for assistants now than in time it takes to play a the last 10-15 years. In addition, round of golf, the cost of baby boomers like myself, continue playing a round of golf, Page 67 Page 67

kids have many other sports to choose from that are easier to learn and take less time, are all challenges to the future of the game. I also wonder why those were not challenges to the growth of the game in the 80s and 90s?

Golf exploded in spite of those things.

The attraction to the game for me was the history, the traditions, the respect, the outdoors and the camaraderie you could enjoy every time you played a round of golf. I worry that the simple traditions of replacing divots and repairing ball marks are not being passed on to those entering the sport. I worry that the loss of respect for the game is eroding the history of the game.

All this in the name of growing the game. If you have ever played golf with me, you know I have a problem breaking 100 on the scorecard so it’s not necessarily about the difficulty of the PagePage 68 68

game for me or the competition. I just enjoy the game for the same reasons I was attracted to it as a teenager. I admire those with a high level of proficiency and will always strive to improve my game and look forward to a better score every time I step on the first tee. I worry that in today’s world of instant gratification, constant connectivity, lack of concern for golf etiquette and what sometimes seems like a pervasive “all about me” atmosphere, the game is somehow being marginalized.

It seems like we have already lost a generation of players who would hold high those sacred characteristics of the game and I can see that in many cases we are in the midst of a “mentor gap” to teach the true values of the game to new players and junior golfers. Simple things like golf car etiquette, common sense when using a golf car, respect for other players (is blaring music on a cart really that necessary?) and

“My career as a Golf Course Superintendent has been rewarding in every way.”

patience for other players and our country who have directed so employees. There are bright spots many resources to elevating the like The First Tee programs that I prominence of our profession in the golf business. hope can reverse the trend.

Our profession has

It is incumbent upon those never been stronger. In 1967, of us who have witnessed these nobody could have even begun incredible changes, to mentor to think about the advancements those who enter this profession we have seen in the last fifty regarding what it took to get to years maintaining golf courses the place we enjoy today and how and improving important it playing is for them conditions. The continue to accomplishments grow their in environmental profession in stewardship the future. have been Yes, I nothing short of am retiring incredible. The from the advancement in TPC technology across Network, the board gives but I plan Congratulations Roger us tools I never on staying thought possible and it just keeps active, in touch and involved getting better. The Golf Course in the golf business in some Superintendent position has been fashion going forward. My elevated to prominence equal to career as a Golf Course other management positions at Superintendent has been courses across the globe. rewarding in every way and I would not have changed a

We owe much of that progress to GCSAA and the efforts thing. I want the same for of our local Affiliated Chapters all of you as well. (including MGCSA) across the

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