Jud W. Smith
CAGCS

elected

President

Jud W. Smith, Orange Hills CC,
was elected president for the year

2002.
Other officers reelected at the
November 7th annual meeting at
Rock Ridge CC were:
Vice President - Dennis Houle
Redding CC
Secretary - Wayne Urban
Farmingbury Country Club
Treasurer - John Motycka
Skungamaug River GC

Elected to serve
two-year terms as
directors were
Heather Garvin,
Canton Public Golf
Course, and John
F. Streeter, CGCS,
Woodbridge, CC.
Keith Angilly,
(L-R) John Streeter, CGCS, Chris Mauro, Heather Garvin,
Mill River CC, was
John Callahan &. Keith Angilly
appointed to fill the remaining one
immediate past president
year director term for John Motycka.
The commercial membership unani­
Remaining on the board to complete
mously agreed that John E.
their terms
Callahan,The Cardinals Co., serve as
are Kimberly
commercial representative to the
Heyl, Fen­
board.
wick GC,
After all officers and directors pre­
Chris Mauro,
sented their annual reports, it was
Highfield
announced that there would be a $10
CC, and
dues increase for 2002.
Peter Pier­
Dan Rackliffe, CGCS, this past
son, Pequayear’s membership chairperson, award­
buck GC.
ed lifetime membership plaques and
Brian
pins to Ron Holcomb, Chas. C. Hart
Skelly will
Seed Co. and Henry Suchinski, super­
remain on
intendent at Simsbury Farms Golf
the board as
Course. Also eligible to receive life-

(L-R) Wayne Urban, John Motycka, Jud Smith, Dennis Houle
(continued on insert)

Connecticut Clippings

Page 2

Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

President's message
Brian Skelly, President

Brian Skelly
2000 & 2001 CAGCS President
I find it hard to believe that another
year has passed. While not the most
difficult for managing grass, it still
presented problems especially in
August and September. However, the
season is over and so is my tenure as
President of CAGCS.
I leave with CAGCS in great shape
both financially and physically. Our
membership numbers are strong with
new members coming in all the time.
I would like to thank the members of
CAGCS for giving me the oppor­
tunity to serve this great association.
Little did I realize back in 1992
when Steve Rackliffe appointed me to
the board where my journey would
end. It has been an honor and a
CAGCS Beard ol Diracton
President - Brian Skelly
Vice President - Jud W. Smith
Secretary - Dennis J. Houle
Treasurer - Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS
Past President - Anthony Grosso

Cflmmlttef Chaitrargan»
Education - Kim Heyl
Golf - John Motycka
Membership - Dan Rackliffe, CGCS
Scholarship & Research • Christian P. Mauro
Social & Welfare - Wayne C. Urban
Government Relations - Peter R. Pierson
Com. Rep. to Board * Skip Deubel

privilege to represent CAGCS as
President.
CAGCS is still active both region­
ally and nationally with members on
the board of GCSAA, the Tri-State
Turf Research Foundation, the New
England Regional Turfgrass Confer­
ence, and the Environmental Industry
Council. None of this could be accom­
plished without the dedication and hard
work of our members, who offer their
time to serve these various entities.
Anyone who is interested in serving
on a committee should contact some­
one on the board. You will not be
sorry.
I would like to thank our executive
secretary, Pauline Streeter, and our
administrative assistant, Mary Jo
Kennedy, for all their hard work and
help. Their professionalism and dedica­
tion are the true reason CAGCS runs
as well as it does. Words can’t say
thank you enough for all the help you
have given me through the years, but
thank you anyway.
As President, I have served with a
dedicated and hardworking group of
people who donated their time with
Connecticut Clippings is an
official publication of the Connecticut
Association of Golf
Course Superintendents
Newsletter Editor

Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.)
Newsletter Committee

David Basconi, John Garcia,
Heather Garvin, Edward Goodhouse,
Mike Mooney, Ron Holcomb
and Jud W. Smith
The Clippings is open to all commentary.
Send your comments to Bob Chalifour,
Newsletter Editor, 39 First S treet,
Groton, CT, 06340.

CAGCS Office, P. O. Box 3678, 27 Lucy Street, Woodbridge, CT 06525
Tel: 203/387-0810 ~ Toll Free: 888/561-7778 - Fax: 203/387-7866
E-Mail: cagcs@noreaster.net

one goal in mind — to work towards
the constant betterment of CAGCS
and the professional advancement of
its members. It has been a pleasure to
work with this group of people, who I
look upon as friends and fellow super­
intendents. I would like to thank
CAGCS’ Board of Directors for all
their help and guidance and advice.
Anthony Grosso - Past President
You’re finally done!
Jud Smith - Vice President
I know CAGCS is in good hands
Dennis Houle - Secretary
Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS - Treasurer
Peter Pierson - Government Relations,
EIC, Tri-State. Voting Delegate,
Liaison with DEP on water diversion
John Motycka - Golf
Wayne Urban - Social & Welfare
Kim Heyl - Education
Dan Rackliffe - Membership
Bob Chalifour - Newsletter Editor
Chris Mauro
Scholarship & Research
Skip Deubel
Commercial Representative
Finally, in the last issue of the
Clippings, I stated that next year’s
annual meeting is at Rock Ridge.
C o rre c tio n - next year’s annual
meeting will be at Birchwood Country
Club, Ed Consolati, superintendent.
Remember, we are still looking for
sites - just say you are interested and
someone will contact you.

Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

Connecticut Clippings

Page 3

New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation
A report to New England area superintendents
by Mark A. Richard, CGCS, President

It is hard to believe that it has been
headaches and problems that were
over five years now since the forma­
beginning to overwhelm the hard
tion of the New England Regional
working volunteer board. We felt it
Turfgrass Foundation and its confer­
important that the NERTF be seen and
ence and show.
heard in person and so directed the
The culmination of many hours of
Executive Director attend at least two
hard, tedious negotiations, and givemonthly meetings of ALL New Eng­
and-take by all groups involved has
land area superintendents’ groups
propelled our show into one of the top
during the year.
regional turfgrass conferences in the
The preparation of all bills for the
country.
signature by the treasurer, preparation
We are nearly half way to our goal
for all committee and board meetings,
of a $1 million trust to ensure con­
administration work that comes from
tinued funding down the road, as well
setting up calls for proposals to
as having given out nearly $300,000
researchers and getting the funding to
to date to our area turfgrass schools for
the universities and in the proper
present and ongoing turfgrass research.
hands. The day-to-day problems of
Along with these outstanding
running a business, if you will.
accomplishments, the Foundation
These duties have been expanded to
group retains the services
include the
of our Show Director,
formation of
Marketing and Events, and
a 501(c)(3)
2002 NERTF
in 2000 hired a full-time
tax exempt
administrator, Mr. Gary
tru s t
for
Conference & Show
Sykes, as E xecutive
business and
Providence, Rl
Director.
individual
In Gary, the Foundation
donations to
March 5, 6 & 7
Board has the perfect man
the Founda­
(March 4th - Seminars)
for the job. Gary is quite
tion that can
familiar with all the work­
be tax de­
ings of the various univer­
ductible.
sities, is a very accomplished golfer
Also, a newsletter is in the works to
report on the ongoing funded research.
and former golf course superintendent
Besides being well spoken and well
Clearly, if the position of Executive
Director was a little murky to some a
liked throughout the golfing commu­
year ago, it is easy to see how much
nity, he is a man of integrity, a family
more defined and involved it is
man who speaks ill of no one.
getting. This is pretty much what we
What better person to represent the
had envisioned the position to be early
New England Regional Turfgrass
on, a work in progress with everFoundation, and in a broader sense, the
clearer responsibilities evolving.
New England area superintendents.
More importantly, the Executive
The position of Executive Director
Director is no more than a phone call
was created to handle the day-to-day

VJe offer Deøign/Build services or
ju st design, what ever serves our
clients best.
• Golf course design.
• Golf course assessment
•
•
•
•

and enhancement programs.
Grading& drainage.
Ponds & w ater features.
Planting design.
Deck and patiodesign.
MEMBER SINCE 1997

CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS

2 0 0 Depot s t. • Chicopee. MA • 01013
Phone 413.592.1000 Fx413.592.9590
E-Mail: Poblanddes#aol.com

away to help any superintendent with
any questions he/she may have regard­
ing perceived problems or possible
oversights in our operations.
As successful as we have been, I am
sure we will still be prone to a mis­
take or two. If that is the case, we
now have a professional avenue to
direct your concerns as well as handle
any suggestions that may improve our
efficiency. No superintendent should
claim he/she is in the dark concerning
NERTF policies or procedures. After
all, this is a foundation formed by
superintendents for the good of the
industry. It is YOUR Foundation.
Help us reach our maximum potential.
In closing, much work has been
accomplished over the last five years
to bring us to this point in our
history.
I am hopeful that the next five years
can be as successful and satisfying for
the Foundation. With your continued
help and support, the sky is the limit.

Connecticut Clippings

Page 4

Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

CAGCS members
continue to support
Scholarship & Research
The annual Scholarship & Research
Tournament returned to the Torrington
Country Club for the third time. Pic­
tured in the center here with his crew,
Ed Goodhouse, our host superinten­
dent, proudly displays the first flag
used by the U.S. Navy.
Orin Smith designed Torrington CC
in 1929 and the layout has not been
changed from the original plans. The
par 4 ,4th hole, is considered the sig­
nature hole. Ed especially likes the par
3 ,6th hole, because it has a Redan
green. Overall, the greens are vary
fast
Ed has been at Torrington CC for 24
years. He is a native of Goshen, gradu­
ated from Wamogo HS, and received
his bachelor’s degree from the College
of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.
Ed and his wife, Kathryn, have
enjoyed 25 years of marriage and have
two children. Kathryn is an x-ray tech­
nician at Sharon Hospital. Daughter,

Karla, is a freshman at
the U. S. Air Force Acad­
emy, Colorado Springs,
CO, and son, Caleb, is a
sophomore at Wamogo
HS. Ed and his family
have traveled to Belgium,
France, Mexico and the Caribbean.
CAGCS says thanks to Ed and his
crew for a very successful tournament.
It was great!
Many thanks to each superintendent
and golf professional who donated
items that were used in our raffle.
Of course, this tournament would
not be possible without our commer­
cial tee sponsorship.
All of our commercial members
readily come to the front to sponsor
this event. Room does not allow us to
mention them individually but our
sincere gratitude is expressed to each.
CAGCS is proud to assist its mem­
bers, members' children and employees

S & R Tournament Results
Gross
1st - 58 - Chris Demers, John Flemming, Ken Modzelesky, Shawn Hemming
2nd - 59 - Bill Murray, Chris Mauro, Dan Ford, Walt Wozniak
3rd - 60 - Cindy Johnson, Fred Diefenbach, Howie Friday, Sheri Lubin
Net
1st - 52.60 - Chris Mikita, Eric Morrison, Kenny Ainsworth, Kevin Collins
2nd - 55.30 - Andry Drohen, Jim Wierzbicki, John Wynne, N. Goldberg
3rd - 56.80 (m/c) - Allen Woodward, Matt Howland, Matt Quinn, Phil Stone
4th - 56.80 (m/c) - Greg Stent, Ivan Bidstrup, John Maloney, Steve Pons
Skill Prizes
Closest to Pin #3 - Kevin Balocca 3’ 2”; #6 - Eric Morrison I ’l l ”; #11 - Steve
Sirica 6’6”; #17 - Ron Smith 3’5”; Closest to Line - #18 - Willard Jacobs
Longest Drive #1 - Dan Ford; #15 - John Kul

with scholarships.
This year’s Dr. C. Richard Skogley
scholarship was awarded was to Kyle
Bruce Morse. This award is given
annually to the applicant whose
achievements show a commitment to
community, career and academic objec­
tives. Kyle is the son of Bruce Morse,
supt. at Norwich Golf Course.
This past year, a CAGCS life mem­
ber, John Lynch, passed away, and his
wife donated $1,500 to the S & R
Fund. CAGCS is going to give a €
scholarship in his name in the amount
of $500 for three consecutive years.
The first recipient of the John Lynch
scholarship is Kelly Ann Fuller,
daughter of Mark Fuller, CGCS, supt.
at the Connecticut Golf Club.
Other recipients of a CAGCS schol­
arship are:
Brian Basconi
Erica Cooper
Michael S. Chrzanowski
Amy Lauren Chrzanowski
Jason M. Dowgiewicz
Michelle Gauvain
Jana Reed Loper
Timothy Mayes
Colleen Moore
Jason S t Louis
Alan Vibber
Robert Wagner

Page 5

Connecticut Clippings

Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

DEP charts course for compliance
with Water Diversion Policy Act
By Robert F. Good, Jr., Associate
Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc.

The much-anticipated DEP confer­
ence on “Water Resource Management
in a Golf Course Environment” was
held at the Country Club of Farmington on October 18th. About 200 stak­
eholders in Connecticut’s golf course
industry attended the conference,
including superintendents, regulators,
developers, industry affiliates and
consultants.
The main topic of discussion was
the DEP’s plan to bring Connecticut
golf courses into compliance with the
Water Diversion Policy Act. The con­
ference also included educational
presentations on golf course hydrology
and irrigation efficiency and panel dis­
cussions about the Final Draft Report
on Potential Best Management Prac­
tices (BMPs) for golf course water.
The opening address made by Jane
Stahl, Deputy Commissioner of the
DEP, focused on a partnership
between the DEP and the golf course
industry to, “do the right thing.” Ms.
Stahl stated that the DEP’s compli­
ance initiative for water diversion was
consistent with the DEP’s proposed
strategic priorities for the next decade,
which include a renewed effort towards
watershed management, conservation

The golf course industry must
recognize that competition for water
resources is an important aspect of
water allocation, and that competitors
could be interveners in the application
process.
Ms. Rezecha stated that the DEP
records indicate 46 golf courses regis­
tered their water diversions before the
deadline in 1983, and an estimated 61
courses are in need of Filing for diver­
sion permits. She confirmed that the
diversions grandfathered by the origi­
nal registrations are exempt from the
diversion permit process, even if their
withdrawals are causing environmental
impacts.
This exclusion status can be avoided
in cases where significant changes
have been made to the water systems
since 1982.
She mentioned that the DEP might
be interested in reallocating registered
diversions in cases where the actual
water consumption is significantly
less than the registered amount or
where withdrawals have been termina­
ted.
Relative to the allocation issue, the

and development, conservation and
development management and environ­
mental stewardship. She recognized
the role of the CAGCS in the process,
and the golf industry as a whole,
whom has been proactive and
cooperative.
Denese Rezecha, Assistant Director
of the DEP Inland Water Resources
Division, then spoke about conserving
and allocating water resources from a
natural resource and regulatory per­
spective. Ms. Rezecha pointed out that
the relative abundance of our water
supply in Connecticut must be bal­
anced against the competing demands
for this resource from streams, power
supplies, industrial processes, domes­
tic uses, agricultural and recreation.
The Water Diversion Policy Act was
adopted in 1982 to strike such a bal­
ance — permitting ground-water
withdrawals, surface-water withdrawals
and inter-basin transfers of water, in
amounts of more than 50,000 gallons
per day (gpd) when such diversion is
found to be necessary — is compatible
with long-range water resource plan­
ning, and will not have a significant
adverse impact to the environment or
existing water users.

. l f

(continued on pag e 8)

v

O w e n R eg an

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Tel
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Page 6

Connecticut Clippings

Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

many years as the voice of Franklin
High School hockey on cable televi­
sion.
He was a member of the Rhode
Island and New England GCS A
chapters, a member of GCSAA, and
well known to many Connecticut
superintendents, many of whom
trained under him.
* * * * *
Welcome new members

Dan Coffey, Class C
Golf Club o f Avon
Matt Flanagan, Class Commercial
Bartlett Tree Experts
Robert Goglia, Class Commercial
Syngenta
Willard R. Jacobs, Class C
Willimantic Country Club

Gary Reynolds, golf professional
at the Hartford Golf Club on being the
first member of the Section to receive
the PGA National Bill Strausbaugh
Club Relations Award.
Reynolds becomes the third section
professional honored to receive a
national PGA award. Walter Lowell
was named PGA golf professional of
the year in 1978 and Ron Beck was
named PGA merchandiser of the year
in 1994.

Kim Heyl, Education Chairperson,
and her committee are planning
another informative seminar for this
coming January. This well-attended
seminar, with dynamic speakers, is
always a highlight of the year.
Featured speakers include Dr.
William Torello, UMASS; David
Oatis, USGA, Dr. Jim Murphy,
Rutgers; Dr. Carl Guillard, UCONN;
Stephen Kay, golf course architect;
representatives from the CT DEP and
EIC.

* * * * *

Dennis Petruzzelli, CGCS
Class Commercial
Metro Milorganite, Inc.

— Condolences —

Kevin M. St. Denis, Class C
Manchester Country Club
* * * * *
— Congratulations —

Michael and Kathy Chrzanowski on the birth of twins, a boy
Max, and a girl Teagan.
Gary and Diana Sykes on the
birth of a baby girl, Heather Marie.

USGA Recommended Sands
Topdressing - Divot Mix

Annual W inter Sem inar
January 15th

Family of L. Gary “Bear”
Luccini who recently died in the
Baro Neurological Institute at St. Jo­
seph Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.
Gary Luccini, known to his friends
as “Bear”, was employed at the Frank­
lin CC for more than 32 years, most
recently as the golf course superinten­
dent.
A high school athlete, he was a var­
sity letterman in football, basketball
and golf. He also attended the Univ. of
Massachusetts, Amherst. Active as an
adult in local sports, he served for

Root-Zone Mixes
Bunker Sand & Pea Stone

* * * * *
2002

Statem ents

The 2002 dues statements are in the
mail along with the member informa­
tion sheets. This is the information
used to prepare the membership direc­
tory, so make all corrections and
changes and return it to the CAGCS
office.

G

o n n e c tic u t

M

U f o C U to n c S a n A

Dues

u lc h

Tiffi Road ~ Slatersville, R I02876
Covering ground since 1978

A llG ro Compost
A llG ro Mixes

(401)766-5010
Fax (401) 762-4976

Business Address
1300 East St.
Suffield, CT. 06078

Mailing Address
1515 North Stone St.
W. Suffield, CT 06093

Telephone
(860) 623-2987
Fax 292-1047

(Continued from page 1)

time status are Thomas R. Gresh,
Blackledge CC, and Fred Zeytoonjian,
Turf Products Co. Lifetime member­
ship is granted to those who have
been CAGCS members for 30 years.
Twenty-five year pin was awarded to
Peter Burnham, CGCS, Heritage
Village CC.
Fifteen-year pins were awarded to
Dennis Houle, Redding, CC, Dan
Rackliffe, CGCS, Longshore Club,
and John Streeter, CGCS, Woodbridge
CC.
Ten-year pins were awarded to Jon
Case, Airways GC; Kevin DeVaux,
Stanley GC, Terry Mish, Winfield
Nurseries, and Jud Smith, Orange
Hills CC.
Those members who are entitled to
receive pins and were not able to
attend the meeting will receive theirs
in the mail.
Following the meeting and a great
lunch, 54 golfers ventured out for a
9-hole scramble
— Golf Results —
1st Place
D. Houle, D. Rackliffe,
R. Good & A. Drohen
2nd Place
J. Callahan, J. Napier,
K. D'Amico, R. Szymanski

2001 CAGCS Annual Meeting
November 7, 2001
Rock Ridge Country Club

Winners of major championships and trophies were:
CAGCS Champions
A Flight (0-12)
B Flight (13-19)
C Flight (20-36)
Senior (>50)
Commercial
President’s Cup
McLaughlin Trophy
Supt./Asst.

Gross
Ward Weischet, CGCS
Dick Cook
Joe Malay
Eric Johnson
Mark Grenert
Mike Dukette
Wayne Urban
Mike McDermott, Supt.
Eric DeStefano, Asst.

Net
Peter Pierson
Paul Sabino
John Napier
Bob Chalifour
Shawn Donovan

Bruce Morse, Supt.
Eric Kundahl, Asst

The 2002 season two-man team competition fielded 27 teams, up from 23 last
year. The winners were Phil Neaton, Black Hall Club, and A1 La Prise, Allens
Seed Store.
The 7th annual New England Superintendents' Championship was hosted by the
Vermont GCSA and held at the CC of Vermont on September 11th. Our team of
Greg Stent/ Mike Dukette, Keith Angilly/John Callahan, Wayne Urban/Mark
Fuller, and A1 La Prise/Owen Regan finished 2nd. (The team was comprised of 6
out of 8 of the original qualifiers.)
The Met Area Championship was held at the Sunningdale CC in Scarsdale, NY,
on October 11th. Our team of Jud Smith, Mark Grenert, Walt Wozniak, Greg
Stent, Jim Calladio, Chris Mauro, John Callahan and Scott Tretera finished 5th.

November/Decemberr, 2001

Page 7

Connecticut Clippings

Golf results
Tower Ridge Country Club - October 16
S u p e rin ten d e n t/A s s is ta n t Cham pionship

Low Gross - 77
Heather Garvin/John Callahan
Low Net - 64
Robert Good/Dennis Petruzzelli

2nd Gross - 73 - Oronoque CC
Ward Weischet/Phil Matts

2nd Net - 65 - Stanley Golf Course
John Napier/Kevin DeVaux

From Sept., 2001 Golfdom — Peter
Cure, CGCS, Orchard Creek GC,
Altamount, NY, recommends Tyvek
coveralls to prevent ticks from clinging
to workers’ clothing and moving to
their skin. Light colored, impenetrable
and tight fitting around wrists and
ankles.

December 8th
CAGCS Annual Christmas Party
Woodbridge Country Club

Better Ball of Two

Low Gross - 70 - Twin Hills CC
Michael McDermott/Eric DeStefano

Low Net - 63 - Norwich Golf Course
Bruce Morse/Eric Kundahl

Upcoming Events

Closest to Line #2 - Kevin Bengtson
Closest to the Pin #3 - Wayne Urban
Long Drive #14 - Heather Garvin
Long Putt - #18 - Phil Matts

Management is now under the City of
Bridgeport and Gerry Brett, golf course
superintendent.
Meanwhile, Phelps Brook, LLC, a
division of National Fairways, is
developing two 18-hole golf courses
in North Stonington, CT.
*

*

*

*

* * * * *

Fairchild Wheeler GC, formerly man­
aged by National Fairways, was forced
out of their contract by the City of
Bridgeport Reports cite poor manage­
ment and failure to make lease pay­
ments.
Fairchild Wheeler (National Fair­
ways) also left many vendors holding
unpaid bills. There also have been
reports of employees not being paid.

TEE

February 3 - 1 0
GCSAA's 73rd
International Golf Course
Conference & Show
Orlando, FL

Congratulations to Rob Good on a
hole in one!

*

“The W heel”
under new management

January 15th
CAGCS Annual Winter Seminar
Hawthorne Inn
Berlin, CT

As you read this, your editor will be
returning from visiting Scotland and
the haunts of “Old Tom Morris”.
With the 75th anniversary of
GCSAA, selected future issues will
highlight the history of golf.
* * * * *
May all CAGCS members enjoy a
happy holiday season.
Good wishes to all for a happy and
prosperous new year!

& G R E E N
S O D

"

February 12
Fifth Annual Job Fair
Stockbridge School
Campus Center at UMASS
(413/545-2222) or
(stocky@fnr.umass.edu)
March TBA
CAGCS Monthly Meeting
March 4 - 7
New England Regional
Turfgrass Conference & Show
Providence, RI
* * * * *
Cornell Turfgrass Management
’’the original one-week course”
Cornell Campus, Ithaca, NY
January 7 - 1 1
Westchester County, NY
February 1 8- 22
Questions can be directed by calling
607/255-1792 or electronic mail at
jgl7@comell.edu

'----------------------------1

sTU Jvr/s

— IN C O R P O R A T E D —
P. O. Box 418
Exeter, Rhode Island 02822
D a v id W a lla c e
Telephone: 401/789-8177

Fax: 401/789-3895

'a w
RECYCLER.

B ill Ennis
(860) 658-2100

C T A rb o rist L icen se # 6 2 3 7 2 F u lly In su red

November/December, 2001

Connecticut Clippings

Page 8

DEP’s plan to bring
Connecticut golf courses into compliance
with the Water Diversion Policy Act

PA
RTA C
GOLF COURSE

(continued from page 5)

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DEP has determined that adequate golf
course irrigation can be accomplished
with a maximum withdrawal of
250,000 gpd, which is consistent with
the existing General Diversion Permit
withdrawal limit.
For the estimated 61 golf courses that
may need diversion permits, Ms.
Rezecha had the following advice:
V Diversion permit applications are
reviewed and issued on a first-come,
first-serve basis, so apply early;
V Come in for a preapplication
meeting with the DEP to discuss your
course’s water use and determine the
best permit strategy;
V Hire a competent consultant,
with expertise in hydrogeologic evalu­
ations and diversion permit policy; and

V Educate the local community
wherever possible about golf course
water use and water quality issues to
minimize the number of interveners to
your application.
The morning session ended with a
presentation by Bob Smith, Chief of
the DEP Bureau of Water Manage­
ment, on the DEP’s Golf Course
Compliance Assistance Initiative.
This initiative was described to include
the DEP’s involvement in the Water
Resource Management conference, its
role in developing the golf course
BMP’s, institution of Public Act 01202 in June, 2001, and the proposal to
develop a new General Diversion Per­
mit, specifically designed for the golf

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Page 9

Connecticut Clippings

Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

course industry.
Mr. Smith echoed a consistent
theme, that the DEP is willing to take
an active and cooperative role in the
compliance process, not by enforce­
ment, but by open communication and
development of a reasonable and effec­
tive compliance strategy.
With PA 01-202, the DEP hopes to
provide an incentive for voluntary
compliance with the Diversion Act by
instituting new and realistic reporting
and application deadlines, without the
threat of enforcement actions.
Courses that maintain a water diver­
sion must now provide operating data
for each water source to the DEP by
July 1, 2002, and all diversion permit
applications must be filed by July 1,
2003. This amnesty period may not
apply to courses that have made sig­
nificant changes to their water systems
since 1982.

The new General Diversion Permit is
still a work in progress and may be
over a year in the making. Superinten­
dents are hopeful that the new permit
will afford limited peak water usage in
excess of 250,000 gpd and consider
average water usage over periods
longer than 24 hours.
A representative from the Massachu­
setts DEP reported that the MA diver­
sion permit does consider averaging,
applying only to withdrawals in
excess of 100,000 gpd, averaged over a
three-month period. There is plenty of
time for the CAGCS to become
involved in the drafting of the new
general permit and lobby for a diver­
sion limitation that is more applicable
to golf course irrigation.
Mr. Smith closed by reviewing a todo list for golf courses, in light of the
assistance initiative policy. He sug­
gested that golf courses:
—>

"To-Do” list for
golf courses

V Install flow meters at all water
withdrawal points to provide good
operational water use data;

V Review and institute the BMPs
for Golf Course Water, dated
October 4, 2001;

V Learn the diversion policy and do
not rely strictly on the interpretation
of others for your particular situation;
V Request a permit determination
from the DEP, either in writing or
with a preapplication meeting; and
V Comply with PA 01-202 to
avoid enforcement actions in the
future.

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Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

Connecticut Clippings

Page 10

Season 2001: An Agronomic Oddity
The following is an excerpt from the USGA, Links Online
Northeast News Update o f September 14,2001
by David Oatis, Director, and
Jim Skorulski, Jim Baird and Kathy Antaya, Agronomists
Source: David Oatis. Used with permission .
The 2001 growing season for many
golf courses in the New England
region was indeed odd. The problems
experienced across the area have varied
from mild to extreme, locally unique
to regionally common. The bottom
line is that 2001 has proven to be a
difficult year for turf managers. Turf
loss has been more the rules than the
exception for many of the golf courses
in Rhode Island as well as throughout
the New England region.
The purpose of this communication

is to simply provide an opportunity to
help understand what occurred this past
season at the agronomic level. One of
the most useful resources of informa­
tion with regard to golf course turf, as
well as an unbiased view of the entire
region, is the USGA Staff Agrono­
mists. Through the Turf Advisory
Service, each USGA agronomist visits
close to 100 golf courses each year.
They are in the unique position to
have a very informed perspective as to
what is happening with golf course
turf throughout
their region.
Turf problems
abound. Requests
for turf visits are
continuing to come
into our office
from courses that
have experienced
turf problems this
year. Make no mis­
take about it, 2001
has been a year of

peculiar weather extremes and turfgrass
at many courses throughout the region
has suffered as a result.
We started the year out with extreme
winter injury, caused both by snow
mold fungi and crown hydration inju­
ry. The cold spring hampered recovery
efforts. The early spring drought put
further stress on the turf and was
especially troublesome for courses that
had irrigation difficulties. However,
for many courses, the real problems
did not start until July and August.
We heard a variety of diagnosis this
year, but anthracnose (Colletotrichum
graminicola) seems to have stolen the
headlines this season. Nonetheless, we
saw all of our other old friends this
summer too: summer patch, take-all
patch, dollarspot, nematodes, brown
patch, pythiuum, cuvularia, etc. were
all prevalent. I believe many of our
problems resulted from the late spring
and extended drought which delayed,
and then prolonged, the annual blue-

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Page 11

Connecticut Clippings

Novem ber/Decem ber, 2001

The Rhode Island GCSA sent this article to their membership,
and we would like to thank them fo r the shared information.

grass seeding cycle by a couple of
weeks.
Just as the Poa seeding cycle
finished up, we experienced several
days of blistering high temperatures.
The combination of root die back
(caused by the seeding cycle) and the
high temperatures caused extreme
stress to annual bluegrass. We saw
extremely weak fairway turf during the
week of July 4th. At some courses,
the annual bluegrass was wilting at
10:00 a.m., even though there was
adequate soil moisture!
Periodic bouts of milder tempera­
tures helped the turf at many courses,
but the high temperatures and locally
heavy (torrential in some areas) rain­

fall pushed more turf over the edge
later in July, and things got worse in
August. Early mid-August often is a
good time to aerify our golf turf, but
the high temperatures and heavy rains
caused problems with these activities,
too.
And if all that wasn’t enough, there
was the chemical contamination prob­
lem! Several courses in the northeast
and mid-Atlantic regions recently have
suffered turf thinning and loss appar­
ently due to applications of a product
contaminated with phenoxy herbicides.
Some lots of Bensumec 4LF, made by
PBI Gordon are believed to be causing
the problem.
While some courses escaped the

summer unscathed, most have lost
grass on one area or another. Some
have suffered extensive damage.
Whenever a golf courses loses turf,
there is concern. This brief reflection
on the 2001 season has hoped to
address some of the questions many
courses may have. As the 2001 season
comes to a close, much of the turf lost
is beginning to, or already has, recov­
ered. In most cases, weak and undesira­
ble Poa annua is being replaced with
better grass varieties. With that in
mind, remember that sometimes
Mother Nature can deal a pretty bad
hand, but if the cards are played right
even a losing hand has a chance to
win.
(This regional news update and
others written by the USGA Green
Section staff, can be found on the
USGA web site: www.usga.org!green!
news!new.html)

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SIM PLOT PARTNERS

Articulator Dealer
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Michael D. Comicelli
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Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250
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Glenmore Landscape Service

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Lincoln, RI 02865
Owen Regan
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Glenn S. Moore
98 Hack Green Road
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(914) 764-4348

Golf Course Maintenance Machinery
Championship Turf Services
N. E. Manufacturers Representative
Michael Flowers (800) 562-5860

Allen's Seed, Inc.

G reenacres Company

SODCO, INC.

693 South County Trail
Exeter, RI 02822
A1 La Prise
(401) 884-2097 - (800) 527-3898

Dave Pijnenburg
Irrigation Contractor
75 Codfish Hill Rd.,Bethel, CT 06801
(203) 748-0558

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High Fescue, Blue/Rye/Fescue,B/R blends
Unrolling Services
Matt Faherty (800) 341-6900

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Jam es C arriere & Sons, Inc.

5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036
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Jesse J. Anderson, Jr.
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P.O.Box 484, Old Greenwhich, CT 06870
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Carl Wallace
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W estchester T u rf Supply, Inc.

Floratine Biostimulants, Amino
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Trion Lifts and Accessories
Dave Basconi (203) 250-TURF

65 Glenn Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
Mark Grenert
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25 years serving the fine turf profession
Bob Lippman, Sr. ~ Bob Lippman, Jr.
Office (845) 621-5067
FAX (845) 621-7180

E arth W orks, Inc.

Shaw nm ark Industries, Inc.

W inding Brook T u rf Farm , Inc.

Custom Deep Aerification Service
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Specialty Products & Service
Warwick, RI 02888
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Wethersfield, CT 06109
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