VOLUME XXVII, PART II, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2 0 1 0
NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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Palm Beach Chapter Sweeps 15th Annual FGCSA Golf Championships including Individual, Chapter Team and
Low Net Team titles. Back row - Mark Henderson, Dave Tandy, John Spiwak, Frank McKee, Steve Wright and
Mark Heater. Front row - Deron Zendt, Blair Kirby, Larry Balko, and Steve Bernard (Individual Winner).
Nov. 9th - Suncoast GCSA Fertilizer
BMP Training, Venice Service
Center
Nov. 9th - Florida West Coast GCSA
Monthly Meeting, Lexington Oaks
CC
Nov. 12th - North Florida GCSA
Turf Conference, Marsh Creek GC
Nov. 15th - Everglades GCSA
Monthly Meeting, Old Collier GC
Nov. 18th - Calusa GCSA Monthly

Upcoming Events
Meeting, Colonial CC
Nov. 18th - Seven Rivers GCSA
Bowling at Galaxy Lanes, Ocala
Nov. 18th - Ridge GCSA Monthly
Meeting, Harrell's

Dec. 9th - Seven Rivers GCSA
Holiday Outing and Toys for Tots,
Juliette Falls
Dec. 10 th -12 th - Suncoast GCSA
Holiday Weekend, Gasparilla Inn &
Club

Dec. 3 - Ridge GCSA Christmas
Party, Bartow GC

Dec. 14th - Florida West Coast
GCSA Vendor Day, TPC Tampa
Bay

Dec. 9th - North Florida GCSA
Annual Christmas Golf Tournament,
Hyde Park GC

Dec. 16th - Everglades GCSA
Christmas Tournament, Quail West
Golf & CC

rd

President's Message

President's Message
By Gary Myers, CGCS
Fall is upon on us and as always, a much
welcomed time of year. While, you can say
this just about every year, this was an
unusual weather year. We started out with
record low temperatures last January and
not just record lows; there were so many
cold days. In Central Florida, we had a total
of 15 frost days from 2006 to 2009. We had
14 this year alone and who knows, we may
have more this winter.
We had above normal rain during our dry
season and below normal rain during our
rainy season. Then we had above normal
average highs in September when we were
hoping to cool down just a little. It's
another reminder that our business is
affected so much by, and we are so
dependent on, Mother Nature.
Because we are so affected by and
dependent on Mother Nature, we should do
all we can to help protect the environmental
portion of Mother Nature. Golf course- maintenance and Mother Nature are so
intertwined that we really are partners.
While I agree that we have always been
great stewards of water management I don't

think I can say we have always been great
stewards of the environment. I do believe
that today we are great stewards, maybe
just not back in the early days of my
career.
It wasn't just us as superintendents; it was
us as an industry. When I started out, we
were using Chlordane and Paraquat. We
were using lead based fungicides. We did
not pay enough attention to leaking diesel
tanks or used oil disposition. We are now
focused on those things and doing our part
in protecting the environment.
Our industry has made terrific strides in
changing our environmental awareness.
Certain chemicals have been taken off the
market as they should have been and we
have changed our ways to think about the
environment and how we affect it. Some
of our changes were dictated by certain
chemical cancellations and I would like to
think we have also become better educated
and more aware of how we affect the
environment.
With the challenges we face today by
environmental groups and municipal
governments, it is imperative that we
become the best environmental stewards

s

\

Editor:

Financial Support:

Joel Jackson, CGCS
(407) 248-1971 (fax/phone)
E-mail: FLGrn@aol.com

This issue of the Green Sheet
is being sponsored by:

News Coordinator:
Jennifer Innes
PO Box 65
Jensen Beach, FL 34958
(772) 334-7515
(772) 334-6015
E-mail:fgcsa@comcast.net

The Green Sheet is a bimonthly FGCSA
Newsletter printed as follows: Jan/Feb,
March/April, May/June, July/August,
Sept./October, November/December.

Golf Ventures
5101 Gateway Blvd., Suite 18
Lakeland, FL 33811-2704
800-330-8874
800-481-8911
888-222-7072

Gary Myers, CGCS
we possibly can. There are several avenues
to help and guide us. One of the best ways
is to first read and follow the "Best
Management Practices for the Enhancement
of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf
Courses" (BMP's). Complete the checklist
in the back of the manual and see where
your operation is. Make the effort to
become "Certified" in the BMP's. Gain the
designation of "Certified Cooperative
Sanctuary" by Audubon International.
Pursue Environmental Stewardship
recognition through GCSAA. Become a
Certified Golf Course Superintendent
through GCSAA. These ar e just some of the
more visual and recognized programs.
You may already be doing the things that
are required for the various certifications
without actually following through with the
official programs. By getting the official
certifications, you are getting that proof and
recognition that you are indeed a steward
for the environment. This is not only a
positive reflection for you and your
operation; it is also a positive reflection of
the Golf Course Maintenance Industry.
As we head into the fall of the year, I wish
all of you a safe and Happy Holiday
Season.

All material submitted for printing will
be edited at the discretion of the editor.
Material must be typed or clearly
printed. Photos are encouraged. Items
must be for the good of the association.
Deadline next issue December 15.
7

Executive Director Report
By Joel Jackson, GCCS

Agriculure which adminsters pesticide
laws now has to battle DEP which is in
charge of the Clean Water Act and water
1. Legislative update: The battle for the
quality. Not only are pesticide applicators
hearts and minds of the St. Lucie County
Commission is waging on in earnest. The arguing with EPA over what is "near a
water body" now it's an inte-ragency
allied Ag and Green industries have been
battle over FIFRA regulations versus
contacting individual commissioners
urging the use of the best science and
NPDES permitting regulations. Two sets
common sense in drafting their fertilizer
of laws for the same thing. Not a good
ordinance. The alliance is supporting the
scenario. Keep on top of this subject by
County staffs version which follows very
going to the the Advocacy link on the
closely the Florida Urban Turf Rule (5E)
GCSAA website and make your comments
which is based on BMPs and the best
science. There is a heavy activist influence with the links provided to your legislators.
The U.S. Senate has drafted and sent to
going on as the Chairman of the County
Commission's wife is an ardent Sierra
EPA an amendment to the NPDES which
Club member, and the Sierra Club and
would give FIFRA regulations
Commissioner Jon Thaxton from Sarasota predominance over terrestrial applied
have been also lobbying hard for the
fertilizers.
summer fertilizer bans. For our part we are
trying to create our own golf BMP
2. Association Business: As the deadline
certification program similar to the one
that lawn care must get to apply fertilizers. for membership renewals has come and
gone, work on the 2011 Membership
It is voluntary show of pro-activity and
Directory begins in earnest. Five chapters
willingness to document our
this year opted to have their chapter
professionalism with regard to nutrient
renewals processed by the FGCSA
management, and in truth it would seem
Office. This has simplified that data
that we are probably headed toward a
gathering
process as Jennifer was able to
mandatory certification most likely.

pour the data into the FGCSA database,
making name and contact info
processing much easier. Every two
weeks she would cut checks to the
various chapters for their share of the
dues. For a few chapters, at their
request, she also processed the vendor's
renewals.
FGCSA Website: Cybergolf will be
sending us a preliminary website layout
by mid-October which we will review
and tweak as needed. Soon after we hope
to be able to go active and give members
a new link to news and information
affecting our association and members.
3. Education: Check local chapter
websites (See www.floridagcsa.com Links tab for several fall education
events including Vi to full day programs
in the North Florida and Suncoast
Chapters. Also make your plans to score
lots of PDI and CGCS education points
at the GCSSA - Golf Industry Show in
Orlando, February 7 t h - 12th. Online
registration is now open at
www.gcsaa.org.

The EPA's Numeric Nutrient Criteria is
also hot and heavy in the news lately with
Senator George LeMieux having a letter to
the editor printed in media outlets as well
as Florida Utilities voicing their financial
disaster scenarios if the NNC is put into
effect. These anti-NNC positions were not
surprisingly attacked by Earth Justice and
the Sierra Club and as usual the first
paragraph of their rebuttals start out with
things like, "every time it rains pollution
flows from yards into our water bodies..."
They all use their usual blue-green algae
clogging our waterways scenarios but
somehow never actually cite any real
studies showing how, when and where all
these nutrients are coming from on a
measurable basis. The most recent
comment said, "we need the NNC now and
then we can figure all that out." Isn't that
backwards. Set a result before you know
the source and how best to mitigate it, say
like following BMPs?
The NPDES (spray drift) whch will affect
how, when and where we apply terrestrial
pesticides also rages on as the Dept. of

FTGA Past President Jan Beljan presents Matt Taylor, CGCS with the FTGA's
highest honor, the 2010 Wreath of Grass Award during the Conference and Show
held in Orlando this past September.

INTRODUCING THE FIRST
MEMBERS OF THE
F.G.C.S.A. INDUSTRY PARTNERS
PROGRAM

Platinum
Golf Ventures
Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Co. Inc.
Syngenta
Tampa Bay Turf Management, Inc.

Steve Bernard, from the Adios G.C. won the individual
title at the FGCSA Golf Championships shooting a low
score of 70 at Southern Dunes G.C. in Haines City on
October 2nd.

Gold
Celebration® Bermudagrass
Pasteuria Bioscience, Inc.

Bronze
Ragan Technical Solutions, Inc.

Contact the FGCSA office: 800-732-6053 or fscsafaj.comcast. net for
details on the program

Led by Steve Bernard's low score of 70 the Palm Beach A
Team captured the Chapter Team Title for the third year in
a row. (1-r) Mark Henderson, Mark Heater, Steve Wright,
Steve Bernard and Deron Zendt.

Fall 2010 FGCSA Board
Meeting Minutes
The Fall 2010 Board Meeting of the
FGCSA Board of Directors was called to
order by President Gary Myers
at 8:48 am, October 15, 2010 at Osprey
Ridge Golf Course.
With the exception of Mark Kann, all
officers were present. All Chapters were
represented. The Chapter Representatives
were; Calusa: James Foster, Everglades:
Bill Davidson, Central Florida: Mike Gay,
South Florida: Ricky Reeves, Ridge:
Jim Rowland, Treasure Coast: Carlos
Arayas, Seven Rivers: Jim Schäfer, West
Coast: Kevin Sunderman, North Florida:
Matt Jones , Suncoast: Mark Todd and
Palm Beach: Steve Pearson.
Others attending the meeting were: Jennifer
Innes, Association Manager; Joel Jackson,
FGCSA Executive Director; Ralph Dain,
GCSAA, and Greg Pheneger, FTGA.
Minutes of the FGCSA Summer 2010
Board Meeting were approved.
Government Update - In Mike Goldie's
absence, Joel Jackson reported to the board
that the state legislative session is out until
after the elections. The Secretary of DEP
has resigned and the position will be filled
through a Senate Confirmation. The Board
decided it was in the best interest of the
Association to send out an e-mail blast to
Superintendent members showing unified
support for a no vote on Amendment 4.
GCSAA Update - Ralph Dain updated the
Board on the GCSAA. The Chapter
Delegates meeting will be October 22-24th.
The GCSAA has recommended a dues
increase that will be voted on by its
members. In addition, the GCSAA is
actively working to expand its field staff
program.
Financial Statement - Nancy Miller
presented the current financial statements.

Jennifer will submit to the board a revised
report to show budget projections.
Executive Director Report Government Legislative/Regulatory
Update
1. EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria Most recent action report was emailed to
you on 9/27. EPA has ignored or
minimized the various requests by the
Florida Congressional Delegation to
review and show the peer reviewed
science behind the numeric criteria.
While South Florida will not be subject to
the NNC, North and Central Florida will
come under the criteria on October 15th, if
nothing happens before then. The State of
Florida will be filing a lawsuit against
EPA to prevent the NNC from taking
effect. No specific details on the suit yet.
2. Local Fertilizer Ordinances: The St.
Lucie County Commission is in the
process of drafting it's version of a
fertilizer ordinance. The green industries
are supporting the County Staffs
recommendation for an ordinance based
very closely on the Urban Fertilizer Rule
by the State of Florida. I have kept key
Treasure Coast members apprised of the
latest information and strategies by the
united green industries and Scott Bell did
attend one of the commission meetings to
see if golf was involved directly. It
appears in early drafts that ALL
applicators of fertilizers may have to be
certified in BMP training. Whether or not
golf will be exempted from the rainy
season ban on applications remains to be
seen.
3. Water: Keep alert to working sessions,
meetings, etc. in your WMD region.
There is a move afoot to review
Consumptiive Use Permitting process and
amounts in the overall concern for
availability of water. I cannot stress
enough the need to inform GMs and other
key club officials that they need to be
prepared to lobby the district boards of
directors in the name of small businesses

to make sure golf gets its fair share. In
that vein it was a struggle to get over 100
superintendents to participate in a 7
question Irrigation Technology Survey by
the South Florida Water Management
District. It is an excellent opportunity to
show golf as responsible and efficient
managers of water, and maybe only 2025% of the courses responded. If we
don't speak up how can we have a place
at the table?
4. Allied Associations: Gary attended a
Golf Summit held in conjunction with the
CMAA of Florida Summer meeting in
Orlando in August. While their main
concern was revenue issues, they
acknowledged the environmental issues
facing golf, and all agreed that regular
joint meetings would be beneficial in
addressing the issues facing all aspects of
golf. Hopefully, the We Are Golf
initiative at the national level with
GCSAA, CMAA, PGA, Owners, etc will
help provide tools to help get the word
out and generate action.
Publications - The FGCSA has rolled
out its new Industry Partner Program that
will bundle advertising opportunities and
reception sponsorship s into one package.
Larry Keiffer is working closely with Tim
Lancaster during this transition time
leading up to Larry's retirement. The Fall
issue is planned as a 40 page magazine
and is currently in production. Directory
advertising sales are down this year.
Jennifer will make personal contact with
past advertisers with hope of increasing
the ad list.
Education Committee - Jim Shafer
presented to the Board a list of upcoming
educational opportunities. Please
remember to forward your chapter's
events to Jim.
Golf - The FGCSA Golf Championship
was held at Southern Dunes. The Palm
Beach GCSA came away with a sweep.
The Palm Beach A Team captured the
Team Trophy for low Gross Team score

and the Palm Beach B Team walked
away with the Low Net Team prizes.

proper approval and notification. Please
forward those nominations!

Membership - All chapter
membership numbers are lower than
last year, with the exception of the
Everglades chapter which has
increased its numbers. Please
remember to submit your chapter's
membership lists to Jennifer so the
state can keep up to date and accurate
records.

Research - No new proposals have been
presented to the Research Committee at
this time. The Economic Impact Study
has been completed and final reports on
this study should be available soon.

Awards/SOP-. Award nominations
must be submitted to the FGCSA
prior to the Winter Board meeting for

New Business - Because of increasing
pressures via local regulations on
fertilizer and water use, the FGCSA,
GCSAA, FTGA and USGA have been
holding discussions on how to develop a
certification program based on the Golf
BMPs. The purpose is to give a science

based alternative for lawmakers to apply to
any ordinances. A task group will be
working on a first steps plan to present to
the board for consideration.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30am.
The Winter 2011 Board Meeting will be
held at 8:45 am at Disney's Osprey ridge
on Friday, January 7, 2011 with breakfast
served at 8:00am.

The Treasure Coast GCSA recently presented two $1,000 scholarships to golf management students from the Chapter
region. (1-r): Chris Gant TCGCSA Scholarship Chairman, Jake Conolly (Florida Gateway College formerly LCCC),
David Naumann, Penn State U. and Tim Cann, TGCSA President.

From Jennifer's Desk...
Greetings from the FGCSA "office"! We are nearing the completion of the FGCSA website. Joel and I
have been working hard to make sure the new website offers our members information and services that
will be of value. We will complete our training in the next couple of weeks and then the website will go
"live"! Please be sure to check it out and give it a try. Besides a new look, our members will be able to
log onto their member information and provide any necessary updates. Eventually the website will offer
the ability to renew your dues directly on-line. Members will receive an e-mail with your user name and
password. If we do not currently have your e-mail address, please be sure to forward it to me so I can send
you information - the easiest way to do that is via e-mail; fgcsa@comcast.net.
I want to extend a special thank you to all of you who participated in our first ever on-line survey. We had
a total of 175 people participate. I will begin tabulating the data and will send out an e-mail
announcement when that process is complete. I also want to extend a thank you to those people who
provided feedback on the survey. Your feedback is very important and it will certainly be considered
when we prepare our next survey.
One final reminder, as we excitedly announced in the last Green Sheet this year's reception will be held on
Thursday night February 10, 2011 at Walt Disney World Resort® theme park Epcot®. Participation in
this event is only open to current FGCSA members and sponsors. One more great reason to make sure
your membership status is up to date! If you have not already renewed your membership please be sure to
do so as quickly as possible. If you know someone who hasn't yet renewed, please be sure to remind them
so they don't miss this great event. Information, invitations and wristbands will be mailed out in late
December. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, sponsorship information is available on our
website or please contact the FGCSA office directly; (772)334-7515 or fgcsa@comcast.net.
Thank you!

fautiff&i

The 15th Annual FGCSA Golf Championship was a Palm Beach GCSA Sweep!
Steve Bernard, Adios G.C. shot a 70 to take Low Gross individual and a spot on the 2011 FGCSA Team competing
in the GCSAA Golf Championships at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens next February. The Palm
Beach A Team captured the Team Trophy for Low Gross Team score and to wrap up the hat trick, the Palm Beach
B Team walked away with the Low Net Team prizes.
A special Congratulations to Joe Ondo, Steve Bernard, Mark Henderson and Howard Hulsebosch who have all
qualified to represent the FGCSA in February!.

Jupiter: 888-222-7072
Lakeland: 800-330-8874

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