The Official Publication of the Northwest Turfgrass Association

NTA Officers and Directors
Elected for 1991-92
Tom M. Wolff, superintendent at Sahalee Country Club
in Redmond, Washington, was installed as the 1991-92
president of the Northwest Turfgrass Association during
the recently concluded 45th Northwest Turfgrass Conference and Exhibition. Tom was elected to the board as a
director in 1989. During the 1990-91 association year, he
served as vice president and chaired the NTA Research
and Scholarship Fund committee. Other officers installed
to serve for the year are Rebecca R. Michels, an owner
of Messmer's Landscaping Service, Inc. in Kent, Washington, who will serve as vice president, and William B.
Griffith, superintendent at Veterans Memorial Golf Course
in Walla Walla, Washington, will wear two hats—treasurer
and past president.
Freshman directors elected to serve three year terms
on the board will be Donald A. Clemans, senior technical
representative with O.M. Scott & Sons working out of Sisters, Oregon, and Tim R. Werner, grounds supervisor at
Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.
Carry-over directors for the year include: Alan L.
Nielsen, superintendent at Royal Oaks Country Club in
Vancouver, Washington; David P. Jacobsen, president of
Farwest Turf & Industrial Equipment in Portland, Oregon;
Jon C. Hooper, grounds manager at the University of
Washington in Seattle, Washington; Larry L. Farwell,
superintendent at Wenatchee Golf and Country Club in E.
Wenatchee, Washington.
In addition to the elected members of the board, Roy
L. Goss serves as a non-voting director emeritus and Blair
Patrick serves as the non-voting executive director.

1991 Northwest Turfgrass Conference
Attendance Sets A Record
This year's 45th Annual Northwest Turfgrass Conference and Exhibition held at the Coeur d'Alene Resort
and Conference Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, September 16 - 19, 1991 was rated a booming success by the
largest number of participants at any conference in the
history of NTA conferences. Everything—including the
professional development program, the exhibit and reception, the golf tournament, the turfgrass facilities tour, the
silver mountain tour, the lake cruise, the conference center and all the other activities—received high marks by the
conference participants. Everyone seemed to get a lot out
of the conference.

VoL 35, No. 1 Fall 1991

The professional development program, with over 25
presentations, covered a wide range of timely turf industry
related topics. Presenters from throughout the nation
served to maintain the usual excellent quality of information available at the annual conferences. A Conference
Proceedings will be published this fall incorporating all of
the presentations made at the conference. A copy of the
conference proceedings will be provided to all NTA members as a member service.
This was the second year for the combined table-top
exhibition/kick-off reception and, once again, it was very
well received. Lots to eat, lots of drawing prizes, great
socializing all combined to make this event a great success with well over 350 participants there all evening.
Many thanks go to the exhibitors for their drawing prize
donations.
The 128 golfers, a superbly organized tournament,
beautiful weather and a setting out of this world all contributed to a great golf tournament. The Coeur d'Alene
Golf Course staff and our own Larry Farwell all deserve a
big round of applause. It was great.
Wrapping up the 1991 conference, out-going NTA
President William Griffith, urged everyone to plan on attending next year's 46th Northwest Turfgrass Conference and Exhibition scheduled to be held at the Sunriver
Lodge and Resort in Sunriver Oregon September 21-24,
1992.

Conference Golf Tournament Winners
This year's conference golf tournament consisted of a
128 player field and everyone had a great time. The floating green was a highlight of the event and became quite a
challenge for many. The lake got its share of balls during
the day but no one seemed to mind seriously.
The 1991 NTA Golf Tournament winners were as
follows:
Championship Flight (0-9)
Jeff Thomas
1st Gross
68
2nd Gross
John Alexander
69
1st Net
2nd Net

Bob Erickson
Steve Houghton

1st Flight (10-15)
1st Gross
Wayne Van Matre
2nd Gross
William Fulton

64
67
72
77
Continued on page 2

President's Corner
1991/92 NTA Committees - The Northwest Turfgrass
Association Board of Directors has the responsibility to
guide and direct the association through 1992 and future
years. We as a group, however, do not work independently.
In addition to the valuable comments and suggestions of
the members, there are many active committees involved
in the operation of our association and I would like to take
this opportunity to briefly explain the objectives of just three
of them.
Education Program Committee - This committee,
chaired by Don Clemans (Sr. Technical Representative,
O.M. Scott & Sons), is currently formulating the 46th
Northwest Turfgrass Conference education program to
be offered at Sunriver in September of 1992. This committee is one of the most challenging and yet most rewarding committees that we have. The selection of topics
and speakers has already begun and the program will be
pretty much in place by mid February. Should you have
any thoughts on topics, speakers, scheduling or any other
program content, now is the perfect time to contact Don
or the NTA office to share your thoughts. Don can be
reached at (503) 549-3933.
Northwest Turfgrass Conference Golf Tournament
Committee - Of all the NTA committees, this one usually
generates the most discussion—particularly during and
after the tournament. David Jacobsen (President, Farwest
Equipment Company) and "Chief" Norn Whitworth (Owner,
Norm Whitworth, LTD) will co-chair this committee. Knowing both of these individuals, as most of us do, I am sure
you would agree that the conference tournament at the
Sunriver course is sure to be a memorable experience.
Long Range Planning Committee - Co-chaired by the
very able Larry Farwell (Wenatchee Golf and Country Club)
and Alan Nielsen (Royal Oaks Country Club), this committee will be looking at options for the improvement of
our current newsletter, TURF TOPICS. There are many
exciting options available to us; however, each one must
be considered carefully and a sound plan developed before we attempt any changes.
This committee is also responsible for developing improve methods of funding research and scholarships
sponsored by the association. Our research grants for
each of the last several years has been in the area of
$30,000. When divided up among several projects, I frankly
question if it's enough to get much results. We should be
generating a minimum of $100,000 for research annually.
If that is not enough, this committee has also been
charged with reviewing our bylaws and directing the development of a strategic plan for the association.
Golf Course Mechanics Survey
Steve Closs, (503) 288-3471, has been conducting a
survey of golf course mechanics to determine whether or
not there is enough interest out there to form an association of golf course mechanics. Steve hopes such an association may lead to some type of certification program,
greater recognition and improved wages and benefits for
mechanics in the industry. I support his efforts and urge
everyone to complete and return the survey.

WSU Field Day in Pullman
October 9, 1991 was the WSU Field Day in Pullman.
This well-attended event gave those in attendance the
opportunity to get a first hand look at current on-going
research, to tour a new shop and enjoy refreshments provided by Golf Course Superintendent Steve Poole.
Have a long a peaceful winter.
Tom Wolff, President

Conference Golf Tournament Winners
Continued from page 1

1st Net
2nd Net

Chris Becker
Barry Galde

66
66

2nd Flight (16-23)
1st Gross
Jim Medler
2nd Gross
Bruce Christensen

77
84

1st Net
2nd Net

Alan Nielsen
Craig Sampson

65
67

3rd Flight (24 & Up)
1st Gross
Nadyne Snipes
1st Net
Ann Nielsen

90
60

3rd Flight (Calloway)
1st Gross
RickStyer
1st Net
Melanie Larson

77
72

The 1991 NTA Golf Tournament "closest to the
pin" winners were as follows:
Hole 3 Sponsor - FARWEST EQUIPMENT &
SUPPLY
Championship Flight
Mark Wilhite (7'3")
1st Flight
Wayne Van Matre (4'7')
2nd Flight
Craig Sampson (11'5M)
3rd Flight
Gordon Kiyokawa (20'5")
Holes

Sponsor - THE CHAS. H. LILLY
COMPANY
Championship Flight Ken Degerman (2'5")
1st Flight
Mark Dalton (8 3")
2nd Flight
Curt Chandler (10 8")
3rd Flight
Trudy Vandehey (101")
Hole 6
Championship
1st Flight
2nd Flight
3rd Flight

Sponsor - O. M. SCOTT & SONS
Flight
Dan Kukla (3'2.5")
Norm Whitworth (V6.5")
Craig Sampson (10 3")
Rick Styer (5 8.5")

Hole 12
Championship
1st Flight
2nd Flight
3rd Flight

Sponsor - WOLFKILL - PAR EX
Flight
Don Snipes (11'6")
Randy White (4 4")
Ken Urquhart (9 2")
Gordon Kiyokawa (7'4.5")

Hole 14

Sponsor - WESTERN EQUIPMENT
DISTRIBUTORS
Championship Flight
Jerry Troy (101")
1st Flight
John Orr (3'4")
2nd Flight
Ed Phelps (9')
3rd Flight
Rick Styer (5 9")

1991 Northwest Turfgrass
Conference Supplier Supporters
The NTA again wants to express sincere thanks and
appreciation to the valuable contribution and important
support the turf care industry suppliers demonstrated at
this year's conference. With their support in the form of
exhibit participation, golf tournament prize sponsorship and
exhibition prize drawing donations, we are able to put
more funds into the NTA Research and Scholarship Fund.
Members are urged to remember these suppliers with a
big thanks and in a more pragmatic way when the opportunity arises. Your support is appreciated D-F Marks Company
Evergreen Pacific Supply
Farwest Equipment & Supply
Thermoguard Company-Fibermulch
J.R. Simplot Company-Best Products
Jacklin Seed Company
Machinery Components Company
McGregor Company-Colfax, WA
Mt. Hl-Tech Tanks & Liners
O.M. Scott & Sons-Scotts Proturf
PBI Gordon Corporation
Pickseed West Inc.
REPCO Sales
Ringer Corporation
Select Sand Sod LTD
Spraying Systems Company
Superior Turf Equipment
The Chas. H. Lilly Company
United Pipe & Supply, Inc.
Western Equipment Distributors, Inc.
Western Turf Management Magazine
Wilbur Ellis Company
Wolfkill Feed & Fertilizer-Par Ex

1992 Northwest Turfgrass
Conference and Exhibition
Scheduled for Sunriver
The Board of Directors of the Northwest Turfgrass
Association extends a cordial invitation to the members of
the association, along with their colleagues, employees,
spouses, friends and others interested in the turfgrass
industry in the Pacific Northwest to attend and participate
in the 1992 46th NORTHWEST TURFGRASS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION scheduled for September 2124, 1992 in Sunriver, Oregon at the Sunriver Lodge Resort and conference center.
Research information, education, equipment displays
and demonstrations, the annual turfgrass men's and
women's golf tournaments and a turfgrass facilities tour
will highlight the Conference and Exhibition. Also on the
schedule of events are the annual business meeting of
the NTA members; an excellent program for spouses and
friends; and a number of social activities designed for
everyone.

1992 Annual
Membership Dues
The NTA is a non-profit corporation founded in 1948
to help all people interested in turf grass culture. The
association membership has grown over the years to over
400 people involved in turf facilities development and
maintenance at schools, parks, golf courses, cemeteries,
sports fields, commercial sites, and home lawns. In addition, lawns spray services, landscape architects, landscape
contractors and designers, and equipment and chemical
suppliers all participate as members in the organization.
Through its many activities, the NTA has benefited all of
these people by helping them learn more about their profession. Its annual conference and publications program
provide timely and pertinent information specifically aimed
at turf culture needs in the Pacific Northwest. In recent
years, its focus has broadened to include landscape
maintenance in addition to turf culture.
The NTA is directed by its membership through a
board of directors. Board representation encompasses all
fields and geographic areas throughout the Pacific Northwest. Board members are elected at the general membership meeting of the annual conference, and serve three
year terms. Active participation by members is encouraged so that the organization will reflect their needs and
wants.
The NTA offers an opportunity to participate shoulder
to shoulder with other leading turf professionals in the
Continued on page 4

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Membership Dues
Continued from page 3

Pacific Northwest. Members get:
1. An opportunity to attend the annual conference to
listen to outstanding researchers and practitioners and
then discuss their findings face to face.
2. A copy of the annual conference Proceedings. This
publication typically runs 100 to 150 pages and contains
approximately 25 different topics as presented by top researchers throughout the Pacific Northwest and the United
States. Many of the talks are practically oriented and provide information to take home and apply.
3. An opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences
with other turf colleagues in the Pacific Northwest.
4. A first hand look at new equipment and products as
displayed at the conference by suppliers from throughout
the region and the United States.
5. A quarterly publication, Turfgrass Topics, filled with
timely information on turf care and other items of interest
in our industry. Turfgrass Topics also includes advertising
by the supplier with whom you want to do business on a
regular basis.
6. An annual Directory including a listing of association members along with valuable industry data.
7. A handsome annual Certificate of Membership.
8. An active group of elected and appointed colleagues
looking out for your interests and those of the industry.
9. An opportunity to support and promote industryrelated research.
Annual dues statements for 1992 were mailed earlier
this month. The dues are as follows; $75.00 for Active

Members (any individual, firm, corporation, jurisdiction or
institution engaged in the turfgrass industry or in the development or application of turfgrass industry technology);
$15.00 for Student Members (any person enrolled in a
university, college, community college or vocational school,
turfgrass or related industry program of studies); and,
$25.00 for Subscriber Members (any person employed
and sponsored by an active member).
There has been confusion on occasion in the past
with the fact that the Active Member dues rate ($75.00) is
the same as the annual conference registration rate
($75.00) is the same as the annual conference registration rate ($75.00). Even though the rates are the same,
that is the only similarity. They are both independent
charges and one $75.00 payment does not cover both
items.

Brauen Gets
Morrison Award
Turf scientist Stanton Brauen was presented the 1991
Kenneth J. Morrison Award in Agronomy and Soil Sciences by Washington State University, for outstanding
contributions to Washington Agriculture.
Washington State Farm Bureau President, Darrell
Turner, worked in extension with Brauen. "In my opinion,
there can be no more worthy candidate for the Kenneth
Morrison Award than Dr. Brauen," Turner said. "He is a
very dedicated scientist. Farm operators respect his
knowledge; he has a farm background and they knew he

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didn't come from an ivory tower. He's the kind of knowledgeable person we need at the university," Turner said.
Brauen started with WSU Cooperative Extension at
the Puyallup Research and Extension Center in 1967. He
has evaluated turfgrass varieties that use less water and,
with agronomist Roy Goss, developed a superior bentgrass
for golf courses.
Brauen helped improve and protect water quality
through his work to establish soil-holding stands of vegetation along roadways and with slow-release nitrogen
fertilizers. He has contributed to the production of a wide
array of crops from alfalfa to com to wheat.
The Kenneth J. Morrison Award was established in
1987 in honor of a long-time WSU agronomist.

Research Grant Proposals
For '92 Requested
The Northwest Turfgrass Association (NTA) is now
accepting proposals for research grants for 1992.
Research proposals should be submitted to: NTA, P.O.
Box 1367, Olympia, WA 98507.
Proposals are to be presented in a specific format
available from the NTA office (also see insert announcement in this issue).
Guidelines the NTA will use when considering proposals include: the research must directly benefit the
turfgrass industry and research shall be underway or initiation shall be imminent.
All proposals for 1992 funding should be submitted to
the NTA office no later than January 18, 1992. Questions
relating to the request for proposals should be directed to
the NTA office.

Unwatered California Yards
Contribute to Fire Losses
Reduced outdoor watering and smaller sized lawns
contributed to the overall devastation caused by the fires
in Oakland and Berkeley, California, according to Dr. James
Beard, Professor of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M
University, College Station, a turfgrass researcher with
nearly 30 years experience in the subject.
Beard said, "Because of five to six years of drought,
and in the mistaken belief that lawn watering is wasteful,
many Californians had been convinced by local ordinances
and official statements that they needed to severely restrict
outdoor watering and even eliminate grass from their
landscapes. When the fires began, they were fueled by
dry landscape plants, many of which replaced turfgrass
because they were viewed as water-saving. Turfgrasses
are about 70-80% water, by weight and even a moderately
maintained lawn can serve as a fire barrier. The loss of
lives and property is tragic, but it should now be obvious
that Californians and others need to take a close and
careful look at the benefits turfgrasses can provide. They
aren't the useless, wasteful, water-hogs some people say
they are, they can in fact save lives, with minimal amounts
of supplemental water."
As the area begins the clean-up and rebuilding process
at a time when heavy winter rains can be expected to
cause mudslides, Douglas Fender, executive director of

the American Sod Producers Association, Rolling Meadows, IL, says turfgrass can play an important role in that
process as well. "Turfgrass, especially when established
with mature sod, will reduce the runoff flow rates, control
erosion and lessen the chances of mudslides. Turfgrass
sod roots establish very quickly and stabilize embankments
within a few days. Rain waters moving through grass will
soak into the soil more deeply and could recharge underground aquifers rather than rush down a slope, forcing silt
and sediment to loosen large areas that result in
mudslides."
Concurring with Dr. Beard's assessment, Fender
added, 'loo often, turfgrass is viewed as an aesthetic
feature of the landscape, not as the practical environmental
tool it really is. In addition to serving as a fire barrier and
reducing erosion, grasses also generate oxygen by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they trap
pollution particulates from the air and cool the area through
evapotranspiration. The benefits of grass far outweigh their
water requirements, especially when people learn how to
properly care for their lawns. This would include not over
watering, plus proper mowing and other good cultural
practices."

Pacific Coast Turf
And Landscape Conference
"Growing Crazy III:" that's the theme of the Pacific
Coast Turf and Landscape Conference and Trade Show
Dec. 3-4 at the Washington State Convention and Trade
Center in Seattle, WA. The Western Washington Golf
Course Superintendents Association and Washington State
University Extension are sponsoring this show, the third
annual. If you want more information, contact Scott White,
Convention Services Northwest, 1809 Seventh Ave., Suite
1200, Seattle, WA 98101, or call 1-800/275-9198.

Jacklin Sends Rutgers $131,000
Jacklin Seed Company marketing director Doyle
Jacklin has announced sending $131,000 in royalty payments to Rutgers University.
The royalty fees, based on the sale of turfgrasses
discovered by Dr. Reed Funk were for the 1990 crop
year. According to Jacklin, "The relationship with Dr. Funk
and Rutgers University is now at the quarter-of-a-century
mark for our company and we are very pleased with the
cooperation we've always received."

Oregon Horticulture and
Extension Services Face
Shrinking Budgets
September is back to school month. Elementary and
secondary school students already have started school,
and college and university students will soon follow. But
when they return to the campuses and classrooms what
kind of atmosphere will they find, especially in the wake of
teaching and support position cutbacks because of tight
budgets? And what about the future, when school budgets are expected to be cut even more?
To add insult to injury, students returning to public
universities fall term also face steep tuition increases. That's
because the Oregon Board of Higher Education earlier
this summer unanimously passed a rate hike as a way to
help combat the cost-cutting impact of Measure 5. At this
writing it is too early to tell how much tuition fees will
increase; earlier, officials pegged the amount as one-third.
For example, resident undergraduate tuition at Oregon
State University is expected to total $2,505 for the year,
though that may not be the final figure.
For those who are unfamiliar with it, Ballot Measure 5
was passed during the 1990 general election and was
implemented into law by the 1991 Legislature. It is a limitation on local property tax rates. Because Oregon schools
to a large extent are supported by property taxes, the
portion of local taxes cut that funds schools is to be made
up by increased state support. As a result, state government has been forced to trim or tighten budgets. In particular, higher education faced a big budget axe. Such
institutions as the University of Oregon and Oregon State
University slashed programs, cut services and raised tuition to make up for their budget shortfalls. OSU trimmed
more than $12 million from its budget. Other state system
schools also faced tight cost-cutting measures.
So what does-all this mean for students studying horticulture? The consensus among horticulture instructors
and administrators is that the cost-cutting measures for
this year did not seriously harm horticulture programs; it
could have been far worse. But as future budget pressures intensify, officials worry about the level of programs
they can deliver.
Oregon State University Programs
The horticulture department of Oregon State University, the state's only four-year degree program in horticulture science and turf and landscape maintenance, has
weathered this year's round of budget cuts in good shape.
Horticulture program enrollment is up, and this year the

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College of Agriculture, which includes the horticulture department, has revamped its curriculum; 14 to 16 separate
majors have or will be combined into five majors. Meanwhile, other university programs have not been as lucky;
entire departments have been slated for elimination.
C.J. (Bud) Weiser, horticulture department head, says
the department has been notified it will lose one faculty
position two years hence. John Stewart, who teaches up
to nine courses in basic horticulture and turf education,
apparently will not have his current three-year contract
renewed under the present budgetary constraints.
'The morale on our faculty has been very devastated
because of the value of John Stewart." Weiser says. But
he is hopeful the department can find the money to keep
Stewart. "We have two years to find ways to maintain this
position that is in jeopardy." Students, too, were shocked
and upset about the proposed cut, he adds.
If that is not enough, Weiser wonders about the future.
"We know we have 15 percent more teaching programs than we have the money for," he says. "We're very
much in a downsizing mode. That is very much a reality."
Carl O'Conner, OSU's nursery industry liaison, also
worries about the future. Although the horticulture department may appear to have a larger budget this year than
last, that appearance is deceiving, he says. Because
teaching, research and extension expenses have increased, this level of funding may lead to cuts in general
supplies and services.
Moreover, the horticulture extension program appears
to be taking a bigger budget hit this year.
"We are concerned about the secondary effects of
Measure 5," O'Conner says. "We are looking at something
like a 20 percent cut next biennium." O'Conner says no
vacant extension positions exist now and thus should not
be affected by the budget pressures.
But the future remains uncertain. In the vast extension
network it may come down to vacant positions going
unfilled and further cuts being proposed. And that affects
industry and the public.
Other Programs
Other college horticulture programs warily are eyeing
the budget morass. A number of community colleges offer
classes or complete two-year programs in horticulture,
greenhouse and landscape construction and maintenance.
Word from program officials also appears to be one of
cautious optimism.
Portland Community College's two-year landscape
design, construction and maintenance program appears
solid this year.
"For this year we're in pretty good shape," says Dick
Hollenbeck, head of the program. 'We haven't had a big
cut." To date, the program has experienced some cutbacks
in equipment budgets, but nothing to severely interfere
with the program, he says. On a brighter note, Hollenbeck
expects to add some classes winter term, such as a private
applicators class, and once again the college will offer the
popular English-Spanish bilingual landscape class.
Hollenbeck expects this year's program enrollment to
equal last year's although the number of two-year program
students appears to be down. He attributes this decrease
to a strong job market, where the majority of his students
already are working in the industry.

Another local school, Chemeketa Community College
in Salem, OR, is in a somewhat different situation. The
college discontinued its formal horticulture program a few
years ago, but it offers a number of classes in greenhouse
production, pesticide and landscape training. Its enrollment
has increased "by leaps and bounds."
"We've had to tighten our belts," says D. Craig
Anderson, Chemeketa's agriculture coordinator with the
Department of Extended Learning. But the program operates on a self-support basis. "We do not offer a course if
there is not enough students to support it."
Just how the education cutbacks will influence the
ability of students to obtain a quality education is unknown.
Some skeptics have wondered if many of today's state
universities even will exist in the future given today's gloomy
budget outlook. Will a horticulture department still exist?
Probably. The industry and the state has a lot at stake
here. After all, today's students are tomorrow's industry
professionals and the future of our state.
Source: The Digger (9/91)

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a new marketing research report by the Center for Golf
Course Management (CGCM). CGCM, a subsidiary of the
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
(GCSAA), serves as GCSAA's marketing research division.
The 1991 Golf Course Superintendents Report offers
an extensive look at trends in golf course maintenance.
Available only to practicing golf course superintendents,
the report is a synopsis of the three previously released
1991 CGCM research reports: Pesticide and Fertilizer Usage Report, Golf Car and Turf Utility Vehicle Report, and
Mower and Maintenance Equipment Report.
"The Superintendents Report is an invaluable resource,
especially in simplifying the budgeting process," said John
M. Schilling, GCSAA executive director. "By purchasing
the report, superintendents can have comprehensive, unbiased ifnormation to reference when making difficult purchasing decisions."
The study look at eight areas affecting daily golf course
maintenance operations: labor rates, equipment inventory
levels, market share (chemicals, equipment, vehicles),
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Continued on page 8

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*with endophyte

Norm Whitworth Ltd. PO Box 68314 Oak Grove, OR 97268 503-650-3639

comments in the midst of mental chaos. In a sense, it's life
that teaches us how to live.

Superintendents Report
Continued

from page 7

The Golf Course Superintendents Report is only
available to practicing golf course superintendents who
may purchase it from CGCM for $25.
To order the report, or for more information on CGCM's
1991 marketing research reports, contact Robert Shively,
director of marketing for CGCM and GCSAA, at 913/8412240.

What They Don't Teach
In Even the Best Schools
Our high school and our college meant well, but they
drilled into us huge quantities of information that we
promptly forgot...and neglected to teach us some of the
most fundamental skills for living well. Key things that they
left out:
• The purpose of life.
• The importance of forgiveness.
• The need for balance.
• How to figure out what we want.
• The usefulness of mistakes.
• How to love ourselves.
Fortunately, our education doesn't end just because
we leave school. Life itself is a classroom, and our teachers are everything that happens to us—both positive and
negative.
In addition, each of us has our own Master Teacher—
that voice inside us that seems to be making calm, sure

Ideas to grow with

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(503) 227-3525
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(509) 872-2231

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(509) 248-6171

Why Are We Here?
We can't know for sure if there's meaning to life. But it
makes great practical sense to at least assume that there
is. I believe that life's purpose has three parts:
• Doing. Human beings are busy creatures. We do far
more than simple survival would require. This suggests
that we thrive on doing. All this doing leads to...
• Learning. The more we do, the more we learn...and
the more we learn, the more we do. It's a continuing cycle.
But it would quickly become tedious without the third element...
• Enjoying. Some people complain about being on a
treadmill. Others pay hundreds of dollars for the privilege
of going into a gym and running on one.
Joy can exist, no matter what else is going on in your
life. There are lessons to be learned even from confusion
and pain...and learning is enjoyable, even if the events
themselves aren't.
The Attitude of Gratitude
The human brain evolved to take familiar things for
granted, allowing our ancestors to sit up and take notice
when a saber-toothed tiger approached. That means we
need to be consciously grateful for the good in our lives,
or we may not notice it at all.
You choose your attitude at any given moment. Ask
yourself: Do I focus on the good in my life or on the bad?
We all have plenty of both, and the mind can concentrate only a narrow spectrum at any one time.
It's a simple formula. If you focus on the good stuff,
life is enjoyable. If you focus on the bad, life is miserable.
That doesn't mean we should never feel bad. Pain
and loss happen to everyone from time to time, and
sometimes feeling bad is precisely the appropriate response
to a situation.
But it's more often the little, day-to-day occurrences
that make or break our happiness. You can focus on the
guy who cut you off in traffic on the way to work this
morning...or on the one who kept the store open a few
minutes late just to accommodate you.
Think about all the little miracles in life. Oxygen, for
example—we've never been without it.
You Can Have Anything You Want
The Puritan ethic tells us: It's wrong to want things.
Life is nothing but sacrifice and duty, and people who
have what they want are wicked. That belief leads to
frustration.
In recent decades, the popular philosophy shifted to I
want it all? But that philosophy also leads to frustration. If
you have it all, you don't have enough time to learn how to
use it, much less enjoy it.
The truth: You can have anything...but not everything
you want.
Sure, there are limitations, but not as many as most of
us believe. It's just that you may have to give up some
things you want less for things you want more.
Don't be ashamed of your desires. It's great to want
noble things (world peace, good health for all), but it's
okay to want mundane or self-focused things, too—a red
sports car, great sex, etc.

Respect the whole range of your aspirations. You can't
get what you want unless you know what it is. And you
won't figure out what it is unless you're willing to accept it.
Love Your Mistakes
One of the most destructive things we learned in school
is that mistakes are bad and should be punished.
If you avoid mistakes, you avoid accomplishing anything.
Without failure, there's no experimentation...no
learning...and no growth.
It's by finding out what doesn't working that we leam
what does. James Joyce wrote, "Mistakes are the portals
of discovery. Make excellence, not perfection, your goal."
Forgiving is for Giving
Nursing a grievance may make us feel righteous...but
it doesn't make us feel happy. Forgiving and forgetting
makes you available for giving and for getting.
When you forgive someone, you give not only to that
person, but to yourself. Instead of focusing on hurt, anger
and betrayal, you open yourself up to love, joy and adventure.
When we judge others, we also judge ourselves for
being judgmental. Deep down, we know that we're inhibiting our happiness.
Say to yourself: I forgive (name of person) for (perceived offense). I forgive myself for judging (person) for
(offense).
It's simple. Try it.
Life is a Balancing Act
Another incorrect thing that school taught: There's always a right answer. Life is one contradiction after
another...and most contradictions are valid.
We need to be vigilant to sense when we should rest
and when we should act...when we should be flexible and
when we should stand firm...what we should accept and
what we should change.
When in doubt, consult your Master Teacher—that
quietly confident and sensitive inner voice. Ask: What would
a Master do? Then do it.
Source: The Bottom Line

Pesticide Regulations More
Stringent By 1993
Compliance with more stringent pesticide regulations,
to be enforced by 1993, will demand that turfgrass managers change the way they operate, says an Environmental Protection Agency spokesman.
Andy Wilson of EPA says significant changes will affect pesticide storage, application and training. Federal
regulations will be in place this year, Wilson said, and
states will have until 1993 to comply with those new restrictions.
One of the most sweeping changes will affect applicator training. "We'll have three levels of compliance, depending on the chemical used," he said.
A Level One restricted use pesticide can be applied
only by a licensed commercial applicator. Level Two will
allow use by a trained, but non-certified applicator, with
supervision from a licensed applicator who is no more
than 5 minutes away from the application site.

Level Three will allow trained but non-certified applicators to use certain chemicals with less supervision.
Container disposal regulations will change, too, says Wilson.
"EPA collected 250 million pesticide containers last
year and 95 percent of them had never been rinsed." He
said disposal regulations have been confusing. "Container
labels say to dispose according to state and federal regulations. We don't know what those regulations are. And a
lot of states don't have disposal regulations either.
'The new laws, however, will be precise and costly.
They will be in place this year, and the states must be
ready to enforce and applicators must be in compliance
by 1993."
Wilson said applicators use two kinds of containers,
tillable and disposable. They haul tillable tanks to mixing
areas. "Then we have transportation concern," he said.
"With disposable containers, we have other problems.
Plastic is on the way out. It does not bio-degrade and will
retain pesticide residues. Many sanitary landfills will no
longer take pesticide containers."
He said metal containers that come with liners or that
can be shredded will replace plastic.
Storage regulations also will tighten. Managers who
store 11,000 gallons of materials will have to notify their
local fire departments. They also must provide adequate
containment, ventilation, water, electricity and placards for
storage areas.
"Most turf managers do not store much chemical,"
Wilson said, "but the precautions are good, regardless of
the amount stored, and compliance is not too costly."
Wilson said the EPA is concerned with mixing and
loading pads. "Groundwater contamination will continue to
be an important issue. And, according to a national survey, all contaminated drinking wells result from point source
pollution-mixing and loading areas." Clean-up for contaminated groundwater is costly." If anyone ever has to clean
up a water supply, he'll wish he'd spent money to contain
the chemical. When EPA inspectors come out with moon
suits on, it's time to talk to the banker."
Wilson said chemical containers will have tie-down
hooks to prevent loss during transport. "EPA and the Department of Transportation are currently working on other
regulations for chemical transportation."
Chemical rinsate will be another important issue. "Don't
store rinse water" Wilson said. "Use it on the golf course
(or other application site,. If you store it, you become a
hazardous waste generator."
Wilson said most turfgrass managers who violate environmental regulations can comply without cost. "Most
violations result from sloppy pesticide handling" he said,
"and can be corrected with no more than a memorandum."
He warned applicators to be prepared for the new
regulations. "Some facilities will have to change," he said.
Source: Northern Turf Management

Superintendent Liability
In The Face Of
Regulatory Compliance
By Charles T. Passios,
CGCS GCSAA Director and Board
Government Relations Liaison and
Don Bretthauer,
Government Relations Manager

It probably does not take a turfgrass graduate long to
realize that golf course superintendents sometimes find
themselves in precarious situations. We spend our time
trying to balance the conditions Mother Nature provides
against the kind of golf course conditions that are considered acceptable by the players and governing boards.
Environmental concerns and restrictions add more and
more paperwork, legwork and training requirements to our
basket, which already runneth over with responsibilities.
We juggle all of these demands, and more.
An unspoken jeopardy that superintendents face every
day is the threat of personal liability. This liability can
originate from any management act for which a superintendent could be judged negligent—anything from instructing an employee to applying a pesticide in a manner
inconsistent with label directions, to not training employees
properly on the hazards of the workplace.
Recognition of personal liability for superintendents
points out the importance of a couple of things: (1) the
adherence to and compliance with government regulations,
and (2) the need for golf course owners, governing boards
and management to understand why compliance is important.
The superintendent is responsible for complying fully
with the regulations, but may be put in the situation where
he/she lacks the tools or resources to do so. For example,
in Massachusetts, golf courses are required to post notification of chemical applications. Suppose, however, that a
club's management or board of directors instructs the superintendent not to post—in order not to alarm the membership, or for whatever reason. The superintendent follows
the employer's wishes, instead of the law. The superintendent and the club could both be held liable, civilly and/
or criminally.
In most lawsuits, more than one party will be named
as defendants. Generally, those defendants who have the
capacity to pay for judgements and court costs are the
ones who bear the financial burden of a legal decision.
However, an employee may still be personally responsible
for the legal fees associated with a lawsuit—unless insurance and/or an indemnity clause provides legal coverage.
Insurance policies held by the course or club generally
include coverage for employees' legal costs. The language
for such coverage usually is included in the definition
section of the insurance policy. The policy limits coverage
and the kinds of acts that are insured. For example, many
insurance policies issued to golf courses do not include
coverage for incidents arising from chemical applications
and few, if any, cover wrongful acts deemed to be willful,
intentional or malicious in nature.
Some contracts for golf course superintendents include
indemnity clauses. An indemnity clause does not relieve
the superintendent of responsibility, but it can cover most
of the costs of a lawsuit, including court costs, legal fees,

and judgements for acts of negligence. However, most
indemnity clauses have monetary limits associated with
them. These limits usually range from $100,000 to
$250,000. In addition, indemnity clause language does
not cover wrongful acts that are deemed to be willful,
intentional or malicious.
Indemnity clauses kick in either after the insurance
coverage has been exhausted or in cases where the insurance does not cover specific acts for which the superintendent has been found to be negligent in his/her actions.
If you want answers to specific legal questions, contact
your club's or your personal lawyer. Do not rely on advice
from an individual who is not a lawyer. You should also
ask a lawyer to review your contract and the insurance
policy of the club or course so you know exactly what kind
of coverage you have. It is also important that you fully
comply with government regulations because of potential
legal consequences.
Source: Briefing, Vol. 3. No. 8, GCSAA, September 1991

Accident-Reducing Tips
That Save Money
Accidents don't just happen. Most of the time they are
well planned. By the task, work habits, and procedures in
which we perform our work, we are either accident prone
or safe operating companies.
For many of my early years in business our safety
policy was to tell everyone to "be careful." Now, while this
may have caused some employees to be a little bit cautious of their work practices, it didn't always produce good
results. In fact, most of the time we were just plain lucky
not to have had more injuries.
The tips mentioned in this article will make your company more safe and more profitable. Your workers' compensation rate is based on your three-year experience.
Reducing the frequency of accidents will reduce your premium.
Some things that have worked well are:
Preventive Maintenance Programs: All of our equipment is inspected daily, and at intervals recommended by
the manufacturers to help reduce injuries. Proper service
and inspection will not only help make for safer operations
and fewer worker injuries but also will reduce operating
costs. Regularly scheduled service of equipment will reduce fuel cost, operating time, life of equipment, and allow
for operator satisfaction and safety.
Employee Attitudes: Employees who feel they are part
of the Team will be more involved in the job and less likely
to be injured. Everyone wants to feel good about their job
and it is up to management to see that this happens.
Being sensitive to employee attitudes and creating an atmosphere or work environment in which all are part of the
company make for happier employees who work safely.
The safety attitude must come from management's example.
Employee Turn-Over: Have you ever stopped to count
the cost of training new employees? They are more likely
to have a Worker's Compensation claim because of their
inexperience. Retaining good employees is another way
to hold your cost down.

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Have you used or seen something you think we should stock? Give us a call.
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^ SEATTLE MAIN OFFICE • 20224 80th Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032 (206) 872-8858 FAX (206) 872-6942
SPOKANE • E. 2824 Garland, Spokane, WA 99207 (509) 483-8665 FAX (509) 483-7563

J

1991-92
Board of Directors

Calendar of Events

Presidont
Tom M. Wolff
Golf Course Superintendent
SAHALEE COUNTRY CLUB
21200 NE Sahalee Cntry Club Dr
Redmond, WA 98053
206 868-1600 FAX 868-2877

Position B-2
Larry L. Farwell
Golf Course Superintendent
WENATCHEE GOLF &
COUNTRY CLUB
1600 Country Club Drive
E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
509 884-1238

Vice President
Rebecca R. Michels
President
MESSMER'S LANDSCAPING
SERVICE INC.
24664 156th SE
Kent, WA 98042
206 228-5779

Position C-1
Tim R. Werner
Grounds Supervisor
WHITMAN COLLEGE
804 Penrose
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509 527-5999

Treasurer
William B. Griffith
Golf Course Superintendent
VETERANS MEMORIAL
GOLF COURSE
P.O. Box 478
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509 527-4336 FAX 527-3745
Directors
Position A-1
Alan L. Nielsen
Golf Course Superintendent
ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB
8917N.W. 4th Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98662
(206) 256-1530
Position A-2
David P. Jacobsen
President
FARWEST EQUIPMENT CO.
3265 N.W. Yeon Avenue
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 224-6100 FAX 224-4271

December 3-4

Pacific Coast Turf and Landscape
Conference and Trade Show
Contact: Scott White (206) 292-9198

December 10-11

OGCSA Pesticide Seminar
Contact: OGCSA (206) 573-6969

December 11-12

OGCSA Turf and Grounds Maintenance Exhibit
Contact: OGCSA (206) 573-6969

February 23-26

Western Canada Turfgrass Association
Annual Conference
Contact: WCTA (604) 434-5037

Position C-2
Donald A. Clemans
Sr. Technical Representative
O. M. SCOTT & SONS
14437 Pole Court
Sisters, OR 97759
503 549-3933

February 24

NTA Board of Directors Meeting
Contact: NTA Office (206) 754-0825

June 14

NTA Board of Directors Meeting
Contact: NTA Office (206) 754-0825

June 15

Director Emeritus
(Nonvoting)
Roy L. Goss
Life Honorary Member
RETIRED
13716 Camas Road
Anderson Is., WA 98303
(206) 884-4978

Fourth Annual R. (Roy) L. Goss Golf
Tournament for Research
Contact: NTA Office (206) 754-0825

June 16

WSU Field Day/Puyallup
Contact: Stan Brauen (206) 840-4511

June 16

Jacklin's 1992 Discovery Tour
Contact: Jacklin Seed Company (208) 773-7581

June 18

Turf-Seed's 10th Annual Field Day
Contact: Turf-Seed (503) 981-9571

STAFF
Blair Patrick
Executive Director
NORTHWEST TURFGRASS
ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1367
Olympia, WA 98507
(206) 754-0825 FAX 586-5538

Position B-1
Jon C. Hooper
Grounds Manager
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Physical Plant FG-10
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 685-1407

NORTHWEST
TURFGRASS
ASSOCIATION

ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL
DEADLINE
15th OF MONTH
PRECEDING PUBLICATION

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Olympia, Washington 98507
(206) 754-0825

- Pesticide Programs Contact WSU Conferences & Institutes (509) 335-2946 for "Pesticide Pre-LicenseM and "Pesticide RecertificationM programs in your
area.

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