Task force to address water issues in the California desert

I recently returned from a meeting of allied golf organizations and The Desert Sun newspaper in Palm Springs, Calif., in which we announced the formation of the Coachella Valley Golf Industry Water Conservation Task Force.

The task force, based on successful and similar groups in Los Angeles and San Diego, was organized to address water conservation, management and potential water-related issues and concerns in the Coachella Valley.

Headed by Hi-Lo Desert GCSA President Stu Rowland, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Rancho La Quinta Country Club; and Craig Kessler, director of governmental affairs for the Southern California Golf Association; the task force includes representatives from the California Golf Course Owners Association, Coachella Valley Water District, Hi-Lo Desert GCSA, GCSAA, Irrigation and Turfgrass Services, the PGA of Southern California, the Southern California Golf Association, the USGA and various experts from the turf and irrigation industry.

Initial goals include:

• Assist in the development of a strategic water management plan for the Coachella Valley’s golf industry to help meet the state’s mandated 20 percent water cutbacks by 2020
• Work with the Coachella Valley Water District and valley courses on accelerating recycled water use
• Address the mixed-use water situation in the valley
• Address the negative perception that some of the non-golfing public and media have concerning the golf industry's use of water in the valley and the depletion of the aquifer

The task force is open to all representatives of the golf industry in the Coachella Valley, and we hope to see a significant number of area superintendents participate. If you are interested in joining the group, contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org, and I will add you to the email list. You'll receive updates and more information, including upcoming meeting dates.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events or at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando. Thank you for your support of GCSAA.