Golf industry well represented at Nevada Drought Forum

This past April, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval established the Nevada Drought Forum to bring together the best minds, managers and all interested stakeholders to discuss the drought in Nevada, identify best conservation practices and policy needs and offer him recommendations. 

On July 17, the Nevada golf industry had a chance to participate in Nevada Drought Forum meetings in Las Vegas.  Northern Nevada was represented by the Sierra Nevada GCSA President Rob Williams with Southern Nevada GCSA President Grant Becwar representing the southern portion of the state. 

Messaging was focused on golf’s water use – less than two percent of the state total – and course efforts to reduce water usage through sound agronomic practices, efficient and targeted irrigation, use of reclaimed water, turfgrass research and continuing education provided by GCSAA and its affiliated chapters. 

Additionally, the economic benefit of golf facilities in the state was highlighted.  Nevada golf courses are businesses that serve as a valuable community asset, a source of tax revenues and employment, and an important recreational outlet for community members of all ages. The 98 golf courses in Nevada employ approximately 5,000 individuals, generate over $300 million in wages and have a direct economic impact of $1.1 billion.

Pictured at the Nevada Drought Forum (left to right) is Grant Becwar, superintendent at Revere Golf Club; Leo Drozdoff, director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Rob Williams, Class A superintendent at Stockton Golf & Country Club. 

“It was a great opportunity for the golf industry to show our policymakers that we are a beneficial user of water,” said Williams who serves as superintendent at Stockton Golf & Country Club.  “Our industry is going to play an important role in helping further develop the state as a leader in global tourism and we want to make sure our officials know that we can provide a great product while still reducing our environmental footprint.” 

“The golf industry appreciates the opportunity to participate in these forums and we look forward to working with the state and our local water districts to reduce the effects of this very serious drought,” stated Becwar, superintendent at The Revere Golf Club. 

Thanks to Rob and Grant for taking time out of their schedules to represent the industry.  For more information on the Nevada Drought Forum, visit the website at www.drought.nv.gov.

Don't miss the UCR Turfgrass & Landscape Research Field Day this September

Hope all of our GCSAA members had a great 4th of July weekend!  Before we know it, it will be Labor Day.  Where does the time go?

As we get into the dog days of summer, now is the time to mark your calendar for the annual University of California Riverside Turfgrass & Landscape Research Field Day.  This year's event will take place on Thursday, September 17 at the UC Riverside Turfgrass Field Station from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Headed by Jim Baird, Ph.D., turfgrass specialist at UCR, the day provides a synopsis of UCR’s current research activities and featured numerous tours through state-of-the-art research areas designed to study water and salinity management issues on turf and landscapes. Dr. Baird, staff and students will be available to answer your questions about turf and water conservation throughout California.

UC Riverside Turfgrass Field Station, Riverside, CA

Highlights of this year's agenda include "Who has the firmest, fastest Kikuyugrass turf?" which focuses on combinations of management practices to promote optimal Kikuyugrass quality and playability.

The UC Riverside turfgrass research facility and program, funded in part by the California Turfgrass & Landscape Foundation, under the executive leadership of former GCSAA past president Bruce Williams, CGCS, currently provides the only university-based turf research in the state of California. 

It's important that the golf industry support the field day and research program that meets the interests and continuing needs of the golf industry.

The event is open to all turfgrass and landscape industry professionals. More information is here. I hope to see all of our golf industry professionals at the event.