As promised I have a brief report and some thoughts of my own regarding the initial discussions of a city wide pesticide bylaw. On February 23rd the Transportation and Public Works Committee reviewed a report that explored the feasibility of restricting or eliminating public and private lawn and garden pesticides in Edmonton. Without going into great detail the committee then heard from the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (an arm of Health Canada) and the Pesticide Management Branch of Alberta Environment. The science of study and approval was explained by the PMRA and the process of pesticide management in our province was then detailed to the audience and city councillors in attendance.
The next phase of the meeting allowed 20 individual speakers (both private citizens and representatives from industry groups) exactly 5 minutes to air their thoughts. This issue seems to be split down the middle as the pro vs. anti was about 50/50. No surprise there. Several of the speakers spoke well of the issue and stressed the reliance on sound scientific research and continued safe use of pesticides to ensure a quality of life that we are accustomed to. Of course the discussion became emotional, on both sides, which served no positive purpose in my mind. Statistics were misinterpreted, research was debunked and budget figures were brushed aside as falllacy. Even those against a ban on pesticides did themselves no favours by going "over the top". Perhaps some of you watched Global News that night and caught one speaker discussing cancer and another telling City Council to stay out of his backyard unless invited in for a BBQ. It was, all in all, an enlightening experience for myself. To see grass roots democracy in action was an eye opener for me but it also exposed the grind that politics is especially when dealing with concerned, taxpaying citizens.
What I would like the membership to consider as we move forward is that "golf is a business that prides itself on working with nature to provide natural beauty and an excellent playing experience for its clients", public or private. We as superintendents are tasked with providing the well groomed turf you demand. At the same time we need all the tools that can be safely utilized and applied in a short season interrupted by a hostile "off season" environment. Pesticides are an important tool to meet the requirements you demand. We use them judiciously and safely. Your safety as well as our own is paramount. By the way. Did you know that 98% of herbicides (weed control products) are applied to food crops in various growth stages? I didn't. In order to feed a growing world, pesticides assist in huge increases in crop production.
My final comment. The golf industry did not speak to the issue at this meeting. An association of all concerned golf industry parties in Alberta will be brought together soon. The plan is to come prepared with a well thought out, science based response prepared by the Association when and if the pesticide issue arises again. This will mirror the same situation that ocurred in Calgary in 2008 when a "Proposal to Phase Out the Use of Cosmetic Pesticides" was attempted and susequently not adopted. It is my hope the Royal Mayfair Golf Club membership will support our efforts and lend assistance if required. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above or just want to discuss the pesticide issue with me feel free to do so.
I will keep you updated as time goes on. Anyone seen spring hanging around?
Wade
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