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Overview
The 2019–2020 Chinese
Coronavirus Pandemic
The Chinese Coronavirus is also known as the Wuhan Virus and COVID-19.
The Chinese Coronavirus is an ongoing public health emergency of international concern involving major outbreaks of a deadly infectious disease that has spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20 pandemic.
The virus is natural with animal origin, and spreads by human-to-human transmission.
Observers believe that the pandemic was precipitated by the Chinese deviant life-style of raising and breeding disease-infected wild-animals, like bats, beavers, cats, dogs, lizards, porcupines, raccoons, and snakes, for food, companionship, and intimacy.
The virus was further disseminated at disgusting Chinese live-animal ( a.k.a. wet ) markets where these wild-animals are routinely slaughtered and sold to people on-site.
This Chinese life-style choice has resulted in the horrific deaths of thousands and thousands of hapless victims, world-wide.
Golf Will Rise Again
The Chinese Coronavirus pandemic will change the way we look at the game of golf.
There are choppy times ahead, but the game of golf is expected to emerge stronger and more appreciated than ever.
Playing golf with friends, with its relatively small number of interactions, will be a perfect stepping stone for getting back to regular life.
Golf will rise again and will hopefully become an incredible part of our lives.
Golf course facilities will be creating Positive Waves for our society by introducing preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection.
And, as usual, golf courses will continue to provide high-quality playing conditions and aesthetics.
The golf courses ― The Planet’s Great Conservationists.
See the segments below for the Best Positive Advice concerning Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus …
Explore the following links …
√ — Trade Associations — Responding To Coronavirus — LINK
√ — Cordova Bay — Responding To Coronavirus — LINK
Explore more links about Positive Waves …
√ — Library Of Positive Waves For Society — LINK
https://pesticidetruths.com/toc/positive-waves-library/
√ — Benefits Of Turfgrasses — LINK
https://pesticidetruths.com/toc/positive-waves-benefits/
√ — Planet’s Great Conservationists — LINK
https://pesticidetruths.com/toc/positive-waves/
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Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus
Keeping Golf Courses Safe & Green Is A Challenge
April 3rd, 2020
TSN
Re : Chinese Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )
Selected And Adapted Excerpts
Reference –
Keeping Golf Courses Safe & Green A Challenge
The following are …
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks ―
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
1. Closure Of Golf Course Businesses
STATEMENT –
Untended Golf Courses Will
Become Hayfields Within Weeks
DETAILS –
With only a few exceptions, golf is on hold in Canada.
Courses have either been closed under orders from various levels of government or made the decision on their own [ ?!?! ] as a matter of precaution during the [ Chinese ] Coronavirus pandemic.
But just because no one is taking divots or making ball marks does not mean the layout can sit and wait for a return to action.
Left untended, a golf course would look like a hayfield in just a matter of weeks.
That’s putting pressure on superintendents to maintain golf courses at a basic level of conditioning.
With limited resources, budgets are being tightened; and government regulations, that’s no easy job.
As most golf courses in Ontario were preparing for another season, the Ontario government ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses on March 23rd, 2020.
Golf courses, not surprisingly, were included in that list.
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
2. National Golf Course Owners Association
STATEMENT –
Essential Golf Course Maintenance Must Be Allowed
DETAILS –
It set off a flurry of phone calls between the National Golf Course Owners Association [ NGCOA ], a not-for-profit organization of course owners and operators, and Queen’s Park to determine just what non-essential meant when it came to golf operations.
There were initial fears that greens staff would not be allowed to work at their facilities, but the provincial government agreed that protecting the golf course would be allowed with strict limitations.
In a letter to its members, the NGCOA outlined just what could be done ―
All work on the grounds that staff are doing must be justified as essential property maintenance to preserve, protect and prevent damage to the property and all precautionary measures must be in place during this critical time; including social distancing, hand washing, work-space cleaning, etc …
It was noted that it is imperative to only have staff doing what is essential for the golf course property.
While the ruling allowed course owners and operators to breathe a sigh of relief, it also left a large gray area as to what exactly was defined as essential.
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
3. United States Golf Association
STATEMENT –
Neglected Golf Courses Will Deteriorate
Quickly From Multi-Million-Dollar Facilities
Into Pastures Suited Only For Grazing Cows
DETAILS –
A golf course is a living, breathing creation in need of constant attention, and what one superintendent deems necessary might not be the same for another.
According to the United States Golf Association [ USGA ], if the greens, tees and fairways aren’t mowed, it would take only a few weeks before they would be lost in terms of golf play, and only aggressive maintenance or even re-grassing would be needed to bring it up to a level of minimum playability.
The USGA recommends greens be mowed a minimum of every three days and tees and fairways once a week.
In short, left alone, a golf course could deteriorate quickly from a multi-million-dollar layout into a pasture suitable for grazing cows.
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
4. Marine Drive Golf Club
STATEMENT –
Biggest Issue Is Property Security
DETAILS –
At Marine Drive Golf Club, in Vancouver, British Columbia [ BC ], Mr Jamie Robb has to deal with another problem being experienced at numerous facilities that are shuttered.
According to Mr Robb ―
Our biggest issue is property security.
With the course closed, lots of people think it’s now a big park.
We have people walking on the golf course every day that we have to ask to leave.
Golf courses in BC are not under any order to close but the vast majority, including Marine Drive, have decided to out of precaution. [ ?!?! ]
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
5. Ledgeview Golf & Country Club
STATEMENT –
Golf Courses That Remain Open Must Be Kept
Safe From The Spread Of The Chinese Coronavirus
DETAILS –
Those that remain open are busy with players, and also, the extra duties required to keep the golf courses safe from the spread of the virus.
According to Mr Chad Burns, the superintendent at Ledgeview G&CC in Abbotsford, BC ―
We’re trying to create as much of a safe environment as we can.
We’re wiping down the flagsticks, there are no ball washers on the course, we’ve taken all the rakes out, and we’ve flipped the cups to your ball only goes down a half inch or so.
Almost everything you can touch we’ve tried to eliminate.
As one of the only golfing options around, Ledgeview G&CC has seen a steady stream of players.
In the early days of the pandemic, golfers, especially younger ones, were not adhering to the social distancing practices.
Now a course marshal patrols the fairways reminding people.
According to Mr Burns ―
If people abuse the rules, we will get shut down.
But it seems now they understand that.
We’re educating them.
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
6. Ontario Golf Courses
STATEMENT –
Facilities Should Be Allowed To Remain Open
DETAILS –
Golf courses such as Ledgeview G&CC are giving some in Ontario reason to believe that they should be allowed to open, if only to provide some outdoor activity at time when there is almost none allowed.
A group of course owners is reportedly going to lobby the provincial government to be allowed to open.
Golf Industry Responses To The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
7. Weston Golf & Country Club
STATEMENT –
Biggest Fear Is That Someone
Contracts The Chinese Coronavirus
DETAILS –
For Mr Rob Ackermann, superintendent at Weston G&CC, in Etobicoke, Ontario, maintaining the bare minimum care under normal circumstances isn’t a problem, but these are not normal circumstances.
Mr Ackermann is operating with a scaled-down crew and only doing what’s necessary to protect the golf course.
That’s standard operation practices for now, but fears of an outbreak of disease or pests or extreme weather could test the resources of even the best superintendents.
Still, that’s not what’s worrying Ackermann at the moment.
According to Mr Ackermann ―
My biggest fear is that someone in the work-place contracts.
That would mean everyone on the crew would need to be quarantined.
If everyone is gone, what would we do ?
The thought of having no one left to care for the course has led to a rotation of crews, a practice being employed at most courses.
Mr Ackermann said there are extreme precautions in place for those few who do come to work, such as what tools they use, what mowers they ride, what washrooms they use, and where they eat.
Everything is sanitized on a regular basis.
There are disinfecting stations in place at the doorway of their maintenance building, and social distancing is being strictly enforced.
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Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus
Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance
March 26th, 2020
United States Golf Association ( USGA )
Re : Chinese Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )
Selected And Adapted Excerpts
Reference –
Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance
Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance
Keeping The Golf Course In Good Playing Condition
Expansion of low-maintenance rough areas and less focus on weed control in out-of-play areas is likely as courses adjust to serious labor and resource reductions.
Whether your golf course is open or closed for play, superintendents across the country are grappling with how to keep the golf course in good playing condition under new restrictions and with unexpected resource challenges.
Maintaining a golf course has changed dramatically as a result of COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ], but superintendents are some of the best at finding novel solutions to difficult challenges.
Reports are flooding in that golf courses are having to make do with significantly less resources than normal.
At the moment, the most impactful reduction has been limitations on labor hours.
The impact of labor reductions is exacerbated by the fact that spring is the busiest time of year for many superintendents as grass is beginning to green-up, and important spring programs, such as aeration and weed control, are typically performed soon.
As your course navigates how to handle reductions in labor and resources, we can look back to the 2008 financial down-turn as a guide for strategies that can mitigate the negative long-term impact of deferred maintenance.
It is important to remember that reductions in staff and resources will have an immediate impact on course conditioning at your facility.
However, given the current events, reductions are likely essential for employee safety and the financial well-being of the golf course.
Therefore, it is important to understand the short- and long-term ramifications of these reductions so that golf courses can make the best decisions now.
The following are …
Strategies For Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance ―
Strategies For Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance
1. Immediate Impact
STATEMENT –
Summarize & Communicate The Immediate
Impact That Reduced Maintenance
Resources Have On Playing Conditions
DETAILS –
Communicate with golfers that the maintenance team is focusing their limited resources on areas of the course that matter most.
This means that bunkers may not be raked, more weeds may be present, and out-of-play rough may be left unmown for extended periods.
Communicating what to expect and the purpose behind these initiatives will help golfers to be understanding during this difficult time.
Expansion of low-maintenance rough areas to reduce mowing requirements is likely to occur at most facilities.
Low-maintenance rough is typically located in out-of-play areas, but it may still impact some golfers.
Communicate the purpose of these areas so golfers understand they are required to allocate more resources to areas of the course that matter most, like the greens.
Strategies For Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance
2. Recovery Cost
STATEMENT –
Consider The Recovery Cost Associated
With Forgoing Or Reducing A
Particular Maintenance Program
DETAILS –
Reductions in various maintenance practices are being implemented to address immediate needs, but long-term recovery costs are important to consider as they may influence which programs are best to reduce or eliminate.
The cost of rectifying certain types of deferred maintenance can be prohibitive in the future.
Forgoing aeration at a course with excess organic matter in the soil is a good example.
A gut reaction may be to completely forgo this year’s aeration as this practice is often time consuming and labor intensive.
However, if excess organic matter is currently an issue, forgoing aeration will exacerbate problems that will eventually require additional resources to remediate.
Instead, performing solid-tine aeration this season may be a good option given there is less labor involved in the process, but it still improves drainage and turf performance.
Strategies For Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance
3. Sacrifices
STATEMENT –
Recognize That Sacrifices To Aesthetics &
Convenience Do Not Translate To Poor Playing
Conditions Or Long-Term Agronomic Issues
DETAILS –
As superintendents allocate their reduced resource pool to a more focused « maintenance-up-the-middle » mindset, course aesthetics may take a hit ― but that does not mean playing conditions are suffering.
Flower beds, course accessories, and visually appealing mowing patterns should be some of the first things to go when necessary reductions are made.
These items do not have any impact on playing conditions and eliminating them gives the maintenance team more time to maintain or improve conditions in areas where a majority of play occurs.
Strategies For Minimizing The Impact Of Reduced Golf Course Maintenance
4. Feedback
STATEMENT –
Gather Feedback On Reductions To Help Determine
What Golfers Value Most At Your Course
DETAILS –
Take note of what golfers value during this tough time.
It can help guide you in the future.
You may be pleasantly surprised that most golfers do not place a high value on pristine naturalized rough areas, « perfectly » maintained bunkers, weed-free turf and other items you feel they currently require.
This difficult time can be used as a guiding light for future priorities.
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Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus
Golf Course Maintenance Strategies To Limit The Spread Of The Pandemic
March 26th, 2020
United States Golf Association ( USGA )
Re : Chinese Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )
Selected And Adapted Excerpts
Reference –
Golf Course Maintenance Strategies To Limit The Spread Of COVID-19
Golf Course Maintenance Strategies To Limit The Spread Of The Pandemic
Introduction
The spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ] throughout the world and here in the US has caused dramatic disruptions to daily life.
In an effort to help slow the spread, businesses from all sectors are adjusting practices to protect employees and customers.
The same is true within the golf industry, where professional and amateur tournaments have been postponed and individual golf facilities are diligently altering their day-to-day operations in accordance with health official and government recommendations.
These are uncertain times that require constant monitoring and proper precautions.
The following are …
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks ―
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
1. Stay Home
STATEMENT –
Actively Encouraging Sick Employees To Stay Home
DETAILS –
Ensuring that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance, and that employees are aware of these policies is a common theme.
Many golf courses are allowing staff to take PTO or unpaid time away without restriction.
Any employees who are showing symptoms, or those who have been in recent contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ], are not being allowed to work and asked to contact their doctor immediately.
Similarly, some golf courses are maintaining flexible policies that permit employees to care for a sick family member.
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
2. Hygiene
STATEMENT –
Increasing The Frequency That Surfaces
Are Cleaned & Promoting Good Hygiene
DETAILS –
Many golf courses are providing disposable disinfectant wipes so that commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, timeclocks, and tools can be wiped down by employees before each use.
Plenty of hand soap or hand sanitizer is being made available.
Employees are being encouraged to wash their hands frequently ― for at least 20 seconds each time ― and avoid touching their faces.
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
3. Social Distancing
DETAILS –
Staff members are being assigned to work independently on tasks to avoid large gatherings.
Individuals are staying 6-feet apart from each other.
Employees are avoiding riding side by side in the same vehicle or eating lunch in large groups.
Tasks like mowing, rolling, plant protectant treatments, and sand topdressing can be carried out while maintaining recommended distances between individuals.
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
4. Scheduling
STATEMENT –
Adopting Creative Scheduling To Reduce
Daily Staffing Levels & Limit Interactions
DETAILS –
Split shifts where the crew is divided into two independent groups and assigned to work every other day are being implemented at many courses.
That way, employee interaction is reduced while still providing them with a certain level of hours and important maintenance tasks can still be achieved.
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
5. Accessories
STATEMENT –
Removal Of Unessential Golf Course
Accessories To Limit Potential Touch-Points
DETAILS –
Many golf courses are eliminating ball washers, bunker rakes, water stations, and even flagsticks.
A number of golf courses have also made adjustments to the hole itself in an effort to limit touching when picking up a ball.
Many golf courses are making adjustments to hole-liners in an effort to limit golfer contact with the hole.
Strategies to prevent balls from dropping down into the hole include turning the hole-liner upside down, raising the liner above the putting surface or placing something into the hole so that a ball cannot roll into it.
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
6. Golf Cars
STATEMENT –
Updating Golf Car & Caddie Policies For Players
DETAILS –
Some golf courses are now assigning each player their own golf car while other courses have suspended the use of all golf carts for the time being.
Additionally, many golf courses with caddies have stopped this service for the time being.
Push carts are continuing to be allowed without restriction at most courses, but they are being thoroughly cleaned between each use in the same way that golf cars are.
Common Strategies Golf Courses Are Implementing To Reduce The Chinese Coronavirus Risks
7. Restrictions
STATEMENT –
Being Prepared For Sizeable Staff Reductions
& Suspension Of All Play If Required
DETAILS –
There are examples throughout the US where golf courses have temporarily closed to all play.
While this may be only necessary in specific locations and under certain situations, golf course superintendents should be prepared for how maintenance practices will need to be adjusted if their course must do the same.
Golf Course Maintenance Strategies To Limit The Spread Of The Pandemic
Conclusion
Golf courses throughout the country have been, and will continue to be, impacted by the coronavirus known as COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ].
Continuously monitor new developments so that you can clearly communicate with employees and golfers.
It is important to communicate directly with all staff members regarding their specific roles and responsibilities in prevention planning.
The last few weeks have certainly been unprecedented and policy changes could likely be required each day as the situation evolves.
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Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus
Managing A Golf Course During The Pandemic
March 26th, 2020
United States Golf Association ( USGA )
Re : Chinese Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )
Selected And Adapted Excerpts
Reference –
Managing A Golf Course During A Crisis
Managing A Golf Course During The Pandemic
Introduction
Using triplex mowers and other high-efficiency equipment can help superintendents keep up with routine maintenance if labor hours are significantly reduced.
As golf courses continue to grapple with the ramifications of COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ], many superintendents are having to make significant changes to their daily operations.
The most important focus of course has to be maximizing the safety of the maintenance staff.
With safety measures in place, superintendents are also having to address agronomic and budgetary challenges.
Golf rounds and other revenue sources have undoubtedly been negatively affected by the ongoing pandemic, and uncertainty surrounding the financial markets is adding to the burden.
Declines in revenue have already started to impact golf course operations and many superintendents are being required to make substantial adjustments in real time.
This comes at a time of year when there is traditionally a lot of work required to prepare a golf course for a successful season.
The grass isn’t going to stop growing and superintendents continue to be asked to protect the ultimate asset ― the golf course ― with fewer inputs.
Below are some steps superintendents can apply to maintain the golf course when resources are severely constrained.
The following are …
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis ―
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
1. Maintenance
STATEMENT –
Focus On Maintenance Up The Middle
DETAILS –
According to a recent USGA-funded survey of US golf facilities, an average 18-hole golf course has approximately 95 acres of maintained turfgrass.
The tees, fairways and putting greens account for 36 per cent of the maintained turf areas and the remaining 64 per cent is comprised of the rough, practice areas, nursery and grounds.
Superintendents should focus maintenance efforts ― both labor hours and other inputs ― on the 36 per cent where the majority of golf takes place, and scale back efforts in less important areas.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
2. Fertilization & Irrigation
STATEMENT –
Reduce Fertility & Irrigation In Low-Play Areas
DETAILS –
There is no need to try and maintain a lush, green turf across your entire property.
Cutting back on the amount of fertility and irrigation in areas that see less play can help reduce the need for frequent mowing and allow you to reallocate inputs to the greens, fairways and tees.
Apply only what is necessary to maintain turf health and do not worry about cosmetics.
It is okay if the turf in some areas goes off color and into a semi-dormant state given the current circumstances.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
3. High-Traffic Areas
STATEMENT –
Increase Inputs To High-Traffic Areas
Where Golf Cars Are Causing Turf Injury
DETAILS –
Many golf courses are now encouraging golfers to ride independently to abide by social distancing recommendations.
This means potentially four golf cars per foursome.
The added car traffic will likely cause damage to certain areas of the course.
Targeted solid-tine aeration and supplemental fertility spot treatments can help alleviate such issues.
At golf courses that have discontinued golf car use in an effort to reduce touch-points, traffic will be less of an issue than during normal operation.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
4. Accessories
STATEMENT –
Remove Unessential Golf Course Accessories
DETAILS –
This is not only recommended for limiting potential spread of COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ] but can also help when trying to maintain a golf course with minimal staff.
Ball washers, water stations, trash cans and benches require frequent attention.
Reducing the number of these accessories, or at the very least reducing the amount of time spent servicing them, can help free up labor for more important tasks like mowing.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
5. Mowers
STATEMENT –
Utilize High-Efficiency, Wide-Area Mowers
That Can Cover A Lot Of Ground
DETAILS –
Many golf courses throughout the country have already adopted the use of triplex mowers for maintaining greens and tees.
If you are one of the courses that still walk-mows these areas, now would be a good time to switch.
The same principle applies to fairways and roughs ― these too should be mowed with the largest units available to maximize efficiency.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
6. Fairways & Rough
STATEMENT –
Consider Increasing Mowing Heights
In The Rough & Fairways
DETAILS –
Bumping-up mowing heights can lessen the need to mow as frequently.
This is particularly effective for higher-cut turf like the rough.
A 25 per cent increase in height of cut could result in three to five days of additional relief between mowing, thereby extending the mowing interval for rough areas to 10 to 14 days.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
7. Plant Growth Regulators
STATEMENT –
Apply Heavy Rates Of Plant Growth Regulators
To Turf Areas In The Event You Will Not Be Able
To Maintain Your Regular Mowing Frequency
DETAILS –
High dosages of plant growth regulators, such as trinexapac-ethyl, can drastically reduce the need to mow the rough each week. [ See links below. ]
LINKS –
LABEL — PRIMO MAXX PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR FOR TURF GROWTH MANAGEMENT ( trinexapac-ethyl )
LABEL — T-NEX 11.3 ME PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR FOR TURF GROWTH MANAGEMENT ( trinexapac-ethyl )
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
8. Soil Cultivation
STATEMENT –
Adjust The Aeration Program
DETAILS –
Aeration is a labor-intensive practice that generally requires the support of the entire maintenance team.
If you are concerned about staffing shortages or trying to prevent close contact among employees, core aeration should probably be avoided.
A less labor-intensive practice like solid-tine aeration would be wise as employees can be easily spaced out and clean-up is not necessary.
Another option would be to adjust the aeration timing so that it can take place when restrictions on staffing are no longer an issue.
However, a golf course’s location and grass type will determine when aeration can be completed.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
9. Sand Traps
STATEMENT –
Cut Back On Bunker Maintenance
DETAILS –
Daily bunker conditioning and frequent trimming around the perimeters should be limited if staffing levels are lowered.
The overall presentation and expectations for bunkers will likely need to be adjusted during this period of uncertainty.
It’s time for bunkers to truly be a hazard.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
10. Flowers
STATEMENT –
Forego Flower Plantings & Mulching
DETAILS –
Although they are nice to look at, these landscape features do not directly benefit the game and can come at a hefty cost.
Think not only of the material costs, but also the labor hours that are required during planting and throughout the season.
It does not make sense to plant elaborate flower beds now and not have the necessary staff or budget to maintain them throughout the year.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
11. Schedules
STATEMENT –
Use Flexible Scheduling Or Split Shifts To Better
Manage Employees & Avoid Widespread Layoffs
DETAILS –
It is probably better to reduce employee hours across the board as opposed to laying off numerous individuals if you are forced to make significant cuts to your operating budget.
Most golf course superintendents have contingency plans for 10 per cent, or even 20 per cent, reductions in labor hours.
However, some superintendents have been asked to reduce labor hours by 50 per cent during this unprecedented time.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
12. Inventory
STATEMENT –
Make Sure To Have At Least A 90-Day
Inventory Of Necessary Fertilizers & Pesticides
DETAILS –
It is important that you have essential pesticides on-hand to combat a pest outbreak and enough fertilizer to maintain minimum turf health.
Acquiring a fungicide for an emergency treatment on your putting greens in short order could prove difficult given the business disruptions caused by COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ] and the growing scrutiny around golf course expenses.
Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Golf Courses During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
13. Security
STATEMENT –
Review Course Security Measures To
Safeguard Against Theft Or Vandalism
DETAILS –
In the event your golf course is required to close for an extended period of time, make sure that it is well-secured.
What type of security features do your maintenance facility, club house and other assets have in place ?
Will there be regular patrols to deter theft or vandalism ?
Managing A Golf Course During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
Conclusion
Golf course superintendents are being expected to reduce expenses while still providing a well-conditioned golf course, either for play now or when courses reopen.
Resource conservation ― whether we are talking about labor, water, or fuel ― has been a trend over the past several years, but the pressure has greatly intensified in light of recent developments.
Now is the time to really focus on what is truly important.
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Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus
Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Pandemic
April 3rd, 2020
United States Golf Association ( USGA )
Re : Chinese Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )
Selected And Adapted Excerpts
Reference –
FAQs For Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During COVID-19
Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Pandemic
Introduction
Maintenance activities are underway at nearly every golf course across the country.
However, many superintendents are being forced to maintain golf courses with only a handful of staff due to the spread of COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ].
To put things in perspective, it’s not uncommon for an average 18-hole golf course to have between 12 and 15 employees dedicated to course maintenance tasks during the season.
With a dramatic reduction in available labor, completing routine cultural practices can be a real challenge and superintendents will have to prioritize maintenance activities.
This article answers some frequently asked questions about reduced golf course maintenance during COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ].
The following are …
FAQs For Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis ―
FAQs For Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
1. Mowing Heights
QUESTION –
How High Can I Raise Mowing Heights For Greens, Tees,
& Fairways Without Causing Issues Down The Road ?
ANSWER –
With limited staff available for routine maintenance, mowing frequency and height of cut may need to be adjusted to save time.
Raising the height of cut on putting greens, tees, and fairways can extend the interval between mowing events.
However, if the turf grows too tall, playing conditions will deteriorate and restoring normal playability quickly will be difficult.
The highest possible height of cut for each primary playing surface is different for each course.
The maximum recommended heights of cut for key playing surfaces are approximately ―
Putting greens ― 0.187-inch
Fairways, approaches, & tees ― 0.750 to 1.00-inch
Again, these are basic guidelines.
One way to determine the maximum height of cut that is most appropriate for the fine turf areas at your course is to think about it in terms of percentages.
For fine turf areas, it would be prudent to only raise the normal mowing height by 20 per cent to 30 per cent.
Raising the mowing height by more than 30 per cent will likely require a gradual reduction over several weeks to resume mowing at your typical mowing heights without scalping and turf damage.
FAQs For Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
2. Plant Growth Regulators
QUESTION –
How Can I Use Plant Growth Regulators To Best
Suppress Growth & Reduce Mowing Requirements ?
ANSWER –
Plant Growth Regulators ( PGRs ) are valuable tools to reduce the growth rate of turf and to reduce the frequency of mowing.
To maximize their effectiveness, apply PGRs based on accumulated growing degree days ( GDDs ).
Applying PGRs at high label rates, shorter-than-recommended GDD intervals, or tank-mixing multiple products together, can offer increased growth suppression compared to traditional PGR programs.
However, it is difficult to predict if PGRs, even when applied with the various strategies just mentioned, will consistently allow putting greens to be left unmown for longer than three days and tees and fairways for longer than seven days.
With a small maintenance staff, applying PGRs more frequently than normal or to playing surfaces outside of greens might prove to be difficult.
It’s also important to remember that a rebound effect ― e.g., an increased clipping yield of approximately 20 per cent ― can occur if a PGR is not applied within the product-specific GDD interval.
Plant growth regulators can help to manage turf growth rates, but they need to be applied carefully and should be viewed as one of many tools to help manage turf growth.
LINKS –
LABEL — PRIMO MAXX PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR FOR TURF GROWTH MANAGEMENT ( trinexapac-ethyl )
LABEL — T-NEX 11.3 ME PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR FOR TURF GROWTH MANAGEMENT ( trinexapac-ethyl )
FAQs For Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
3. Nitrogen Fertilization
QUESTION –
How Much Can I Scale Back My
Nitrogen Fertility Program Without
Causing Problems Later In The Season ?
ANSWER –
Nitrogen fertility inputs should always match the recovery demands from traffic and the need to maintain a dense stand of turf.
If golfer traffic is significantly lower on your course, nitrogen inputs should be reduced proportionally.
On putting greens, reducing nitrogen inputs by 15 per cent to 25 per cent will help to carefully manage growth rates without significant concern of long-term impacts.
Fairways and rough are the largest maintained turfgrass areas on a course, so scaling back nitrogen inputs in these areas by 50 per cent or more will prove to be valuable because it will translate into a longer interval between time-consuming mowing events.
Monitoring the growth rate and clipping volume is always valuable, especially now as management inputs are geared toward reducing the need to mow turf.
FAQs For Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
4. Rough Areas
QUESTION –
How Should I Prioritize Mowing
Of Different Rough Areas ?
ANSWER –
Rough is generally the largest maintained turf area on a course, so these areas take the longest to mow.
Scaling-back rough mowing frequency is recommended, but not necessarily in all areas given the potential impact on play.
The green surrounds are the most important rough areas while tee surrounds are typically the least important.
As a result, the mowing interval for these areas should be different.
A green surround should be mown every seven to 10 days while a tee surround could probably be mown every 14 days without causing playability issues.
The primary rough around the fairways can be mown in the range of every 10 to 14 days to save labor resources.
Installing a graduated rough system, where the mower operator makes a few passes around the fairway more regularly ― e.g., the area approximately 15 to 20 feet from the edge of the fairway ― makes sense given the labor challenges many courses are facing.
The first cut of graduated rough could be mown every seven to 10 days while the rest of the rough could be mown on a longer interval, perhaps every 14 to 21 days depending upon the turf growth rate.
Raising the mowing height will make it easier to increase the mowing interval for rough.
However, a higher mowing height will likely yield pace-of-play challenges and more difficult playing conditions.
Unfortunately, these issues may be something that cannot be avoided in the short term.
FAQs For Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Chinese Coronavirus Crisis
5. Pest Management
QUESTION –
What Is The Biggest Priority For Managing
Weeds, Diseases, & Insects ?
ANSWER –
Plant protectant application timing is critical for controlling weeds, diseases and insects.
Smaller staff sizes will make it more challenging to apply these materials at the critical times.
Suppressing diseases and insects should take precedence over controlling weeds if you’re forced to make these types of decisions.
Summer grassy weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass, and sedges are unsightly and can compromise playing conditions, but there are some options for correcting these issues later on and weeds are typically not as destructive as diseases and insects.
That said, making at least one pre-emergence application for summer annual grassy weeds will be much more effective than post-emergence applications later on in the season.
Dealing With Reduced Maintenance During The Pandemic
Conclusions
One of the most challenging parts of maintaining a golf course during the COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ] pandemic is staying focused on keeping golf course turf healthy rather than focusing on playability.
Under normal circumstances, playing conditions and turf health are equally important; but we are in unprecedented times so the focus needs to be adjusted.
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Reference –
Minimum Maintenance For Golf Courses During COVID-19 Outbreak
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Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations For The Pandemic
April 1st, 2020
United States Centre For Disease Control ( US CDC )
Re : Chinese Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )
Selected And Adapted Excerpts
Reference –
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations For Coronavirus Disease 2019
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations For The Pandemic
Introduction
There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus ( SARS-CoV-2 ) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19, a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ).
Based on what is currently known about the virus and about similar coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts ( within about 6-feet ).
This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, but disease transmission via infectious aerosols is currently uncertain.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [ the Chinese Coronavirus ] to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented.
Transmission of coronavirus in general occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites.
Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 [ the Chinese Coronavirus ] may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.
Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 [ the Chinese Coronavirus ] and other viral respiratory illnesses in community settings.
It is unknown how long the air inside a room occupied by someone with confirmed COVID-19 [ the Chinese Coronavirus ] remains potentially infectious.
Facilities will need to consider factors such as the size of the room and the ventilation system design ( including flow-rate ― air changes per hour ― and location of supply and exhaust vents ) when deciding how long to close off rooms or areas used by ill persons before beginning disinfection.
Taking measures to improve ventilation in an area or room where someone was ill or suspected to be ill with COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ] will help shorten the time it takes respiratory droplets to be removed from the air.
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations For The Pandemic
Purpose
This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas occupied by those with suspected or with confirmed COVID-19 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ].
It is aimed at limiting the survival of SARS-CoV-2 [ the Chinese Coronavirus ] in key environments.
These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.
These guidelines are focused on community, non-healthcare facilities such as schools, institutions of higher education, offices, daycare centers, businesses, and community centers that do, and do not, house persons overnight.
These guidelines are not meant for cleaning staff in healthcare facilities or repatriation sites, households, or for others for whom specific guidance already exists.
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations For The Pandemic
Definitions
• Community facilities such as schools, daycare centers, and businesses comprise most non-healthcare settings that are visited by the general public outside of a household.
• Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing the germs, it decreases their number and therefore any risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting works by using chemicals, for example EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces any risk of spreading infection.
The following are …
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations After Persons Suspected / Confirmed To Have The Chinese Coronavirus Have Been In The Facility ―
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations
1. Timing & Location Of Cleaning & Disinfection Of Surfaces
At a school, daycare center, office, or other facility that does not house people overnight ―
• Close off areas visited by the ill persons. Open outside doors and windows and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area. Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection.
• Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
At a facility that does house people overnight ―
• Follow Interim Guidance for US Institutions of Higher Education on working with state and local health officials to isolate ill persons and provide temporary housing as needed.
• Close off areas visited by the ill persons. Open outside doors and windows and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area. Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection.
• In areas where ill persons are being housed in isolation, follow Interim Guidance for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection for US Households with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019. This includes focusing on cleaning and disinfecting common areas where staff / others providing services may come into contact with ill persons but reducing cleaning and disinfection of bedrooms / bathrooms used by ill persons to as-needed.
• In areas where ill persons have visited or used, continue routine cleaning and disinfection as in this guidance.
If it has been more than 7 days since the person with suspected / confirmed COVID-199 [ a.k.a. the Chinese Coronavirus ] visited or used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary.
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations
2. How To Clean & Disinfect Hard ( Non-Porous ) Surfaces
If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, application method and contact time, etc …
• Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions ( at least 1000 ppm sodium hypochlorite ) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing ―
• 5 tablespoons ( ⅓ cup ) bleach per gallon of water, or
• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations
3. How To Clean & Disinfect Soft ( Porous ) Surfaces
For soft ( porous ) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.
After cleaning ―
• If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations
4. How To Clean & Disinfect Electronics
For electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines, remove visible contamination if present.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
• Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.
• If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70 per cent alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations
5. How To Clean & Disinfect Linens, Clothing, & Other Items That Go In The Laundry
In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.
Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.
Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.
Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations
6. Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) & Hand Hygiene
The risk of exposure to cleaning staff is inherently low.
Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
• Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.
• Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning / disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
• Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.
• If gowns are not available, coveralls, aprons or work uniforms can be worn during cleaning and disinfecting. Reusable ( washable ) clothing should be laundered afterwards. Clean hands after handling dirty laundry.
Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill persons.
Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE such as a tear in gloves or any other potential exposures to their supervisor.
Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol may be used.
However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Additional key times to wash hands include ―
• After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After using the restroom
• Before eating or preparing food
• After contact with animals or pets
• Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance such as a child
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Maintaining Golf Courses In The Era Of The Chinese Coronavirus
Public Thinks We Are Treating The Grass For Pandemic
March 30th, 2020
Highlands Country Club
Re : Chinese Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )
Selected And Adapted Excerpts
Reference –
Thought We Were Treating The Grass For COVID 19
Public Thinks We Are Treating The Grass For Pandemic
Misunderstanding
… while applying a fungicide to the greens last week, the staff used the sprayer which comes with the protocol to wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ).
A walker on the course got excited when they thought we were treating the grass for the Chinese Coronavirus.
After explaining that we were simply applying a fungicide, she calmed down and went on her way.
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COVID-19
Responding To The Chinese Coronavirus
Explore the following links …
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Trade Associations
Positive Waves From The Golf Industry
Cordova Bay Golf Course
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A Look At …
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WE SPEAK THE WHOLE TRUTH
WHEN WE TAKE A LOOK AT …
GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE
FROM AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE
We are the National Organization Responding Against HUJE that conspire to destroy the Green space & other industries ( NORAHG ).
NORAHG is a non-profit & independent organization that reports on the work of several highly-rated leading experts who have recognized expertise, training, & backgrounds in matters concerning pest control products, & who promote environmental realism & pesticide truths.
NORAHG produces A Look At …on The Pesticide Truths Web-Site … https://pesticidetruths.com/
It is a series of reports & blogs providing TECHNICAL INFORMATION on issues such as ― • Career Management • Golf Course Maintenance • Green Alternatives • History Of The Turfgrass Industry • Lawn Care Maintenance • Summer Stress • Tree & Shrub Maintenance • Turfgrass Pests • Turfgrass Species.
A Look At … is destined for the Green Space Industry, nation-wide across Canada, the United States, and beyond.
A Look At … is committed to SOUND SCIENCE, as well as ground breaking original reporting that informs, entertains, & creates real change.
All information, excerpts, & pictures contained in A Look At … were retrieved from the Internet, & may be considered in the public domain.
The information presented in A Look At … is for preliminary planning.
Before making a final decision, the turf manager is expected to obtain trusted expert advice from extension specialists, local distributors and/or agronomists.
All decisions must take into account the prevailing growing conditions, the time of year, & the established management practices.
All products mentioned in A Look At … should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, & according to provincial, state, or federal law.
For the official advantages, benefits, features, precautions, & restrictions concerning any product, the turf manager must rely only on the information furnished by the manufacturer.
The mention of trade names does not constitute a guarantee or a warranty.
NORAHG also produces Force Of Nature, which dares to defy the pesticide-hating fanatжcs by exploring the whole truth from an independent perspective on The Pesticide Truths Web-Site … https://pesticidetruths.com/
A Look At …, Force Of Nature, & their various incarnations, was the brain-child of William H Gathercole ( now retired ) & his colleagues.
Here is a brief summary of Mr Gathercole’s career ―
FIELDS OF UNIVERSITY STUDY ― • Crop, Horticulture, & Turfgrass Sciences • Mathematics & Physics
ALMA MATERS ― • McGill University • University of Guelph • the first person ever to obtain bachelors of science degrees & contribute directly to both the professional lawn care & golf maintenance industries.
EXPERTISE ― • turf & ornamental maintenance & troubleshooting • history of the green space industry • sales & distribution of seeds, chemicals, fertilizers, & equipment • fertilizer manufacturing & distribution • environmental issues & anti-pesticide terrжrism.
NOTABLE ACTIVITIES ― • worked in virtually all aspects of the green space industry, including golf maintenance, professional lawn care, tree & shrub care, distribution, environmental compliance, government negotiations, public affairs, & workplace safety • the supervisor, consultant, & programmer for the successful execution of hundreds-of-thousands of management operations in the golf course & urban landscape, as well as millions of pest control applications • the advisor, instructor, & trainer for thousands of turf & ornamental managers & technicians • the pesticide certification instructor for thousands of industry workers • a founder of the modern professional lawn care industry • the prolific writer for industry publications, reports, & blogs • the first to confirm the invasion of European Chafer insects in both the Montreal region & the Vancouver / Fraser Valley region • with Dr Peter Dernoeden, the first to confirm the presence of Take All Patch as a disease of turf in Eastern Canada • with Dr David Shetlar, the first to confirm the presence of Kentucky Bluegrass Scale as an insect pest in south-western Ontario, & later, in the Montreal & Vancouver regions.
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ― • the creator of the Pesticide Ban Exception Status that allowed the golf industry to avoid being subjected to anti-pesticide prohibition for a generation • the creator of the signs that are now used for posting after application • the co-founder of annual winter convention for Quebec golf course superintendents • the founder of the first ever Turf Summit with featured guest-speaker Dr Jack L Eggens https://wp.me/p1jq40-7dT • the major influence in the decision by Canadian Cancer Society to stop selling-for-profit fresh pesticide-treated daffodils https://wp.me/P1jq40-1OW • the only true reliable witness of the events of anti-pesticide prohibition in the town of Hudson, Quebec https://wp.me/p1jq40-asu • the founder ( now retired ) of A Look At … & Force Of Nature reports & blogs.
NOTABLE AWARD ― • the first man-of-the-year for contributions leading to the successful founding of the Quebec professional lawn care trade association, which served as a beach-head against anti-pesticide activists in the 1980s & 1990s.
LEGACIES ― Mr Gathercole & his colleagues … • designed & implemented strategies that reined anti-pesticide activists & provided peace & prosperity for the entire modern green space industry for a generation • orchestrated legal action against anti-pesticide activists in the town of Hudson, Quebec • launched the largest founding professional lawn care business in the nation • quadrupled the business revenues of one of the largest suppliers in the nation.
Mr Gathercole is now retired, although his name continues to appear as the founder of A Look At … & Force Of Nature reports & blogs.
We dare to defy by exploring the whole truth from an independent perspective on The Pesticide Truths Web-Site … https://pesticidetruths.com/
We are the National Organization Responding Against HUJE that conspire to destroy the Green space and other industries ( NORAHG ).
If you wish to receive free reports & blogs on issues that concern you, please contact us at … force.of.de.nature@gmail.com WILLIAM H GATHERCOLE AND NORAH G
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