Turf Research Double Shot - 2016 Contributors so far and Project Funding Announcement

The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show.  At that time, we receive contributions from allied organizations like the BC Golf Superintendents Association and Kwantlen University Turf Club along with revenues generated from our Silent Auction and other fundraisers.

Every WCTA member contributes too!  Unique to our association, 10% of member dues go directly toward research project funding right off the top.

Money raised this year will be directed toward turf research projects next year.  Where the dollars go is decided by the research committee based on a carefully developed list of turf management industry priorities (see below).  

Sincere thanks must go to the organizations, companies and individuals who have made generous contributions to turf research through both donations and supporting events and functions. 

2017 Silent Auction - $5211
Kwantlen University Turf Club raffle proceeds - $4010
BCGSA Annual contribution - $1250
Irrigation Association - $150
Olds College - $150
Jeff Hoyem - $100

So far this year, $21,256 has been raised and we're closing in on last year's total of $24,614.  Any help achieving our goal of $25,000 is highly appreciated!

2016 Project Funding Announcement
Based on funds raised in 2015, cash available to the Research Committee for 2016 projects is $13,598. As recommended by the Research Committee, the WCTA Board is pleased to announce $17,000 in approved 2016 Turf Research project funding as follows (difference will be made up from reserves):

Project Title: Canadian Turf Research Foundation Cooperative Funding The CTRF collects and distributes research monies much like the WCTA but on a National Scale.  We have contributed to this collaborative approach to research funding annually since 1992. 
PROJECT LENGTH:   multiple projects / varies
WCTA COMMITMENT:   $4,000
See http://www.turfresearchcanada.ca/current-research for list of current research projects.

Project Title: Evaluation of Alternative Management Strategies to Reduce or Eliminate the Use of Fungicides for Control of Microdochium Patch, Oregon State University More money is spent on fungicides to control Microdochium patch than any other turfgrass disease in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest United States. Turfgrass managers continue to be scrutinized when it comes to pesticide use for the control of problematic turf pests. This project will evaluate cultural practices as well as new alternative products that have shown potential to control Microdochium patch. Each component will be evaluated individually and upon completion of the two year research project be integrated into a complete management program for the control of Microdochium patch with the intent of greatly reducing or eliminating fungicide use.
PROJECT LENGTH:   2 years
WCTA COMMITMENT:   $15,000 USD or approx. $21,000 CDN (50/50 split with OTRF with each group contributing $10,500)
TOTAL PROJECT VALUE: $30,000 USD

Project Title: Investigation of the Okanagan Valley Resident Canada Goose Sub-population to Assist with Strategic Goose Management Our goal is to investigate the resident (i.e. non-migratory) sub-population of Canada geese that reside within the Okanagan Valley. Our study will help determine how geese use the valley spatially and temporally. In doing so we expect to discover a) if the population is closed (e.g. new geese do not immigrate into or emigrate from the population, and population growth occurs from locally nesting birds), b) if the goose population seasonally fluctuates due to migration patterns of non-resident geese (e.g. do migratory Canada geese that have nested in northern Canada boost the valley sub-population during spring and fall migration or winter?), and c) if the valley goose sub-population uses the entire valley or if geese restrict their movements to specific areas (e.g. do geese in specific communities use only the respective community region or do they migrate along the valley and to what extent?). Understanding these questions will be extremely advantageous to designing and implementing management techniques to alleviate conflict with resident Canada geese and reduce goose-related damage and management costs.
PROJECT LENGTH:   1 year
WCTA COMMITMENT:   $2,500
TOTAL PROJECT VALUE: $2,500

We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who serve tirelessly on our Research Committee:  

Peter Sorokovsky - City of Burnaby (Chair)
David Davidson - Kwantlen Polytechnic University
David Duncan - THP Co. (WCTA Past President)
David Woodske - BC Ministry of Agriculture
Dr. Brian Holl - Lamorna Enterprises
Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) 
Jim Ross - Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre (retired) 
Thaddeus Lalley - Everett Golf and Country Club (Northwest Turfgrass Association Representative)

Current Turfgrass Research Priorities:

• Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices
• Soil and root-zone management, best management practices
• Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides
• Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage)
• Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests
• Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas
• Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance

 Thank you to all those who have contributed to our turf research program!