News:
June 22, 2009	Register Today for the 43rd Annual Fall Field Day! Be sure to register today for the 43rd Annual Fall Field Day.  There is limited space available, so get your registration in early  To register, please click here!
June 9, 2009	Congratulations to Greg Holden, Superintendent of the Clear Lake Golf Course and Vice President of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association Winnipeg:  The Manitoba Eco-Network is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Manitoba Eco-Network Environmental Award. The award is given “in recognition of significant contributions to the protection and awareness of Manitoba’s environment”. Since 1990, it has been a way for the environmental community to salute the often unsung heroes who do so much to make our world a better place. Greg Holden, Superintendent of the Clear Lake Golf Course is the winner in the “Special” category. Greg was nominated by Celes Davar, of Earth Rhythms, an eco-tourism provider in Riding Mountain National Park. Greg has led the operation of the Golf Course and restaurant at Clear Lake for 16 years, transforming it from a conventional pesticide and fertilizer-laden, waste-stream driven course to a model of sustainability, innovation and recycling. The conversion stems from Greg’s personal commitment to the health of the planet – he has also been a certified organic garlic grower, built his own energy efficient home, and provides sustainability presentations to Riding Mountain visitors. Innovative features of the golf course include: the use of composting toilets and a digester to minimize waste, create a resource for natural fertilization of the course, and eliminate the requirement for 300,000 gallons of groundwater for conventional flushing; use of compost teas and a variety of natural and biological controls for weeds and fungi; over the past several years, diversion of about 10,000 litres of waste cooking oil from area restaurants as a biodiesel source for golf course vehicles and tractors; composting of all kitchen waste, grass clippings and leaf debris for use on the course and in the herb gardens; and use of native species for plantings around the golf course. As Greg embarks next year on a term as President of the Canadian Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, he will be taking the examples and lessons learned at Clear Lake to a national audience – one that needs to hear his message of sustainability for this popular sport. NB: Released by the Manitoba Eco-Networks for distribution.
Dec 2, 2008	Update On EBR # 010-5080 The CGSA has submitted a letter to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment regarding the EBR posting #010-5080 concerning the implementation of Bill 64. CGSA has worked closely with the other members of the Ontario Allied Golf Associations to prepare materials and distribute them to the golf industry and golfers across the province.  It is important that Superintendets send a letter to Mr. Bilyea to help in achieving the changes that the OAGA has requested. To see a a copy of the CGSA submission to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and for the additional materials, click here. There you will see a “call to action” for all Ontario superintendents and a sample letter which you can use to compose your response.  Please be sure to have your response in to Mr. Bilyea by December 22, 2008.
Nov 13, 2008	Response to EBR # 010 – 5080 - Draft Regulation to Implement the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, 2008 In June of this year, the Provincial Government passed the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, 2008 (Bill 64).  A significant effort on the part of the golf sector in Ontario was made to ensure that the Provincial Government recognized that the use of approved pest control products by golf courses was not a “cosmetic use”.  Despite significant pressure and much debate to the contrary, the golf industry was given an exception in Bill 64, thanks in large measure, to the efforts of golfers and industry representatives and professionals like yourself.  The current EBR posting outlines the conditions that will be imposed upon golf courses to implement the exception provided in Bill 64. The Ontario Allied Golf Associations (OAGA) continue to work together to address golf industry interests with respect to Bill 64.  The recently released draft regulation (EBR 010 – 5080) is currently being reviewed by representatives from the RCGA, NGCOA, OGSA and CGSA and a response to the EBR posting should be available for distribution to the members of the OAGA associations by early December.  Please review the OAGA submission when it is distributed and forward a letter of support for the OAGA response to Robert Bilyea, Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry of the Environment and to your local MPP.  Every letter of support that can be provided for the OAGA recommendations will be helpful in achieving the desired results.  The members of the OAGA thank you for your previous support with respect to this important matter and encourage you to continue to assist us in our efforts to secure the ability for all of us to properly manage our businesses and the environment.  Please look for the OAGA submission to be available in early December for your review.  If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact Ken Cousineau, CGSA (905) 602-8873 ext. 222; Julie Dionne, RCGA  (905) 849-9700; Jarrod Barakett, OGSA (519) 650-5310 or Vince Kishimoto, NGCOA (905) 826-6790.
Sept 15, 2008	CGSA Announces 2008 Awards Winners   Click here to see the press release.
Aug 1, 2008	Keeping the Green in Canada: A History of Golf Course Management by: Gordon Witteveen        Gordon Witteveen's lastest release "Keeping the Green in Canada" is the third instalment of his trilogy.  This book deals with Golf in Canada from the day it was first played to today's methods and those who currently work in the industry.  "Keeping the Green In Canada" also provides the history of the CGSA, how it has grown and contributes to the industry today.     The official launch of Gord Witteveen's book will be on September 15th at the CGSA 42nd Annual Fall Field Day.  Gordon will be on hand to sign his newest book!!    To order your copy of Gord's book, click here.
July 24, 2008	St. Charles Country Club to Host 2009 Fall Field Day The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) is pleased to announce that the 2009 Fall Field Day will be held at the historic St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  "The is one of our Association's most significant annual events", says Robert Burrows, AGS, MS, CGCS, CGSA President and Superintendent at Banff Springs Golf Club at the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort in Banff, Alberta.  "This event brings together many of our members from across the country to contest for our national championship.  It is a time to compete, network on important association issues and learn from one another in a setting that promotes fair play and camaraderie."  To view the press release, click here.