Green Section
In 1999, area Superintendents were facing new regulatory mandates that would impact all of the golfing community. To help shape these policies Superintendents were often forced into the political arena individually. There was a need to unite all of the parties involved with the game of golf and work as a team.
Curt Riley and Jay Dougherty were approached by some of these concerned Superintendents to form such a group. The result was the Green Section operating within the DSGA.
The goals of this Green Section are two-fold:
- Monitor governmental actions on the state, county and local levels for actions that impact the golf industry.
- Participate with those governmental entities so that any regulatory or statutory actions do not negatively impact golf courses.
The two major issues that were initially monitored were the new Nutrient Management regulations and the restrictions imposed during periods of emergency drought declarations. Through the diligent work of the Green Section, a Superintendent currently sits on each of these commissions; Paul Stead, CGCS serves on the Water Supply Coordinating Council, and Bud O'Neill, CGCS serves on the Nutrient Management Commission.
The Green Section has also been busy promoting the environmental benefits of golf courses. In partnership with the DSGA, Delaware has become the first state to achieve 100% participation with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP). The State's 36 Superintendents have all supported this program and with the help of the DSGA they will continue this successful program each year.