Demand Management Measures Independent Technical Panel November 19, 2014 Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance ® Russ F. Nicholson, CPAg, CCA
Formed in 2010 by direct competitors Qualify turfgrasses that demonstrate statistically significant water saving capabilities over conventional varieties Relies on 3 rd party peer review of objective data to make qualifications 61 Members Internationally 14 Members in CA, 7 Government, 4 Industry, 3 University Currently running 14 trials in 13 locations Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance ® (TWCA ®)
Active Ambassador for the TWCA o Work with the Program Administrator on membership issues o Represent the TWCA at trade meetings, field days & trade shows, and in s peaking engagements o Work closely with the TWCA Research Cooperators Senior Agronomist with TWCA & Pennington Seed My Role Russ F. Nicholson, CPAg, CCA
Benefits of Turfgrass FunctionalRecreationalAesthetic Low cost surfaces Physical health Mental health Safety cushion Spectator environment Beauty Quality of life Mental health Social harmony Community pride Increased property values Complements trees and shrubs in landscape Water conservation is a serious issue Oxygen Production Soil Erosion Control Dust Prevention Rain Water Entrapment Heat Dissapation Glare Reduction Fire Prevention Security Pollutant Entrapment Pest Reduction Environmental Protection Carbon Sequestration
TWCA’s approach to landscape water conservation? Qualify grasses that require up to 50% less water o Utilizing objective data collection vs. subjective o Results reviewed through 3 rd party peer process Educate the livegoods industry about the water saving potential of TWCA qualified grasses o Through a curriculum and outreach program that includes university field days, webinars, and presentations Educate end users about Best Management Practices for water Conservation o Through a curriculum and outreach program that includes, working with water districts, university field days, webinars, and presentations
The Light Box
Evaluations Visual quality ratings (bi-weekly) (1-9 with 9 = optimal turfgrass quality, 6 = acceptable turf) Cover analysis using digital images (weekly) (Richardson et al. 2001) 99.2% green turf cover 28.6% green turf cover
Assuming a 5,000 square foot lawn, this chart shows the amount of water required to maintain 40% green cover at 90 days in Albany, Oregon. (08/09)
Conservation communication to membership and affected stakeholders? Newsletters Statement Stuffers Videos Field Days Webinars Booklets Recommendations Speaking engagements
Successes achieved to achieve landscape water conservation goals and objectives? Standardized protocols for turfgrass testing based on 3 rd party peer review of objective data Qualification of over 60 turfgrass varieties demonstrating statistically significant water savings potential Growing membership by over 300% in 7 months Including 27 University researchers across North America Increased awareness in the Government section Development of education program for outreach to the green sector and beyond
Current challenges to achieve conservation goals and objectives Internal to Organization Manpower – TWCA is still fairly young and relatively small Consistency - Maintaining a consistent message to our members and municipalities over time Market challenges in supplying water conserving live goods External to Organization Outdated beliefs about turfgrasses Cultural Practices
Anticipated challenges to achieve conservation goals and objectives Internal to Organization Potential for internal strife Continued manpower challenges Market challenges in supplying water conserving livegoods External to Organization Underinformed decision making processes Cultural practices
Conservation practices you recommend to the ITP State of California join the TWCA Implement TWCA qualification standards for all turfgrasses in the state Recognize TWCA qualified varieties as water saving varieties eligible for lawn replacement rebates Require TWCA qualification for all turfgrasses installed in the managed landscape