The 1989 National Conference of the American Society of Irrigation Consultants was held recently in San Luis Obispo, California. The meeting was widely acclaimed as a huge success by all who attended.

Technical seminars ranged from “Construction Law for the Irrigation Designer,” “Contract Risk Management” and “Errors and Omissions Insurance” to “California Landscape Water Management Program” and “Helping Busy Relationships Work Smoothly.” In addition, landscape architects from diverse parts of the United States representing the chapter areas discussed what they need and would like to have from an irrigation consultant.

The Annual ASIC Awards Banquet was a highlight of the event. Chet Sarsfield was presented the 1989 Industry Achievement Award for outstanding contributions, dedication and service. Sarsfield was a co-founder of the American Society of Irrigation Consultants and is marking his 40th year in the irrigation industry.

Other major awards included presentations to the Associate Members of the Year of the ASIC chapters: Bryan Juwig, Arizona; John Inman, Colorado; Joe DePiano, Northern California; and Don Pagano, Southern California.

Social activities ranged from golf to beach parties and tours to Hearst Castle. The Conference was sponsored by the Northern California Chapter of ASIC and was chaired by Gloria Stultz of Hunter Industries. Next year’s Conference will be sponsored by the Arizona Chapter of ASIC. It will be held in Phoenix in October of 1990.

ASGCA

American Society of Golf Course Architects

“A member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects is one by virtue of his knowledge of the game, training, experience, vision and inherent ability, is in all ways qualified to design and prepare specifications for a course of functional and aesthetic perfection,” states Paul Fullmer, Executive Secretary of American Society of Golf Course Architects.

“He is further qualified to execute and oversee the implementation of his plans and specifications to create an enjoyable layout that challenges golfers of all abilities and exemplifies the highest standards and traditions of golf. He will counsel in all phases of the work to protect the best interest of his client,” adds Fullmer.

Dick Taylor to Receive Donald Ross Award from American Society of Golf Course Architects

Richard S. (Dick) Taylor, editor and vice president of Golf World magazine, has been selected by the American Society of Golf Course Architects to receive its 1989 Donald Ross Award.

The ASGCA will present the Ross Award to Taylor at a special banquet on Monday, April 3, during its annual meeting at the Pinehurst Hotel in Pinehurst, NC.

ASGCA President Pete Dye stated that Taylor was being honored by the Society for his “more than 40 years of outstanding golf writing, particularly for noting the contributions the country’s golf course architects have made to the game by constantly striving to provide the best possible courses for the golfing public.

IECA

The Transfer of Environmental Technology: The International Erosion Control Association

On February 14-17, 1990 the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) will host its 21st annual conference and trade exposition. Participants will assemble at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C., for what has become the premier forum for addressing worldwide erosion and its control. A diverse group of professionals from around the world will share practical experience in resource conservation and review the latest developments in erosion control technology.

But the involvement of the IECA in environmental issues does not end with the midwinter conference: In fact, the meeting signals the beginning of an entire year of activity by the membership in resource conservation, preservation and restoration work around the world. This past year, members’ activities, after the Vancouver, B.C. Conference (the first IECA meeting outside the United States), illustrated the depth of the organization’s involvement in environmental education.

First European Symposium

The first European Symposium of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) was held at Regents College, Regents Park, London, April 21, 1989 on the occasion of the formation of the European Chapter of the IECA. Hosting the Symposium on behalf of the IECA was James Thomson of Jason Consultants, IECA European Board Member.

The one-day Symposium on “Soil Erosion and Its Control” brought together some of the most recent research and technical expertise in Europe in the form of speakers Mervyn Bramley, Nick Coppin, Professor Roy Margan, Dr. Daniele Cazzuffi, Ben Simpson, Peter Rankilor, Dr. Terence Ingold, Alistair Luke, and Dr. Piero Sembenelli. Carol Forrest, Past President of the IECA, presented a paper on the United States perspective on erosion control. In addition to the papers, there were 17 exhibitors and 100 enthusiastic attendees, providing discussions on the topic from different experiences and perspectives.

The European Chapter, launched on the same day as the Symposium, offered a close-to-home platform for industry professionals in Europe who were concerned about the erosion problems facing Europeans. Letters of support for the European Chapter were read from Margaret Thatcher’s office, the Aga Khan, and from Massimo Ciarla, the current IECA President.