‘MAILBOX Benefits of turfgrass extensive Dear Editor: Bob Hunter’s June 7 column “Lawnmower Man: Trying to go green in the suburbs’’ caught my eye. The humorous writing style was most entertaining, but camou- flaged content that could be in- terpreted to reinforce some popu- lar misconceptions. Although Mr. Hunter never directly states it, one could easily make the improper assumption that quality turfgrass is a result of extensive chemical pesticide use. The professional turf manager considers a chemical pesticide ap- plication to be the final line of defence, the !ast stop in integrated pest management. Chemical con- trol methods are preceded by a list of cultural and biological Management practices, far too long to list here. Our goal is to keep damaging insects, weeds and diseases at or below a threshold level that is agronomically acceptable. There is substantial environmental and economic incentive to avoid chem- ical management tools. It was analyzed quité accurately in the N.S. News last year by Geoff Tobiasson in his article, ‘Now that the Golf War is over.’’ He wrote: ‘‘Golf courses do not sely on the use of pesticides to McDougall decision reasonable Deas Editor: In contrast to what Noel Wright claims, Barbara McDougall! deserves much credit for taking a principalled position and not the politically expedient one, by not demanding the extradition from Brazil to Canada of Christine Lamont and David Spencer. - In examining the case it is evi- dent correct judicial proceedings, corresponding to our own, were followed. Brazii is no banana republic, as the ignorant often claim. If the same. case came bé- fore our courts, the outcome would likely to the same, though with a shorter prison sentence given. The outcry over this ‘case is a good example of outrage.”” Because the victim was a niil- lionaire businessman and the kid- nappers self-proclaimed social reformers the case has great polit- ical and media value. Many Ca- nadians overseas are jail sentences for marijuana and hashish use -— there is no outcry over their plights ‘‘because they deserve it."?~ Stay the course, McDougall. Christopher Lambert North Vancouver BUILD WITH. CONFIDENCE New Homes & Renovations Consultation Design Estimates Barbara Professional Builders “selective given long . solve their problems. The huge investment involved demands that their turfgrass management pro- gram be run by well-trained pro- fessionals. These university educated superintendents under- stand that the first line of defence against weeds and disease is healthy grass.”* Which may bring us to the real point here — chemicals being abused, and over-used, by unlicensed and unqualified ap- plicators (the *thomeowner’’), as Hunter suggests. The benefits of turfgrass are ex- tensive and well documented and were accurately summarized recently in another News article of *“exploiter, of kids’’ label, April 24. I's an important part of the environmenta! *‘solution.”” So if Hunter and his ncighbors want quality Jawns ic contribute to their *tenvirsnmentally friendly lifestyle,°’ it is probably time to consult with a professional tucf manager (not to be confused with a service that is remunerated on a per-chemical application basis). In the bargain, he’d avoid that and it might even cost him fess than the five cents per dandelion that he's currently paying his daughter! Jim McGarvey Golf course superintendent North Vancouver Recycling staff commended Dear Editor: We receatiy purchased garden comsosiers for $25 on a “limited offer’’ from North Shore Recycling Program (NSRP) j. The composters have since been put to work and we've found them to be sturdy and efficient, particularly when considering the low cost in- volved. What most impressed us, though, was the extremely effi- cient way iz: which the NSRP staff hanced the traffic on the two pick-ug days for the com- posters (#4ay 30 and 31). The origiaal offer was for 1,000 coznposters. Due to the excellern. response the limit was raised ter 2,108. In view of the small area dehind Capilano Nurseries, what could have been a traffic nightmare was instead quite “clear sailing.’’ The way into the pick-up depot was clearly marked with signs, pylons and with clear instructions at the entrance. We did not even have to step out of the car to load the composters, as this was done for us. The NSRP staff are to be commended for their foresight and for their wonderful organizational skills, not to mention the cheerful and friendly manner with which we CUSTOM DRAPERIES AND VALANCES labour $7.50 per pancl ‘ moalined, $8.50 lined CUSTOM BEDSPREADS AND COVERS Low. ‘low prices on blinds and tracks For FREE Estimates Call 987-2966 Serving the North Shore for 22 years - ADVERTISERS | LEGACY OF GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY “Qur Town” is a special ‘supplement of the North Shore News designed to document and celebrate the industrial & commercial heart of the North Shore for both residents and our many visitors. ADVERTISING DEADLUNE: JULY 10 RUN DATE: JULY 26 Wednesday, July 1, 1992 ~ North Shore News - 7 For Home or Outdoors 8 IDEAL FOR USE IN 3 THE HOME, COTTAGE OR ON THE BOAT REGULAR PRICE 19.88 EACH KIT Enter Our “Westen Canada Beautifel” Photo Contest CONTEST DETAILS IN-STORE, ENTER TODAY, ENTER OFTEN. 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