A call to action in Montana

When GCSAA enacted the Grassroots Ambassadors program, the idea was to engage our members and get them to become involved in local and national issues that can affect the way we do our jobs. It was a very large undertaking but today we are seeing the benefits all across the country. Most recently, in Montana, we saw success in a huge way.
After RISE contacted Lori Russell and informed her of the pending neonic legislation, Dane Gamble, Rick Hathaway and GCSAA Past President Pete Grass, CGCS, jumped into action. When I reflect on the activities that ensued, a few words come to mind: advocacy, mentorship, and leadership. Between the three, each of the individuals brought their strengths to the table and served their industry well. When it was all said and done, everything worked out in our favor. The following is a recap written by Pete Grass, CGCS, following the event.
Peter Grass, CGCS
On Thursday, February 23, Peaks & Prairies GCSA was notified by GCSAA Government Affairs Specialist Michael Lee of Senate Bill 247 in the Montana State Legislature. The bill called for an “Act Creating The Saving Montana’s Pollinators Act; Prohibiting The Outdoor Use Of Neonicotinoid Insecticides….”
Peaks & Prairies Executive Director Lori Russell reached out to her board and Montana’s GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors along with myself as GCSAA's immediate past president, asking what should we do about this bill? The reaction was to try to educate ourselves and oppose the bill. We learned that a hearing on the bill would take place the following Tuesday in front of the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee. With help from Dave Phipps, GCSAA Northwest Region Field Staff representative, industry information about the past pollinator issues and current status of research and regulations were shared to help prepare arguments against the bill.

Three superintendents, Rick Hathaway, Dane Gamble and I volunteered to attend the hearing and spoke in opposition to the bill in person at the State Capitol in Helena. During the hearing, there were five proponents and 20 opponents registered in the audience. The sponsor, Senator Phillips opened by speaking about his bill and why he felt it was a good thing. Those in the audience were able to give testimony, the committee members asked a few questions and then Sen. Phillips gave closing comments to the committee.

Pete Grass, CGCS. Rick Hathaway and Dane Gamble

We left that evening not knowing what may happen based on the testimony given and the issue this has been worldwide. The important thing was that those of us representing “golf” had our chance to speak to how we use that class in chemistry in doing our jobs, and what that means to our industry. Prior to the hearing, we were able to meet the Committee Chair and he shared that constituents showing up in person to testify does get noticed.

A couple days after, we learned that the bill was amended by the committee and retitled “Require a State Pollinator Report” with a few new points to be carried out and, most importantly to us, no neonic ban, by a 7-6 vote.

Last Friday night, we learned that the full Senate voted on the amended bill which failed to pass on a tie vote then was subsequently tabled indefinitely by a 31-19 vote. Most likely, this issue is done for the next two years, at least.

The main take-home from all of this is that taking action to stop something you believe is not good legislation is important and getting positive results such as this can be achieved if you show up and act. Having additional support from those who could not attend in person by letters and email was very helpful also.
I couldn’t have been more pleased with the way the members of the Peaks & Prairies GCSA jumped into action. When GCSAA set out to organize a Grassroots Ambassador network. This is exactly the outcome that we intended it to have. Dane, especially, stood out by bringing along Rick and Pete, who had never been to a committee hearing. In an email from Rick Hathaway to the group, Rick wrote:
Dane,
Thanks for taking us newbies in the process under your wing and being such an invaluable mentor for Pete and I who had never attended any sort of legislative function at the Capitol.
Beyond the fact you are such an incredibly educated upstanding citizen and role model for how we can all make a difference, I appreciate the incredible asset you are to our industry and association.
Since I am writing personal accolades…  Pete’s commitment to our industry is humbling.  Thank you for your measured and eloquent leadership.
While everyone involved deserves a sincere thank you, it was my unique experience to watch these two in action in Helena.  Once again, humbling is the only word that comes to mind.
The group’s efforts were noticed by others as well. Frank Wong from Bayer Environmental wrote:
You all are THE BEST!!! I am humbled and appreciative that Doug and I can provide trusted information on this issue.
Coming from the University, the legislative arena is highly frustrating, science doesn’t always win – but persistent representation often does; so I really appreciate the time and efforts you spend above and beyond the 60+ hour work weeks.
Thank you again for all of your efforts,
Frank