Superintendents in New York are losing a valuable tool in the fight against insect pests in golf course turf.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday, Dec. 22 signed into law legislation A.7640/S.1856-A, known as the Birds and Bees Protection Act. The legislation is intended to protect pollinators by restricting the use of neonicotinoids containing clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran or acetamiprid on turf; coated corn, soybean and wheat seeds in agriculture; and outdoor ornamental plants. The law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027. The three-year delay allows for "sufficient time for innovative research on alternatives and the development of more cost-effective products that are less harmful to the environment. After this period, the use of neonicotinoids will be subject to science-based evaluations and waiver provisions to assist farm and agriculture operations in the transition to this new program," according to Hochul's office.
In October, Tom Kaplun, superintendent at North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington, as well as vice president of the New York State Turfgrass Association and government affairs chair for the Long Island GCSA, told TurfNet that he had hoped science would prevail and the measure would be amended to grant an exemption for use on golf turf.
"Golf courses in New York State were very disappointed to see the governor sign the Birds and the Bees which will take away imidacloprid from us at the end of 2026," Kaplun said. "Superintendents associations around the state in conjunction with GCSAA, the New York State Turfgrass Association and the New York Green Industry Council have worked tirelessly over the last few years to demonstrate the integral role imidacloprid plays in battling white grubs and the ways in which we use it while minimizing any potential risks. We applauded the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for making imidacloprid restricted use in 2023. The same was signed into law in California this past year and applauded by the Natural Resource Defense Council. But in NY, the steps taken by the NYS DEC, the governing body of pesticides in NYS, were not enough for environmental groups like the NRDC."
Kaplun explained how hard he and his colleagues throughout New York have worked to develop and follow science-based best management practices for use of neonicotinoids and other pesticides and fertilizers in the quest to be responsible environmental stewards.
"While we are all united in our efforts to protect pollinators and keep the environment as safe and clean as possible there are many misconceptions surrounding neonictonoid use that are just not true," Kaplun said. "It is disappointing that sound science was not used in this decision making for continued use on golf courses and that legislators continue to drive decision making and policies that should be left to the NYS DEC. Golf course superintendents and industry professionals in NYS will continue to work with legislators and the governor's office to demonstrate that protecting NYS's natural resources and environmental stewardship is at the forefront of our decision making while managing the vast green space and outdoor activity that golf allows for so many in NYS."
Neither the New York legislature nor the governor shared that view.
"By signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act, New York is taking a significant stride in protecting our kids, environment and essential pollinators," Hochul said in a news release from her office. "This law underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem while we prioritize sustainable farming and agricultural practices."
Legislation A.7640/S.1856-A was sponsored by Assemblymember Deborah Glick and State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
"Limiting toxins that pose adverse effects and health risks is an essential step forward to stop poisoning the environment and create a healthier New York," Glick said in a news release. "I applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of our pollinators and our environment and signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act."