Myths about golf in Klánovice

Sunday, 15 July 2007 23:08

If you speak to the various supporters of the construction of the golf course in Klánovice Forest, you will find that they speak a similar language.  They frequently use the same phrases and verbal arguments, which make them immediately recognizable.  Many of these arguments, however, are inaccurate and misleading.  We would like to bring the facts back to the straight and narrow in the following article:

I. History of golf in Klánovice 

Myth 1:  Golf in the First Republic

The First Republic refers to the Republic of Czechoslovakia in the period from its inception in 1918 to the Munich Agreement of 1938.  The Munich Agreement, or rather the disappearance of the original Czechoslovak democratic state, was signed on the 29th September 1938. The Klánovice golf course had been opened in August 1938.  In this context the term "First Republic" can only be used with great exaggeration and golf should perhaps rather be linked to "the period around World War II".  The very operation of the Klánovice golf course was quite directly affected by the loss of courses in Mariánske Lazne and Karlovy Vary after the annexation of the Sudeten area by the Germans, by the very nature of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and by the emergence of post-war communist power.

The truth is that the operation of the golf course during the war was not interrupted, only restricted.  The course had been converted to a field hospital and golf was only secretly played on 6 holes out of 9, not on the 3 nearest the clubhouse - due to the German presence.  Play became even more secretive and risky after the assassination of Heydrich, as the sport was officially banned.  After the war, in 1950, golf was banned a second time by the communist regime.  So the whole history of the Klánovice golf course involves 13 years, of which 7 years were years of war.  Until this year, therefore, the game in Klánovice was played for 13 years and not played for a total of 57 years. 

Myth 2:  The existence of an 18-hole golf course

An 18-hole golf course in Klánovice remained forever in the planning stages.  The course was gradually expanded, but never completed.  A 9-hole golf course opened in 1938 and 6 holes operated during the war, 3 were restored and 3 new holes were established after the war - that is, a total of 12 holes.  The remaining 6 of the second 9 holes, however, were never completed or operated.  The prepared greens were ploughed in even before their seeding.

Myth 3:  If it were not for the communists, golf in Klánovice would be operating today

Yes, and if the Motolská hospital had not been built, golf would never have arrived in Klánovice!  And if World War I had not happpened, probably not even the Czech Republic would exist.  And if Václav Klán had not come along in 1878 with an enlightened business plan and not bought land there would also be no Klánovice.  History cannot be changed, there is no ‘if only’.  

We recognize that the communist regime may have caused irreparable injustice to the development of golf in Klánovice and to the people involved in it.  The truth is, that if it had not also been for the new social aggresiveness of some members of the local Jana Šverma Sokol unit ,who were active on the course after 1948, it could have stayed a golf course for many years, such as the nearby golf course in Líšnice (founded in 1928).

However things may have evolved, today we live in a different Klánovice.  It is not possible to correct one wrong with another by imposing it on the new residents of today's Klánovice. 

Myth 4: The renewal of the golf course will be a reminder of a famous chapter in Klánovice history

The Klánovice golf course operated in the years 1938 to 1950.  One could think hard about what glorious era of Klánovice or of he Czech nation the renewal of the golf course would indeed recall?  This period belongs rather to a sad chapter of our history.  At least for most people.  At the start of course construction, our state had changed to the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, first in the Sudeten in 1938 and 6 months later in Prague.  After a short breath in 1946, the 1948 putsch recalls the course’s short life, when the installation of communism to power became fatal for the golf course.  

Myth 5:  The course is significantly associated with the beginnings of Czech golf and with the person of Jan Masaryk

The beginnings of Czechoslovak golf are traced back to the years 1904 (in Karlovy Vary) and 1905 (in Mariánské Lázně).  Only in 1926 did the Golf Club, with a course in the Prague suburb of Motol, come into existence.  The press agushed at that time: "The course was not built, but was obtained as part of an appropriate landscape, requiring only essential adjustments" regarding the sensitive building of courses. The Club was run by an English trainer and Jan Masaryk, who was then Ambassador to England, was elected Honorary Chairman.

The Klánovicke golf course was built in 1938 - after a difficult search for land - in compensation for the Motol golf course needing to make way for the construction of a future hospital.  The development of this new course was by no means as sensitive and it was necessary to fell a forest, at that time not state-owned, but one in private hands.  We have no reports on whether Masaryk personally attended the opening, but it is certain that several days later he was to commence his years-long residence outside of Czechoslovakia in an exile government.  We can hardly speculate his feelings associated with the opening of the Klánovice course.

After a brief solo existence - caused by the loss of the four oldest Czechoslovak courses to Germany and the new Slovakia, as well as in the brief post-war period before the Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně courses were restored - the course in Klánovice was ploughed under and reforested.  This was the result of political skirmishes in the Jan Šverma Sokol unit, between the parties who organised the playing of golf there after 1948 and those inclined to side with  the growing negative attitude of the regime to this sport.

Rather than recalling the glorious past of Czech golf, Klánovice is more likely to remind one of golf’s swan song and a sad chapter of our history.  The person of Jan Masaryk as Honorary Chairman is associated primarily with Golf Club Praha and with the origins of golf in Motol in 1928. As are other personalities. 

II. Environmental Protection 

Myth 1: A blown-in forest, which can be removed

The time when each blown-in tree or shrub was cut out is long gone and to interpret the word blown-on as pejorative is also not reasonable.  Moreover, tropical forests also consist of blown-in trees.  Compared to artificially planted vegetation, these blown-in species (whose seeds are naturally dispersed by the wind) are often more vital and resilient.  Among naturally-growing trees there also operates a natural selection – the weaker yield to the stronger.  A vital tree gradually overshadows the less developed specimen which eventually dies.

The opposite of a blown-in forest is a forest planted by man.  Today, we are moving away from planting monocultures, which often failed to match the local conditions and were very vulnerable to mass infestations.  Instead, these days, we tend to plant mixed stands corresponding to the original afforestation.  The composition of blown-in seedlings is often close to these conditions.

It is surprising that, in making light of the felling of trees in Klánovice Forest, one often hears references to the ‘blown-in’ forest for vegetation generated over the period 1938 - 1950, ie over 50 years, in other words for a practically mature forest.  If we were to agree with the argument that a blown-in forest is bad, then we should first aim our axes and saws at the primeaval forest in Boubín, which is a true ecotope, with natural rejuvenation by means of the blow-in method. 

Myth 2:  The Czech Association for Nature Conservation (ČSOP) supports the construction of the golf course

Yes, it is true that the investor has obtained a letter from a certain Mr Dušek from ČSOP, which he uses to defend his position and claims that it is the only official advice that he has received in the case.

The President of ČSOP, Mr Libor Ambrozek, has made the following statement to the media about this letter: "... I have noted with regret that the letter of Martin Dušek, sent two weeks before his departure as head of our office, was taken at his initiative, for which he had no authority.  Neither the elected body or local office staff were informed of his intent.  In addition, at their request last July, my predecessor Paul Pešout sent Golf Resort our negative view, which is obviously still in force .. "

Myth 3:  The felled forest can be compensated by planting another forest

This argument is sheer nonsense.  It would take decades before a new forest could grow.  Only then would it be possible to talk of compensation by a new stand of trees for a single 50-year-old Klánovice Forest tree.

In addition, the forest is a complex system which takes a very long time to take shape and stabilize.  By decreasing the size of the forest, the overall quality of the forest declines.  One large forest is more valuable and richer in plant species than two forests adding up to the same area.  Thanks to its size, Klánovice Forest is today virtually the only real and functional forest entity in Prague.  By targeting even a small core of the western half of the forest, the function of the whole western part of the forest is in danger of unraveling.  A relatively small change can have a dramatic impact on 50%.of the forest vegetation. 

Myth 4:  Making way for the greens is the same as regular logging

Yes, this is true.  Felling the area for the golf greens equals the amount of wood that is annually logged.  The essential difference is that logging is replaced by new trees which complement the age structure of the forest.  In the case of the golf courses, the felled trees would not be replaced by rejuvenation, but by the creation of empty spaces.  The woods would contain bare patches, which would break the forest into smaller parts.  Later, the forest would lack one generation of trees.  

Myth 5:  The EIA positively evaluates the effect of golfing on the environment

Experts on environmental law still argue as to how the document which the investor uses to defend his claims could have been issued.  Most agree that the project is invalid due to changes both of the plan and of the investor, as well as to the long period of time that has elapsed.  They recommend that it is necessary to request a new re-assessment. 

Myth 6:  The projected golf course is beneficial for the forest and does not pose a threat

Even if we overlook the felling of trees within a nature reserve and the European Natura 2000 continuous green zone sites, or how this may or may not be a positive thing for a nature reserve, there are still other serious issues related to the golf course project and its possible far-reaching and hardly predictable impacts.

One of them is the hydrological status of the forest.  Due to the underlying geological structure of the locality, the current tree cover holds water in irregular sandstone deposits on top of waterproof bottom layers and so acts as a vast reservoir.  This has been the unique feature of this forest for hundreds of years.  The result is an extraordinary diversity of plant species and generally high levels of groundwater.  The vegetation cover includes a small and precious wetland, whose protection is currently being prepared.  During the development of the countryside, the existing forests have become accustomed to the high level of available ground water.

The golf course, however, cannot be built on groundwaters.  The project relies on two new natural tanks. These will draw water from the whole area via a network of channels and an irrigation system will return it back to selected pathways, but not to the grown forest in between.  Sudden reduction of ground waters can have a drastic impact on all the surrounding vegetation.  If one adds the threat to isolated parts of the vegetation by strong winds and by the effect of fertilizers, used intensively in the maintenance of golf lawns and to which the forest has had no previous lengthy exposure, this is a very serious problem.

III. The golf course development project 

Myth 1:  The golf course will be an important impulse for tourism development

If the golf course is built in its current proposed reduced scope, it will only consist of 9 holes.  It will thus always be only a small course in comparison to the 27-hole course in Vinoř, the 18 existing holes in Mstětice or the 18-hole courses planned for Dolní Počernice and Černý Most.  All of these courses are in close vicinity to Klánovice and also have a more interesting growth potential.  The impact of the 9-hole golf course on local tourist development will thus be small.  In the event that the course should grow, we would need to become reconciled with the gradual disappearance of other large areas of the forest. At this time, this is something that is not planned and indeed nobody wishes.

In contrast, a forest which is unique to Prague in its size and is virtually its only real forest, has much greater potential to attract more appropriate tourism, the so-called ecotourism (walking, bikes, jogging, etc.), not requiring any mechanization or concentration of users needing to be brought in by large numbers of cars. 

Myth 2:  Only a few environmental activists and the Green Party are against the felling of the forest

This claim by the investor is another large myth and gross distortion.  The general public from the local area is against the felling.  Local residents from Klánovice and Úvaly have held petitions and their local representatives have supported these actions by council resolutions.  In June  2007, these groups were joined by the local council of Újezd.

In Klánovice, the Green Party took a significant role in the cause of the forest after the investor had penetrated the leadership of the ODS party to such an extent that, having previously held the seat, this party unpopularly gained only one vote on a newly elected council.  In Újezd on the other hand. ODS gained 60% of the vote in communal elections, after it had promised to preserve the forest at a pre-election meeting attended by the Prague Mayor, Pavel Bém and at other discussions held with local associations.

The opposition to the golf course spans all parties and strata of civil society.  With the exception of the Association of Golfers and a petition of golfers, local organisations of various interests – ranging from those focussing on the protection of nature and forests, leisure activities, sport, youth, mothers or local beautification societies to information groups such as Újezdský STROM - are all against the felling of the forest. 

Myth 3:  The activities to protect the forest are directed against golf

Again, a myth.  We are not against golfing as a sport, many of us are in fact golfers who like to play golf.  That is also why we would like to protect golf from being discredited as a sport by this action and being placed in direct conflict with environmental care - to let it deviate from its tradition to sensitively harmonise with the landscape.  Never before has there been a proposal for as much felling of trees in the name of golf, nor such a proposed large reduction of a unique protected natural heritage site.

I encourage all who are considering the issue to see Prague from the air.  From that height you can see that Klánovice Forest is the only true forest in the whole of Prague. This is also easily confirmed by walks in other forests, such as Milíčský, Kunratický or Modřanský Forest.  Compare the richness of vegetation or the extent of pest and weed infestations there - scourges, whose strength increases with the decreasing size and vitality of these forests.  Even small incursions into the core of the western part of Klánovice Forest introduce chemicals and machinery into the heart of the forest and endanger almost 50% of the entire amount and territory of the vegetation.  

The question is not of whether to say yes or no to golf.  We approve of golfing where it improves the landscape and regenerates fallow or previously neglected ground. The question is whether we are able to preserve the last true wooded area in Prague.  This is the only forest that we and our children have.  Golf courses in Prague, as you can see from an aircraft, are many. 

Myth 4:  There is a duly approved amendment to the regional plan and other decisions in support of constructing the golf course. We should respect these.

This mythical argument of a crystally-clear approval within the regional plan (RP), representing democratically discussed developments in the interest of localities, is often used. The facts are that changes to the RP were indeed approved - to include the areas of SO2 - in 1999.  But this RP is not in accordance with the Regional System of Ecological Stability (ÚSES) or with the land plan for implementing the functions of forests.  It is strange, therefore, how it could have been approved.

Interesting and striking is the fact that long before the adoption of the amendments

 to the RP, official acts requiring compliance with the RP were being discussed, but were not in accordance with RP:
17.10.1995        Prague City Council issued a decision on the location of a building

/zn.129202/95/OUR/S/Vo
10.12.1996        a request was made on the issue of a building permit (BP)
29.1.1997         request by the Construction Authority (CA) for a completed application
22.5.1997         request by builder for a deadline extension to complete the documentation  
6.1.1998           documenattion completed by the builder
31.12.1998        extended deadline
30.11.1998        return of documentation to the CA  
19.1.1999         application for the issue of BP stopped by building office

With the stopping of the building application even the validity of the original decision on the location of the building in 1995 ceases.

Besides the cited cessation of the building application, MHMP issued a decision for the purposes of building applications 30.3.1999 OŽP-VI-15843/99 and 1.4.1999 OŽP-VI-05476/99 in which it coincidentally notes the failure to fulfil certain conditions:

In terms of the forest
- of not planting replacements
- change to the course of the proposed cahannels as previously approved by the EIA
- not supplying the interest position of the Ministry of Agriculture

In terms of the protection of nature and countryside,

- project No MHMP-5476-OŽP/99

a) the proposal of the situated channels is not incompliance with previous proposals

b) does not encompass the recommendations of the EIA process

- the drainage project does not in any way evaluate the impact of the drainage paths directly into the streams on the surrounding forest ecosystems

With permanent drainage, there is a real risk of reducing the groundwater level (the impact on the surrounding forest used to certain hydrological characteristics for hundreds of years is discussed elsewhere).

These changes become evident only after a longer period and are then irreversible. They may endanger not only the relevant region, but the whole Klánovice Forest and the adjacent forest areas in Blatov.

Based on the above non-standard procedures, there is real concern that the 1999 change to the RP, allowing for the commercial use of the western part of Klánovice Forest, was rather a deliberate step towards completing the chain of very non-standard public administration operations in the post-revolution period, and not the ordinary, coherent conceptual proposal that the investor often makes out.

IV. Golf course operation

Myth 1:  The operation of golf does not disrupt the peace and quiet of the forest surroundings

This may have been true in times of the First Republic courses in Czechoslovakia: in Motol, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Líšnice.  Motoring was in its infancy and golf was the sport of gentlemen-sportsmen, who had a sensitivity to nature.  Today, the operation of golf is primarily a commercial matter and part of the entertainment business.  In order for a golf course to be profitable, it is necessary to bring approximately 150 to 200 cars to each tournament.  In order that the course can also be utilised at other times, amusement or thematic events for companies and groups of individuals are conducted in the grounds.  Already today we are witness to regular fireworks and loud party music in the woods.  But this is contrary to the needs of forest animals and of the protected forest.  

Myth 2:  The fight for the forest is only the internal affair of Klánovice

This is another myth. Help us disprove it!   Besides the widely supported petition in Klánovice, 1215 residents of Úval and 940 citizens of other adjacent areas also signed other petitions.

These petitions were additionally supported by Úval City Council and by the Organization of Czech Unions for Nature Conservation there. The petitions were handed to the Committee on Petitions of the Chamber of Deputies, to the Prague City Council and to the Ministry of Environment.

It is often not made clear that even the life of the village in which our association is based, the municipality of Újezd above the Forest, is significantly associated with the endangered territory.  An important part of the district of Újezd, especially the area lying west of the road linking the villages Koloděje and Klánovice, is the main area of access to the Klánovice Forest