Amateur shutterbugs invited to compete for prizes for best photographs taken on nation’s public lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior today announced the start of the 2013 “Share the Experience” contest, giving amateur photographers the chance to join the ranks of Ansel Adams, Thomas Moran, and others who have found recognition for their photographs of the nation’s public lands.

The “Share the Experience” photo contest showcases our nation’s public lands, including national parks, wildlife refuges, forests and recreation areas – and draws entries from all across the United States. It is the largest national park and public land photo contest for amateur photographers.

“Photography has the power to make the great outdoors accessible so that we all can see some of the most beautiful places in the world through the eyes of people like Ansel Adams,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “This is a fun competition that helps strengthen the connection between Americans and their public lands, and I look forward to seeing the submissions from across the country.”

This year, a new Let’s Move Outside! photo category will encourage families to explore the outdoors and lead active lifestyles. Let’s Move Outside! is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids.

The winning photograph will appear on the 2015 America the Beautiful pass for entrance to 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. All entries have the chance to be featured on the Interior Department’s popular Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Prizes provided by the National Park Foundation, Active Network, Air Wick and Historic Hotels of America include a $15,000 cash prize, a Columbia backpack, a pass to the national parks and other federal lands, and other items for the grand prize winner. Second and third place winners, as well as 7 Honorable Mention winners, will also receive prizes.

The “Share the Experience” begins May 10, 2013 and runs through December 31, 2013. Amateur photographers can participate by uploading photos on www.sharetheexperience.org.

“Share the Experience” is sponsored by Active Network, Air Wick, Historic Hotels of America and the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

To view the 2012 contest winners as wells as the contest rules and a complete list of prizes, please see www.sharetheexperience.org.

This editor will plan and acquire new and revision titles, both one-off books and series titles, that meet the company’s strategic and profit goals. Develops and recommends publishing plans using personal and carefully researched knowledge of the market. Works as each author’s primary point of contact with the company, and is responsible for communicating the vision of the books throughout the organization and updating the organization of substantive changes in the positioning and timing of a given title. And helps or guides authors through development of social media platforms.

Duties:

• Develops concepts for profitable books, series, and related products, negotiates author contracts, and draws up contracts for approximately twenty new and revised titles annually
• Participates in development of list-building, strategy and planning
• Presents product concepts to Executive Director of Editorial for feedback and comments, then if approved presents to Publishing Board, prepares cost estimates, participates in acquisition meetings •Locates and contacts well-credentialed authors for books within assigned category(/ categories) and uses experience and judgment to explore other subject areas, while keeping close contact with supervisor.
• Evaluates solicited and unsolicited proposals and manuscripts •Handles all issues pertaining to contract terms, submission quality, and deadlines
• Participates in discussions with sales and marketing and provides materials to support book sales estimates
• Creates a direction for a portion of the list and works with team members to achieve that direction
• Maintains book records in Title Management

Qualifications:

• Ability to acquire 25+ quality books per year within the outdoor recreation category
• Ability to plan a series list intelligently, efficiently, and profitably
• Superior author contract negotiating skills
• Must have a basic familiarity with HTML and web-based CMS software (WordPress/Drupal, etc)
• Understands and can guide authors on social media platforms
• Possess the desire to contribute content to imprint’s online media channels •Experience with outdoor recreation apps, GPS, or GPX software is a strong plus •Knowledge and experience in Adobe InDesign and (basic) Photoshop skills another strong plus
• Ability to create and adhere to budgets on a book-by-book basis
• Thorough knowledge of assigned book categories
• The ability to work collaboratively across department lines.
• 5+ years trade-book editorial experience
• Experience dealing with a broad range of authors, and agent contacts •Minimum of 5 years experience in trade publishing
• Book development skills and a demonstrated record of acquiring A -grade books.
• B.A. in English or Journalism preferred

To Apply: http://gpp.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-62825.html

Brent Frazee of Parkville, Mo., has been the outdoors editor for The Kansas City Star for 33 years. During that time, he has won more than 50 national, regional and state awards for his writing and photography. After graduating with honors from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, he started his career in 1974 with the Woodstock (Ill.) Daily Sentinel. From there, he moved on to the Racine (Wis.) Journal, where he was an assistant sports editor. There, he started his outdoor writing career. Frazee has been married to Jana, since 1973, and they have three adult children — Becky, Jenny and Scott. They live on a lake in a Kansas City suburb with their two best buds, their Labs Zoey and June.

Colleen Miniuk-Sperry is a full-time outdoor photographer and writer whose publication credits include National Geographic calendars, AAA Highroads, Mushing Magazine, Smith-Southwestern calendars, as well as Arizona Highways magazine, calendars and books and many other outlets. In late 2011, she co-authored and published the award-winning guidebook, “Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona’s Wildflowers.” A passionate educator and speaker, she serves as a photography instructor for Arizona Highway Photography Workshops, Becoming an Outdoor Woman, Through Each Others Eyes, various Arizona-based camera clubs, and private workshops. From 2007-09, she served as secretary on the Arizona Highways Photography Workshops Board of Directors.

Paul A. Smith has worked as an outdoors writer for daily newspapers in Wisconsin since 1994. He has also worked as a freelance writer and photographer for state, regional and national publications for 20 years. He is currently employed as outdoors editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a position he’s held since 2008. Smith holds a B.S. in biology, natural science and conservation from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., and studied journalism and photojournalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He has served as a director of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and is past president of the Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association.

In addition, three ballot measures were passed: (1) a change to the OWAA Bylaws, for the purpose of assuring compliance with Internal Revenue Code requirements for nonprofit tax-exempt public charities and to permit use of Madson fellowships as a membership recruiting tool; (2) a technical correction to the membership criteria change that was approved in 2012; (3) a OWAA Bylaws change to more clearly permit students to be Associate or Active Members, permit secondary students to be Student Members, and delete course of study requirements for all Student Members.

The Public Relations Associate will assist the Public Relations Coordinator and Production team in a variety of activities including: internet marketing, electronic communications including email blasts and e-newsletters, editorial development of IGFA periodicals and marketing events. The Associate will also assist in developing direct marketing campaigns.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field.
• Must have advanced writing skills on a professional level including editing and knowledge of sentence structure.
• Must be skilled in web maintenance and CMS.
• Must be familiar with computer programs utilized in publishing.
• Experience with graphic design preferred.
• Experience in internet based marketing preferred.
• Knowledge of fishing and aquatic environments preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Reports to: Development Director

Hours: 9 am – 5 p.m./Mon. – Fri. – Full time with benefit package (May require some evenings, weekends and travel)

How to Apply:

Send resume, references and related work experience to:

• Julia Shafer, Development Manager, International Game Fish Association, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004
• Or, submit by email to jshafer@igfa.org

Outdoors Unlimited needs you

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Dear OWAA Members:

I hope you enjoyed the most recent issue of Outdoors Unlimited. As you read through the magazine, you might notice that those bylines match listings in the OWAA Annual Directory. Outdoors Unlimited was created as a publication for members, by members.

And right now, OU needs you.

Contributing to OU is a great way to establish yourself among your peers, sharing your experiences and insights into effective communications.

I have some last-minute holes in the layout for the next issue, the June/July publication. And so I’ve extended the submission deadline. Would you have any time to put something together by May 1? Otherwise, the following publication’s deadline is June 5.

Ideally, the variety of craft improvement articles in each issue will appeal to all the OWAA sections:

• Magazine
• Newspaper
• TV/Video
• Radio/Audio
• Media relations (New!)

You might also consider contributing to topics such as: general writing/journalism, marketing, business, technology and general topics relevant to members.

EDITORIAL GUIDELINES:

• 800 words max, though less is totally fine, too.
• Photos and graphics, as well as audio and video clips are encouraged.
• Outdoors Unlimited follows AP style and your contribution may be edited accordingly.
• Complete editorial guidelines for OU can be found at: http://owaa.org/ou/about/editorial-guidelines.

I’d much appreciate an email from you if you are able to contribute to OU for the May 1 or June 5 deadlines. You can reach me at editor[at]owaa[dot]org. And I’d be more than happy to help you flush out an article topic if the above information doesn’t spark an idea.

Much appreciation,

Ashley

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Ashley Schroeder
Communications and Publications Director
Outdoor Writers Association of America
615 Oak St., Ste. 201, Missoula, MT 59802
406.728.7434 | (Fax) 406.728.7445
www.owaa.org and www.owaa.org/ou

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• Jonathan Small
• David Schneider

Proposed New Members

• Jeffrey Batula, 131 Broad Cove Dr., Concord, NH 03303. (H) 603-753-8118, (W) 978-884-1381, jeff.batula@mdlz.com. Monthly writer, Hawkeye magazine, monthly hunting and fishing magazine based in New Hampshire, covering New England states with a circulation of 50,000. (Alyssa) Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Bruce Cochran.
• Charles Burchfield, 327 S. Highland St., DuBois, PA 15801. (H) 814-371-6818, (W) 814-371-6818, (F) 814-371-6818, gwoutdoors@comcast.net. Outdoor writer and weekly columnist, The (DuBois) Courier-Express and the (Coudersport) Potter Leader-Enterprise. Has served on the staff of many outdoor publications and has been published regularly since 1980. In addition to newspapers, his work appears in a number of state and national publications. Life member and past president, POWA. Recipient of numerous writing and photography awards. Continues to work on projects and columns that highlight the outdoor lifestyle. (Cheryl) Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Kermit Henning.
• Paul Hoobyar, 2431 Olive St., Eugene, OR 97405. (H) 541-345-4854, (W) 541-345-4854, (F) 541-345-8599, www.watersheds.com, phoobyar@watersheds.com. Editor, Restoration newsletter at Oregon State University. Freelance writer. Owner, Watershed Initiatives LLC. Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Mark Freeman.
• Russell Schnitzer, 3674 S. Moore St., Lakewood, CO 80235. (H) 970-309-0285, www.schnitzerphoto.com, www.theflycollective.com, russ@schnitzerphoto.com. Regular contributor to Trout magazine, The Flyfish Journal, Drake, The Contemporary Sportsman. Columnist, The Contemporary Sportsman. Featured by Moldy Chum, This is Fly and SCALE Magazine. Commercial clients include Orvis, Patagonia, Brunton Group and Western Rivers Conservancy. (Kelly Conroy) Applying for Active Membership; sponsored by Chris Hunt.

Reinstated Members

• Tom Bryant, (Senior-Active Member) 421 De Beers Dr., Radium Springs, NM 88054. (H) 575-517-0413, lazytb@juno.com. Author of two books: “A Taste of Ranching” and “A Taste of Texas Ranching.” “Fifty Years Handling Horses” to be published in 2013.

Credentials Reviews

The following members have successfully passed the review of their member credentials:

• Bill Cochran
  
• Bill Dance
  
• Brent Frazee
  
• Tom Kacheroski
  
• Trey Reid
  
• Ronald Tussel

New Supporting Groups, Agencies and Businesses

• Pope and Young Club, P.O. Box 548, Chatfield, MN 55923. Contact: Kevin Hisey, executive secretary. (W) 507-867-4144, (F) 507-867-4144, admin@pope-young.org, www.pope-young.org. Nonprofit bowhunting organization supporting membership fraternity, fair chase ethics, the P&Y records program, the Museum of Bowhunting and the P&Y conservation program.

Deceased Members

• Fenton S. Roskelley

Sadler is a lifelong outdoorsman and has worked for years in both the conservation and outdoor recreation arenas. A former U.S. Navy Reserve officer and an avid angler and hunter, he lives in Verona, Va., in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Sadler replaces Robin Giner, who left OWAA at the end of 2012.

“OWAA is fortunate to find someone of Tom’s caliber to lead our organization into a demanding new era,” said Mark Taylor, OWAA president and outdoor writer for The Roanoke Times. “This era requires that we adapt to an ever-changing media landscape in order to best serve our existing membership and attract new members. Tom is more than equal to the task at hand.

“We had a number of excellent candidates, but Tom’s experience in the outdoor and conservation arenas — complemented by his vast professional network — best positions him to lead the OWAA,” continued Taylor. “I believe he will guide our group to new heights.”

Sadler owns and runs a consulting firm, The Middle River Group, where he focuses on advocating for outdoor recreation and conservation. He launched the company in 2008 after moving to Verona from Washington, D.C. Prior to that, Sadler was the director of program development for the Trust for Public Land. He also served as the conservation director for the Izaak Walton League of America and was president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

Sadler has worked as an outdoor columnist for the New Virginian in Waynesboro and writes about the outdoors and conservation on his blog, Dispatches from Middle River (middleriverdispatch.com). He also works occasionally as a fly-fishing guide for Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in Harrisonburg, Va.

Sadler serves on the boards of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association and the National Fisheries Friends Partnership. He also is a member of the steering committee of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, a National Fish Habitat Partnership.

“My passion for the outdoors and conservation are exceeded only by my desire to share those passions with others,” Sadler said. “OWAA members are the best communicators of those passions. To be able to help OWAA do more of that by growing the membership, increasing our supporter base and helping our members and supporters become successful is really an exciting opportunity.”

[box]Welcome Tom Sadler to OWAA by phone at 202-957-4748 or email at tsadler@owaa.org.[/box]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Featured:

6 … Apply yourself, Part two — by Natalie Bartley

7 … Point of View Cameras: Adding new angles to your story — by Kris Millgate

8 … Making it personal — by Ty Stockton

9 … Why give to a charity (like OWAA) — by Bill Powell

10 … Don’t forget the ‘Why?’ — by Brett Prettyman

Also in this month’s issue:
4 … Update from OWAA HQs
4 … Letters to the Editor
5 … President’s Message
11 … Departments
14 … Board Candidate Profiles
18 … 2013 Election Ballot Measures
20 … Board Meeting Minutes
22 … 2013 Conference Preview

And more!

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[box type="note" style="rounded" border="full"]ONLINE ONLY IN APRIL/MAY: The complete April Association Update, May Association Update (available in May), and recent Outdoor Market listings.[/box]

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2013 issue of Outdoors Unlimited (http://owaa.org/ou/april-may-2013).

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith five months between now and the 2013 OWAA conference in Lake Placid, I thought this might be a good time to help you figure out which pre and post-conference trips best fit your interests and available time. You have lots of choices. Jessica Pollett at OWAA headquarters, the Lake Placid CVB’s staff and I have compiled a list of more than 40 pre- and post-conference trips which you received via postal mail in March. We’ll add more trips until the conference begins, so keep checking OWAA’s conference website, www.owaa.org/2013conference, for additions.

FISHING

Most of the pre- and post-conference trips range from a half-day to two days and one night, short enough to fit into even the most time-crunched schedule. However, if you can’t tack even just an extra half-day onto your conference itinerary, you can still go fishing during the conference right from outside your hotel room in Mirror Lake, the 128-acre lake in the middle of town. Thanks to Steve Piatt, editor of New York Outdoor News, you’ll receive a profile of the lake in your welcome packet. In the meantime, let me tempt you with a few tidbits about this local fishery known for its rainbow trout.

Each spring, the state of New York stocks the lake with 1,300 yearling rainbows. A year ago, the state also put in about 60 1.5-pound to 4-pound landlocked salmon. In addition you might land a lake trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, sunfish or bullhead. Note: Motorboats are not allowed on Mirror Lake.

If you’re looking for lake trout, some of the other lakes within an hour of Lake Placid harboring these deep water dwellers include the lake called Lake Placid (on the edge of town), Taylor Pond, Tupper Lake and Upper Saranac Lake.

Walleye and northern pike are among the big prizes anglers commonly pull out of Adirondack waterways. Tupper Lake and the Saranac River between the villages of Saranac Lake and Bloomingdale are prime spots for hooking these toothy piscine. Big bass also prowl the weedy waters along this stretch of the Saranac River and throughout the Saranac Lake system.

For fly fishers, the two closest stretches of trophy trout water are on the West Branch Ausable River between the village of Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain and on the Saranac River near Redford, a small hamlet on Route 3 west of Plattsburgh.

BIRDING

The summit area of Whiteface Mountain is a known hotspot for seeing the endangered Bicknell’s thrush, and you don’t have to hike 4,000 vertical feet to get there! A toll road winds up the mountain starting in Wilmington, N.Y., about 10 miles from Lake Placid.

Bloomingdale Bog, another birding hotspot, has boreal chickadees and black-backed woodpeckers in its avian mix. Two local birding experts, Ed Kanze and Joan Collins (not the actress) are offering half-day trips to Bloomingdale Bog.

PADDLING

The Saint Regis Canoe Area is the only designated canoe area in New York that is managed for non-motorized, water-based recreational activities. Its 18,000 acres seem more water than land. The area is made up of many lakes, streams and ponds connected by short portages. The Adirondack Mountain Club is offering a day of pond-hopping in this paddler’s paradise.

A little further afield in the northern region of the park, Packbasket Adventures, named for the woven, open-topped backpacks used a century ago by Adirondack hunting and fishing guides, is hosting a day-long canoe paddle and return float down the legendary Oswegatchie River. Bring a camera for the wildlife, a bathing suit for a swim and a rod for the trout on this classic Adirondack outing.

CONSERVATION

Representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will host a number of trips to give you a first-hand, insider’s look at specific conservation initiatives in the Adirondack Park. If you’re curious how New York handles its historic sites, endangered and invasive species, trail building and relocations, and how it manages its extensive public lands, check out one of these trips.

HIKING/BACKPACKING

With 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, the Adirondack Park is hiker-heaven. Cascade Mountain, the easiest 4,000-footer, is only a few miles east of Lake Placid. It’s a steady 2.5-mile ascent to the top where you’ll ogle a 360-degree view that includes the Great Range, Whiteface and Lake Champlain. Back at the trailhead, soak your feet as you cast a line into Cascade Lake.

Mount Marcy is the marquee mountain in the region, the highest in New York and the source of the Hudson River. Marcy is a full-day, 12-mile commitment, as is the Great Range (Gothics, Armstrong, Upper Wolfjaw and Lower Wolfjaw mountains).

Hikers in the Adirondacks also enjoy trekking to one of the historic fire towers in the region. The closest one to Lake Placid is atop Hurricane Mountain, but it is closed. Instead, check out the towers atop Goodnow Mountain, Snowy Mountain and Blue Mountain, which are among my favorites. If you opt for Blue Mountain, spend a few hours after your hike at the Adirondack Museum across the road from the trailhead. The museum is a marvelous repository of Adirondack artifacts and historical information.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Carl Heilman II, who I personally consider the best landscape photographer in the Adirondacks, is offering two half-day photo excursions. If you’re seeking stock images of the Adirondacks, Carl will put in you in the right place at the right time.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

This is just a sampler of the many pre- and post-conference trips that we’ve lined up for your visit to Lake Placid.  To round out your Adirondack experience, don’t forget to include a visit to an Adirondack “Great Camp” (it doesn’t matter which one), listen to the loons while lounging lakeside in an authentic Adirondack chair, and sample a Udu ale from the Lake Placid brewery, named for the owner’s black lab.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Ashley Andrews (ashley@lakeplacid.com) or me (densmore1@aol.com) if you need a guide or some just some guidance as you plan your trip to Lake Placid.♦

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A former OWAA board member and an award-winning television producer, writer and photographer, Lisa Densmore is local chair of the 2013 OWAA conference in Lake Placid, N.Y. www.DensmoreDesigns.com.

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Six OWAA members are running for three seats on OWAA’s Board of Directors. All Active, Senior Active and Life members are encouraged to vote. 2013 is the second year of online voting for OWAA’s annual election. However, a paper ballot will be sent via postal mail to those few members that don’t have an email address listed in OWAA’s database. For the rest, an email with a link to the online ballot will be sent on April 1. All ballots must be received by May 1. Three elected candidates will begin serving three-year terms on OWAA’s board on Sept. 16, 2013. Results will be published in Outdoors Unlimited and on the OWAA website. Candidates are listed by lottery drawing. They were asked to submit a short biography and answers to the same four questions, which were drafted by OWAA’s Board Nominating Committee.

JACOB VANHOUTEN

• Residence: Michigan.
• Years of OWAA membership: 11.
• Conferences attended: Four.
• Committees: Education.

Jacob VanHouten is a freelance outdoor writer, photographer and biologist. Full-time college professor of environmental science and biology. Credits include Outdoor Guide Magazine; Michigan Outdoor News; Fur-Fish-Game; Woods-n-Water News; Quail Unlimited; North American Hunter. He resides in Midland, Mich., with his wife Christine and their three dogs.

1. Why are you running for the Board and what do you hope to achieve if elected?

I am running for the board because I am interested in contributing more to this organization. That is, more than being an active member. If elected, I would like to see OWAA grow in its role as a leading outdoor media organization and to utilize my experience as president, chairman of the board, and other board of director roles in other outdoor media organizations (Michigan Outdoor Writers Association; Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers) to enhance OWAA.

2. What do you think are the most important services OWAA offers to its members and how should we market those benefits to potential members?

Networking and “face-to-face” opportunities are what makes OWAA and other organizations such as this invaluable to members. This is especially true in this virtual age of social media. I believe it is even more important than ever to be able to have opportunities to meet in person for some “face time” with other members. The strength of any organization is its membership. If we lose contact with each other, we will no longer be a viable entity.

3. The annual conference is OWAA’s biggest outreach effort (networking, skill development, news-makers, story opportunities, etc.) yet many members rarely, if ever, attend. How do we turn conference into a “can’t miss” event?

OWAA has some of the best conference content of any organization I belong to. Without a doubt, news-maker events, “learn-it-do-it” workshops, networking, and “meet the editors” opportunities are essential to the working media. OWAA conferences provide the opportunity for members to experience some of the best hospitality in a wide variety of locales. Our conferences already exist as “can’t miss” events — why many members chose not to attend is known only to them. Once attended, one truly wonders how they got along without them. “The unknowing eye cannot see” — if you don’t come, you’ll never know. We can’t make anyone attend if they deem it too expensive, too far away, too long, too — anything. With limited travel budgets, time, etc., each member has to allocate resources and they should plan NOW to attend the next OWAA meeting — then you will truly “see” what you are missing. No sales job needed.

4. OWAA has lost a number of members in recent years who continue as outdoor communicators. What, if anything, should OWAA do to re-recruit those former members?

“Re-recruit” former members. I suggest one-on-one outreach by a member of OWAA either by phone, email, snail-mail, or personal meeting (best option). I also suggest we entertain the idea of “merging” with POMA (essential[ly] most of our “lost” members). Strength in numbers and we are competing for the same resource. Time to move past this and get together in one organization, bigger, stronger and more agile. ◊

BRENT FRAZEE

• Residence: Missouri
• Years of OWAA membership: 33
• Conferences attended: Nine
• Committees: Previously served on the Newspaper committee and the committee to revise the Excellence in Craft contests.

Brent Frazee of Parkville, Mo., has been the outdoors editor for The Kansas City Star for 33 years. During that time, he has won more than 50 national, regional and state awards for his writing and photography. After graduating with honors from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, he started his career in 1974 with the Woodstock (Ill.) Daily Sentinel. From there, he moved on to the Racine (Wis.) Journal, where he was an assistant sports editor. There, he started his outdoor writing career. Frazee has been married to Jana, since 1973, and they have three adult children — Becky, Jenny and Scott. They live on a lake in a Kansas City suburb with their two best buds, their Labs Zoey and June.

1. Why are you running for the Board and what do you hope to achieve if elected?

I feel that OWAA is at a crossroads right now. Membership is dropping, due to conflicts that have caused some members to drop out or go to other organizations, a reduced number of newspaper writers caused by layoffs, and a tightening market for freelance writers and photographers. I want to be part of the Board that helps OWAA look for solutions. I have benefitted greatly from OWAA over the years. Now it’s time to pay back.

2. What do you think are the most important services OWAA offers to its members and how should we market those benefits to potential members?

Over the years, OWAA has been an important resource for me in my career. Whether it be networking with other newspaper writers and editors, getting sources for stories or projects, or listening to craft improvement seminars at conferences, I have furthered my career because of OWAA. One thing we need to improve on is outreach. Members need to inform budding outdoors communicators of what we have and how it can help their careers. We cannot assume that everyone in our business knows what OWAA is all about.

3. The annual conference is OWAA’s biggest outreach effort (networking, skill development, news-makers, story opportunities, etc.) yet many members rarely, if ever, attend. How do we turn conference into a “can’t miss” event?

I was one of those inactive members when I first joined OWAA. I didn’t attend conferences because I didn’t see how it would help me. Besides, I couldn’t convince my employer, The Kansas City Star, that it was worth the money to send me. But when I attended the Kalispell, Mont., conference and I came back with a number of stories, attended craft-improvement seminars and compared challenges of the newspaper business with other writers, that changed. I’ve been coming back ever since, when schedules and finances permit. We absolutely need to make existing and potential members aware of how valuable these conferences are, through mailers, ads in national magazines or websites.

We also need to provide newsmakers for our conference that catch national attention and bring in a wide range of news media. Years ago, James Watt, the controversial Secretary of Interior, was our keynote speaker. National media made our conference “the place to be” and his appearance and speech generated many stories and broadcast items.

4. OWAA has lost a number of members in recent years who continue as outdoor communicators. What, if anything, should OWAA do to re-recruit those former members?

First, we should survey former members to see why they dropped out. Then we could address some of these concerns and see if there is a pattern. If so, we need to address those concerns. ◊

PAUL SMITH

• Residence: Wisconsin.
• Years of OWAA membership: 19.
• Conferences attended: Nine.
• Committees: 2013 newspaper section chair.

Paul Smith has worked as an outdoors writer for daily newspapers in Wisconsin since 1994. He has also worked as a freelance writer and photographer for state, regional and national publications for 20 years. He is currently employed as outdoors editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a position he’s held since 2008. Smith holds a B.S. in biology, natural science and conservation from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., and studied journalism and photojournalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He has served as a director of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and is past president of the Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association.

1. Why are you running for the Board and what do you hope to achieve if elected?

Membership in OWAA has had a great influence on my work in outdoor communications over the last 19 years. Through relationships with fellow members, attendance at workshops and conferences and links to sponsoring organizations, OWAA has helped open my eyes, horizons and doors. I fully realize the benefits I’ve enjoyed have come largely through the work of others. When I was asked to run for the board this year, it only seemed right to add my name to the list of candidates. If elected, I intend to share the experience I’ve gained over the last two decades and help OWAA navigate the challenging, rapidly-changing media environment.

2. What do you think are the most important services OWAA offers to its members and how should we market those benefits to potential members?

In my view, OWAA’s most valuable services are its access to a large and varied network of individuals and companies in the outdoor industry and its annual conference, a time to learn, debate and meet face-to-face with fellow communicators and prominent figures in the industry.

3. The annual conference is OWAA’s biggest outreach effort (networking, skill development, news-makers, story opportunities, etc.) yet many members rarely, if ever, attend. How do we turn conference into a “can’t miss” event?

While recognizing some members have never been inclined to attend, OWAA should continue its efforts to make annual conferences a quality blend of presentations, issues, craft improvement seminars, activities and introduction to new products. The conference site is obviously important to attendance; the organization should continue to select locations carefully. In addition, since cost is a primary factor that determines attendance for many members, the organization should help establish and link the membership to as many discounts for travel, lodging and meals as possible.

4. OWAA has lost a number of members in recent years who continue as outdoor communicators. What, if anything, should OWAA do to re-recruit those former members?

OWAA has earned a reputation as an inclusive organization with a wide range of membership in the outdoor industry. Though that may not be appealing to some former members, it is a primary factor in my continued OWAA membership. Our organization should continue to reach out to former and potential new members with the message that OWAA is the nation’s largest such group and one that sponsors open debate about issues. Case in point: The pro-con session on the Pebble Mine at the 2012 conference. In addition, OWAA should let potential members know about the services and platforms it offers to keep its members on the leading edge of technology and issues. ◊

RORY AIKENS

• Residence: Arizona.
• Years of OWAA membership: 12
• Conferences attended: Four.
• Committees: 2011-12 Finance committee.

Rory Aikens is an outdoor journalist who published his first outdoor article in the mid 60s while still in high school. He has been selling articles and photographs ever since. He has also dabbled in broadcasting.

Most recently, he spent 22 years as a public information officer for the Arizona Game and Fish Department before retiring in October 2012. He still writes a fishing column for the Arizona Wildlife Views magazine, along with feature articles. While with Game and Fish, Rory led the department’s efforts (including marketing) to enter the social media arena.

1. Why are you running for the Board and what do you hope to achieve if elected?

I have been writing and selling articles for almost half a century, so in a way I am old school, but as a modern communicator I greatly appreciate the opportunities afforded us via the Internet, blogs and social media. I think having a foot in both worlds will help me find ways to meet the needs of the old codgers like myself, while reaching out to the younger, more technically-savvy communicators as well.

2. What do you think are the most important services OWAA offers to its members and how should we market those benefits to potential members?

Certainly the continuing education and networking opportunities of the annual conference is a key. The outdoor market is crucial for freelance writers like myself. While I believe we should reach out and market aggressively via social media, we also need to enhance and explore ways of diversifying our continuing education and outdoor market efforts. As part of this, I think we need to link up with universities that offer communicating degrees and not just offer continuing education in cooperation with them, but also reach out to young communicators via these invaluable institutions.

3. The annual conference is OWAA’s biggest outreach effort (networking, skill development, news-makers, story opportunities, etc.) yet many members rarely, if ever, attend. How do we turn conference into a “can’t miss” event?

Personally, I love the conferences, but practically, it’s just tough getting to them. Maybe we ought to explore doing some teleconferencing, not just during the annual get-together, but quarterly. Once again, I believe we need to team up with universities to make such efforts not just relevant to our existing members, but for our potential members as well. We should also be asking our outdoor industry members to help. For instance, would the firearms manufacturers desire to link up with us for how best to inform the public about the real “truths” surrounding firearms and violence in our society.

4. OWAA has lost a number of members in recent years who continue as outdoor communicators. What, if anything, should OWAA do to re-recruit those former members?

Maybe we need to survey old members and possibly take the next step and conduct focus groups with former members. It’s not rocket science, just social science. However, we should also be asking similar questions of possible future members. Once again, universities might be the key.

Perhaps we should help organize and sponsor more regionalized approaches.

Having been a member of POMA as well, I know we have lost members to that organization. Why? Maybe we need to reach out to POMA to explore ways of teaming up in some ways to ensure both organizations stay relevant in today’s society, and better yet, do a good job of meeting the needs of professional and aspiring outdoor communicators.

All in all, there are no clear-cut answers. What we need is a multi-faceted, open-minded approach that explores how to best meet the needs of current, past and future members, while also considering the needs and opportunities within the outdoor industry itself. ◊

COLLEEN MINIUK-SPERRY

• Residence: Arizona
• Years of OWAA membership: Three
• Conferences attended: Two
• Committees: Bodie McDowell Scholarship (Chair and member); Craft Improvement (Chair and member); Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards contest.

Colleen Miniuk-Sperry is a full-time outdoor photographer and writer whose publication credits include National Geographic calendars, Arizona Highways magazine, calendars, and books, AAA Highroads, Mushing Magazine, Smith-Southwestern calendars, and many other outlets. In late 2011, she co-authored and published the award-winning guidebook, “Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona’s Wildflowers.” A passionate educator and speaker, she serves as a photography instructor for Arizona Highway Photography Workshops, Becoming an Outdoor Woman, Through Each Others Eyes, various Arizona-based camera clubs, and private workshops. From 2007-09, she served as secretary on the Arizona Highways Photography Workshops Board of Directors.

1. Why are you running for the Board and what do you hope to achieve if elected?

I wish to increase my commitment and give back to OWAA, as the members have facilitated such tremendous professional growth and opportunities for me. By bringing passion, a steadfast work ethic, and over 16 years of business experience — six as a full-time communicator — I can offer fresh ideas and energetic support to further implementation of OWAA’s strategic goals. Specifically, I hope to amplify marketing efforts to attract young, emerging talent by expanding collegiate chapters and established digital media communicators; improve the hands-on learning and networking opportunities at conference; and increase the chances to grow and connect outside of conference through online training offerings (e.g. videos, webinars) and an interactive support forum.

2. What do you think are the most important services OWAA offers to its members and how should we market those benefits to potential members?

Because of their impacts, I feel the annual conference, Outdoors Unlimited, and Outdoor Market listings are the most important services OWAA offers. An aggressive marketing blitz leveraging the power of social media — free and where our younger, digital media-based audience is — and the OWAA website can showcase how these services have helped our accomplished members in their endeavors. Consistently publishing written testimonials, public-service announcement video/audio clips, and member’s publications, achievements, and recognitions can raise awareness and excitement about what’s happening in OWAA. Put a face to this great organization and let our members’ accomplishments speak for themselves!

3. The annual conference is OWAA’s biggest outreach effort (networking, skill development, news-makers, story opportunities, etc.) yet many members rarely, if ever, attend. How do we turn conference into a “can’t miss” event?

Offer more interactive sessions so that participants not only leave with new knowledge and connections, but also something tangible — e.g. a website shell, a draft business plan, a polished query letter — that leads to even greater success for them after the event. Balance session topics between addressing current communicator challenges and introducing emerging, cutting-edge techniques and technologies to prepare members for the future. Make it logistically convenient and economical to attend, keep conference fees reasonably priced (while keeping OWAA in the red), and as an additional incentive, consider a waived or reduced conference fee for first-time attendees.

[Editor’s note: The Board approved the following in June 2010: First-time OWAA active and associate member conference attendees are eligible to apply half of their current-year dues toward that fee. And in recent years, students members are eligible to apply for a free student pass.]

4. OWAA has lost a number of members in recent years who continue as outdoor communicators. What, if anything, should OWAA do to re-recruit those former members?

Interviewing those who have decided OWAA isn’t for them would reveal a stronger understanding of how we could have better met their needs. However, the ideal way to prevent “former members” is to provide enough value to our current colleagues so that they don’t leave in the first place! If we keep a more consistent pulse on what’s working (and what isn’t) within the membership and offer indispensable solutions and opportunities to match those interests, OWAA can remain relevant in today’s changing environment and effectively retain — and attract — industry professionals. ◊

BILL PARKER

• Residence: Michigan
• Years of OWAA membership: Eight
• Conferences attended: Two.
• Committees: I have not served on an OWAA committee but have been in a leadership position (vice president/president/chairman of the board) with the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association for the past nine years and served on several committees within that illustrious group.

Bill Parker has worked in the newspaper industry for 33 years and has been an outdoors writer/photographer/editor for 26 years, both on staff and as a freelancer. For the past 13 years he has been employed by Outdoor News Publications as the editor of Michigan Outdoor News.

Bill lives in Lake Orion, Mich., with his wife Donna. They have two grown daughters, Jenelle and Kayle.

1. Why are you running for the Board and what do you hope to achieve if elected?

I’m running for a position on OWAA’s Board of Directors because I believe in OWAA and what it stands for and feel it’s my turn to give back to the organization. I’d like to assist OWAA with its mission to continue to improve the professional skills of its members, maintain high ethical standards and encourage public enjoyment and conservation of our natural resources.

2. What do you think are the most important services OWAA offers to its members and how should we market those benefits to potential members?

The annual conferences and the scholarships and fellowships are some of the most important services offered by OWAA. Marketing them to potential members is a challenge because with all the changes taking place in media today, that demographic of potential new members is changing.

That said, I think we need the support of all of our members to be spokespersons for OWAA. Most new members are introduced to OWAA through existing members. Therefore, we need to continue to educate our current members about these benefits so they can communicate that message to potential new members. Continuing and expanding the strong public relations within our organization and encouraging members to spread the word about OWAA to potential members is a big step in recruiting new members. This can be accomplished through OU, popular social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, and in person.

3. The annual conference is OWAA’s biggest outreach effort (networking, skill development, news-makers, story opportunities, etc.) yet many members rarely, if ever, attend. How do we turn conference into a “can’t miss” event?

The biggest single reason I hear from OWAA members for not attending our annual conferences is that they cannot afford the costs primarily travel expenses. Many members today are freelancers and do not have anyone to cover their travel expenses. If we could find a way to perhaps work with a travel agency to reduce those travel cost and suggest tips for reducing those costs to the membership, I think it would go a long way in creating a “can’t miss” atmosphere. I believe the conferences already are “can’t miss” events, but rising costs and diminishing revenue for many members are the prohibitive factors.

4. OWAA has lost a number of members in recent years who continue as outdoor communicators. What, if anything, should OWAA do to re-recruit those former members?

Despite the ease with which we can connect today — email, voicemail, Facebook, Twitter — in my experience the best method of contact is person-to-person, either in person or through a phone call. Contact should be made with lost members to understand why they left and, if possible, address those concerns directly. ◊

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BALLOT MEASURES

Editor’s note: At its 2012 winter meeting and electronic vote after, the Board of Directors approved the following proposed changes to the bylaws and criteria for membership for a vote in the May 1, 2013, Board of Directors Election. The ballot will include 2013 board candidates as well as the following proposed changes to the bylaws and criteria for membership. Active, Senior-Active and Life members should return ballots before the May 1 elections.

Bylaws proposed change No. 1

(related to the Madson Fellowship Fund)

The OWAA Board of Directors, by electronic vote in March 2013, proposes the following change to the OWAA Bylaws, for the purpose of assuring compliance with Internal Revenue Code requirements for non-profit tax-exempt public charities and to permit use of Madson fellowships as a membership recruiting tool.

Paragraph 13.7 of the OWAA bylaws shall be amended to read as follows:

“13.7 The Endowment Trustees shall manage the John Madson Fellowship Fund as a separate fund and shall annually determine the amount available from such fund for fellowships to be awarded to OWAA Members and others, including non-members, to attend the Goldenrod Writers Workshop, the Wildbranch Workshop in Outdoor, Natural History and Environmental Writing, the OWAA annual conference, or similar workshops or courses, with the recipients selected by a committee of recipients of the OWAA Jade of Chiefs award. No recipient shall receive more than the actual cost of attending the conference, workshop, or course. The Endowment Trustees shall have discretion to disburse annually for such fellowships between zero and five percent of the fund’s assets, and shall pay to the OWAA operating fund ten percent of each such disbursement to cover administrative costs, but otherwise all earnings, appreciation, and donations shall be accumulated.” ◊

2013 Criteria for Membership change No. 1

(technical correction to Criteria change approved in 2012)

The OWAA Board of Directors, by vote on Sept. 3, 2012, approved the following changes to the OWAA Criteria for Membership, subject to final approval by the members.

The OWAA Criteria for Membership shall be amended by making the following changes:

a. changing item 2 near the beginning to read: 

“2. You have published a book or worked on an income-producing film or any form of audio on outdoor-related topics in the past year.”

b. changing item F near the end to read:

“F. Broadcast Scriptwriter, Editor, Photographer, Director or Producer: Works on television or aired video or audio production in one of these capacities. Guest appearances do not qualify, but guest-hosting does apply.” ◊

2013 Bylaws Change No. 2 and Criteria for Membership change No. 2

(change to more clearly permit students to be Associate or Active Members, permit secondary students to be Student Members, and delete course of study requirements for all Student Members)

The OWAA Board of Directors, by electronic vote in March 2013, proposed the following changes to the bylaws, and approved the following changes to the OWAA Criteria for Membership, subject to final approval by the members. [Note: if approved, the Board will retain its current ability to set low dues for student members, and corresponding changes will be made in the applications for membership.]

a. Paragraph 3.1(a) of the OWAA bylaws shall be amended by changing the third paragraph, beginning “Student members” to read as follows:

“Student members are those who do not qualify or do not choose to enroll as Active or Associate Members and are enrolled in a course of study at the secondary or higher education level.”

b. Paragraph 3.5 of the OWAA bylaws shall be amended by changing the last sentence to read as follows:

“Student membership applications must be signed by a teacher or educational advisor for the applicant.”

c. The OWAA Criteria for Membership shall be revised as follows:

1. The sentence reading “A student enrolled at a college or university pursuing studies involving outdoors or communications qualifies as a Student Member” shall be replaced with the following:

“If you do not join as an Active or Associate Member and are enrolled in a course of study at the secondary or higher education level, you qualify as a Student Member.”

2. The sentence beginning “An applicant for Student Member status” shall be changed to read:

“An application for Student Member status must be signed by a teacher or educational advisor of the applicant.” ◊