The Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) is a non-profit professional volunteer organization of outdoor communicators from California and surrounding western states. The organization began with a strong core of avid anglers and/or hunters, and has grown to include those who communicate about boating, camping, hiking, wildlife, biking, travel and other outdoor activities. OWAC members have a total audience of 20 million readers, listeners and viewers in the largest outdoor market in America.

Since 1986, OWAC has and continues to have the following objectives:

- To provide forums where craft professionals from throughout the state can exchange ideas, experiences and information.
- To highlight craft improvement and excellence of its members.
- To focus public attention on the field of conservation.
- To become aware of and participate in outdoor activities available throughout the state.
- To provide a liaison with the outdoor industry.

To accomplish these objectives, OWAC has developed several methods:

- A professional newsletter with media trips tips and tools for outdoor journalist and promotional opportunities for supporting members.
- Fantastic spring and fall conferences at locations throughout the state.
- Craft improvement programs at conferences.
- An awards program to recognize excellence in the craft of outdoor communications.
- A conservation award to honor a non-member as the Outdoor Californian of the Year and to
Ongoing networking opportunities for Supporting Members of the outdoor industry to connect and promote themselves with members.

OWAC continues to expand its horizons in the form of scholarships or other recognition to young students who wish to pursue a career in the outdoors writing field. In 1998 OWAC instituted a new Outdoor Outreach program to consider organizations and projects or causes for donations of OWAC funds to serve the outdoor community and the youth projects in the State of California.

OWAC is an organization for all outdoor craft professionals in California and Western States, regardless of their respective interests or places of residence. That is reflected by having spring and fall conferences in different locations across the state. The OWAC awards program is based on excellence only, not by subject.

Tourism and Outdoor Industry Professionals

OWAC encourages all tourism professionals: CVB's, tour operators, destinations, public relations and rep agencies, manufacturers, retail and nonprofit agencies to join OWAC for low cost regional promotional opportunities.

OWAC now consists of newspaper writers, magazine writers, freelance writers, book authors, radio broadcasters, video producers, editors, photographers, artists, lecturers and information officers. As a collective organization, OWAC reaches an audience of 20 million readers, listeners and viewers in the largest outdoor market in America.

Join today: OutdoorWriters Association of California - travel writers, photographers, tourism professionals and outdoor industry

Upcoming Outdoor Writers Conferences in CA

Yosemite - Tenaya Lodge: June 6 -8, 2004
Mono County/ Mammoth: September 26- 28, 2004
Sonoma County Wine Country: May 29 - 31, 2005
Seeking hosts - future fall and spring conferences. Contact Tim Warren

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