INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
The NORTHWEST OUTDOOR WRITERS ASSOCIATION (NOWA) is a society of professional outdoor communicators — magazine and newspaper writers, book authors, editors, photographers, radio and television broadcasters, videographers, illustrators, and artists—dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in outdoor journalism. We represent a broad geographical area of the northwestern United States and Canada covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and Northwest Territories. Our subjects of interest include fishing, hunting, boating, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and all other activities that focus on enjoyment of the outdoors. In addition, our members are increasingly involved in environmental issues and the preservation of wildlife habitat and wilderness areas.
HISTORY
NOWA was organized in November, 1973, by Fred Goetz, Don Holm, and Joe Van Wormer of the Portland area; Howard Gray, Enos Bradner, Harvey Brown and Mildred Ericson of the Seattle area; Ed Park of Bend; and Ray Stose of Salem. The first organizational meeting came as the result of discussions among interested members at several conventions of the OUTDOOR WRITERS OF AMERICAN ASSOCIATION (OWAA). After initial formation, charter membership in NOWA remained open until January, 1975. Don Holm, outdoor editor of THE OREGONIAN was elected as NOWA’s first president and served two terms. He was succeeded by Fred Goetz in 1975.
Founding Members (from left, back row): Mildred Ericson, Don Holm, Enos Bradner, Howard Gray, Joe Van Wormer, (front row): Harvey Brown, Ray Stose, Fred Goetz, and Ed Park.
MEMBERSHIP
NOWA’s annual average membership is approximately 100 Active, Associate, Apprentice, Active Retired, Charter and Supporting members. Individual members represent nearly every major publication in the Northwest, and many are affiliated with the OUTDOOR WRITERS OF AMERICA (OWAA) and OUTDOOR WRITERS OF CANADA (OWC), including past and present national office holders. However, NOWA is a completely separate entity whose members are specifically oriented toward outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.
GOALS
– Further the improvement and ethical development of professional communication skills.
– Provide a network of professional assistance and support for all members.
– Keep members informed of news and information pertinent to outdoor activities and industries.
– Support the conservation of natural and recreational resources of the Pacific Northwest.
ACTIVITIES
– Publication of the NOWA Newsletter and an annual Membership Directory.
– Organization of an annual Excellence in Craft Contest to reward and showcase the work of NOWA members.
– Presentation of Craft Improvement Seminars during an Annual Meeting.
– Scheduling of outdoor educational and public relations events.
– Organization of outdoor rendezvous and trips to various locations around the Northwest
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PAST CONFERENCE SITES
1973-97 Seattle, WA
1998 Spokane, WA
1999 Wenatchee, WA
2000 Flying M Ranch OR
2001 Kalispell, MT
2002 Boise, ID
2003 Nanaimo, BC
2004 Clarkston, WA
2005 Medford, OR
2006 Whitefish, MT
2007 Kennewick, WA
2008 Salem, OR
2009 Lewiston, ID
2010 Seeley Lake, ID
2011 Bellingham, WA
2012 Bend, OR
2103 Wallace, ID
2014 Polson, MT
2015 Richland, WA
2016 Diamond Lake, OR
2017 Sandpoint, ID
2018 Choteau, MT
2019 Wenatchee, WA
2020-23 DID NOT OCCUR
2024 Clarkston, WA
2025 The Dalles, OR
FROM OUR FOUNDING FATHERS
One of the first drafts of the new organization’s constitution. Notice the name of the new organization.
First draft of Bill of Charter (front and back).
Charter and Constitution Draft 2. Notice the pronunciation of the new organization.
Letter from Fred Goetz to first NOWA president to be Don Holm on where to hold the new NOWA’s organizational meeting where the photo above was taken.
First NOWA president Don Holm’s name badge.
Last call for charter membership.
“Nasty” letter to first NOWA president Don Holm.
