Thirty of the top outdoor communicators in NYS to visit Oswego County, sample what the area has to offer
By Tom and Jerry Caraccioli
Since 1967 the New York State Outdoor Writers Association has been working at calling attention to the wonders of the outdoors in the Empire State.
The NYSOWA is a professional organization of writers, editors, wildlife artists, photographers, broadcasters, lecturers and others dedicated to increasing public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the outdoors.
On May 30 to June 2, the NYSOWA and its members will gather in Oswego for the organization’s annual spring conference.
The conference will be headquartered at the Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront in Oswego and welcome 25 to 35 NYSOWA guests to the Port City from all reaches of the state, including Western New York, Central New York, the Southern Tier, Catskill and Capitol District regions, Downstate/Long Island and North Country.
Working with Dan Breitweg, Oswego County deputy director of community development, tourism and planning, NYSOWA’s annual conference will not only feature discussions on the current status of the outdoor industry in New York state. The gathering also affords opportunities to network, learn from and become friends with top outdoor communicators and industry professionals, as well as share in outdoor activities and experiences germane to the local area of Oswego and the county.
Plans also include securing guides and experienced locals to take the attendees fishing on Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake and the Salmon River; turkey hunting for the last day of the spring turkey hunting season (May 31); kayaking and hiking; visiting local Department of Environmental Conservation fish hatcheries in Altmar and Constantia; a boat ride tour of the Oswego Harbor lighthouse, along with visiting other local museums and attractions.
The NYSOWA is comprised of 97 full-time members and 37 supporting members. The organization advocates the use and enjoyment of natural resources, with the primary purpose of improving knowledge, skill and communication among its members to better tell the many stories of outdoor lifestyle opportunities in New York state.
“Our ranks feature the top outdoor communicators in the state,” said Dave Figura, retired outdoors writer for The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and vice presidents of NYSOWA.
“Our members stay on top of outdoor highlights and trends in articles, columns, blogs, photographs and other media platforms in newspapers, magazines and online outlets.”
In addition, along with outdoor activities, the annual conference offers craft improvement workshops, as well as seminars in such areas as writing, photography and social media.
Other plans for the conference include a panel discussion with a state DEC representative and Joe Heath, the corporation council for the Onondaga Indian Nation on the topic of “Native American hunting and fishing rights;” an update and overview of the proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary and a presentation by the Oneida Lake Association about waterway issues and concerns.
“During my 14 years as outdoors writer for The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and NYup.com, I had the opportunity to report on the impressive and wide variety of the year-round, outdoor activities in Oswego County — from Salmon River, to Lake Ontario to Oneida Lake, to Winona Forest to Derby Hill to Tug Hill,” Figura said. “I organized a NYSOWA Spring Safari for the writers in 2018, during which they got a sampling of the county’s offerings. The feedback I got from members afterward was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.”
The annual festivities are highlighted with a banquet that includes the presentation of the NYSOWA Excellence in Craft awards and the recognition of other organization members and sponsors with annual and lifetime achievement awards.
The banquet also includes naming the recipient of the NYSOWA Bob McNitt Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a course of study related to journalism, outdoors or the environment. The Melody Tennity Becoming an Outdoors Woman Scholarship also will be awarded. This $350 scholarship is given annually to a female member of the NYSOWA, a spouse or a female family member. Finally, the NYSOWA awards two $350 scholarships each year to deserving teens for a week-long, DEC-hosted summer camp. Currently, there are four DEC summer camps across the state.
Becoming a member of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association requires a $50 annual fee for active participants, $25 per year for apprentice members and $15 per year for student memberships. Minimum professional criteria require receiving compensation for work prepared and published for newspapers, magazines, lectures, photography, books, radio, television, editing or other accepted media formats.
