The Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) is a non-profit organization comprised of outdoor communicators, including: writers, photographers, editors, cartoonists for print and, Internet, as well video, lecturers and public relations specialists, radio and television broadcast journalists with passions for communicating about the outdoors.
MOWA’s members communicate on various outdoor subjects including: hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, backpacking, the environment, education, trapping, travel, humor, natural resources, conservation, travel, ecology, bird watching, boating, canoeing and many other outdoor related subjects.
The bylaws and principles of the organization include a pledge to support the preservation and conservation of the state’s natural resources and the practice of good sportsmanship in outdoor recreation. MOWA recognizes organizations and individuals who uphold these principles and, from time to time, presents a Clean Waters Award to an organization or individual for outstanding accomplishments in preserving, protecting and enhancing the waters of the State of Michigan.
MOWA provides members with a prestigious craft improvement completion every year that are named after MOWA icons of the past and awards members bragging rights for their great work in all venues of outdoor communication. MOWA also has honorary awards such as the MOWA Dave Richey Communicator of the Year award that signifies great impact in outdoor communication and the Gene Little Papa Bear award for lifetime achievement in the organization. MOWA has also just launched The Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame to recognize those lifetime achievements of those who have made real impact in the outdoors.
Another effort of MOWA is to provide the public with Memorial Markers of people, places and events that have been significant to the state’s outdoor heritage.