OWAA

Joining the Marine Fish Conservation Network

December 18, 2016 By Tom Sadler

Only where love and need are one, And the work is play for mortal stakes, Is the deed ever really done, For Heaven and the future’s sakes. -Robert Frost

For those who have been following along with my recent move from running the Outdoor Writers Association of America to joining the Marine Fish Conservation Network the Network’s official announcement is posted below. To be paired with Mark Bauman in an announcement is a special honor. Mark as you will see below has an impressive background and I am excited to be working with him.

I have had the opportunity to work with the Network over the years and thrilled to now be part of the team. The way the Network goes about its policy work is important to me. The coalition building, the science-based policy development and the desire to see healthy oceans, productive fisheries and working waterfronts thrive has been the hallmark of the Network advocacy and education. The Network presents a measured and balanced approach. It is that approach the attracted me.

The economic impact of healthy oceans, productive fisheries and working waterfronts is an important component of our nation’s economy. The small businesses that depend on the sea and the people who live, work and play there are an important part of my life.

My mother’s side of the family came from Rhode Island and I still spend time there. I am fishing guide and board member of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association. Those parts of my life have helped me form a deep and abiding interest in seeing our marine resources well cared for now, and into the future.

The ocean, its resources and the people that live, work and play there deserves a strong voice and advocate when it comes to public policy. The Network is that voice.

Marine Fish Conservation Network Welcomes Tom Sadler, New Deputy Director, and Mark Bauman, Board of Directors Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2016
Contact: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

ARLINGTON, VA – The Marine Fish Conservation Network announced today the addition of two new members to its leadership team. Tom Sadler, outgoing executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA), will join the Network as the organization’s deputy director. Mark Bauman, senior vice president of Smithsonian Media, has become the newest member of the Network’s Board of Directors.

“The Network is excited to have Tom Sadler and Mark Bauman become part of the leadership team that helps steer our organization toward achieving healthier oceans and productive fisheries,” said Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Network.

Sadler has an extensive history of promoting fisheries conservation through advocacy and communication. In 2008, he started The Middle River Group to provide strategic and tactical public and government relations assistance on conservation issues, especially those related to fish, wildlife and natural resources. He has also served as conservation director for the Izaak Walton League of America and director of program development for the Trust for Public Land. Sadler most recently lead OWAA, the oldest and largest association of professional outdoor communicators in the United States.

“I’m excited to be getting back to my organizing and advocacy roots to push for greater conservation of our marine fisheries,” said Sadler. “I look forward to working with commercial and recreational fishermen, conservationists, and everyone who wants to ensure our fisheries are thriving well into the future.”

“Tom brings exceptional conservation experience, as well as an invaluable perspective, having worked closely with the conservation and outdoors community for most of his career,” Vandermark said. “He truly understands the needs of those who rely on our natural resources.”

Bauman is an award-winning entertainment executive with strong expertise in strategic communications across multiple platforms. In his current role, he oversees the commercial media of the Smithsonian Institution, including Smithsonian Magazine, Air and Space Magazine, Smithsonian Books and Smithsonian.com. Bauman has partnered with numerous conservation nonprofits on messaging for public environmental campaigns. He worked with Ban Ki-moon and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to produce the short film that convened the second round of Kyoto Climate Change talks. As part of the executive teams of both Smithsonian and National Geographic, Bauman has had a distinguish and successful career broadening audience reach and expanding organizational presence through digital, print and broadcast. He has earned numerous awards, including an Emmy, Cine Golden Eagles, and several film festival awards. Prior to his time at National Geographic, Bauman worked in television journalism for ABC covering news stories that spanned the globe.

“Marine conservation and the sustainable management of global fish stocks are critically important to the future of our planet,” said Bauman. “It is an honor to join this distinguished board.”

“Mark is an outstanding addition to our Board of Directors, and we are lucky to have his expertise in strategically and creatively communicating to diverse audiences throughout the country,” said Gerry Leape, chair of the Network’s Board of Directors. “We couldn’t be happier that he is joining our team.”

Link below:

Marine Fish Conservation Network Welcomes Tom Sadler, New Deputy Director, and Mark Bauman, Board of Directors Member

Midwinter Board Update

April 4, 2015 By Tom Sadler

From OWAA News

In January, when the Board met for the annual midwinter board meeting, I presented a report on the financial and operational status of the organization. Like previous reports, it focused primarily on the financial and membership aspects of OWAA operations. It is my pleasure to share that with you as well.

Even though 2014 saw some cash flow challenges, we are able to present a balanced budget for 2015. The key to our financial security continues to rest on the revenue side of our operations. We can’t “cut” our way to financial security; we need to “grow” our way there. As you will see below, we are making good progress.

Membership is up 10 percent as of December 2014 compared to May 2014 and Supporting Group affiliations are up 18 percent

Since the last board meeting the team at headquarters has been busy on a number of fronts, and here are some highlights of our efforts.

While the presentations were excellent, the attendance at Conference in McAllen, Texas, was a disappointment. There was a big lesson learned: No more conferences close to holidays.

When the U.S. Forest Service initiated a rulemaking on filming and commercial photography in wilderness areas we responded with press statements, columns in Outdoors Unlimited and blog posts. President Mark Freeman and I had telephone conversations and meetings with Forest Service leadership. We submitted written comments for the record. OWAA’ s efforts were acknowledged in USFS Chief Tidwell’s letter to the field clarifying the policy.

In order to help increase awareness of OWAA we sponsored the Press Room at the American Fly Fishing Trade Association’s International Fly Tackle Dealer show which is co-located with the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades show.

I joined the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) and had the pleasure of attending their 50th anniversary conference. It was a great opportunity to visit with past and present OWAA notables. Board member Tim Mead very graciously made my “green ribbon” experience quite enjoyable. Thank you,Tim.

We added the Ocean Conservancy as a new EIC Fishing Category Co-Sponsor thanks to the good works of Brandon Shuler.

Working with the Strategic Planning committee we implemented a revised Strategic Plan -See Strategic Plan 2014 Update 2.

Finally, as we move into 2015 we will be focusing on having a successful conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, and looking at ways to improve member and supporter communications.

As always, your comments and suggestions are most welcome. Call me directly at 406-552-4049 or email me.

Today’s Outdoor Media

February 13, 2015 By Tom Sadler

From OWAA News

The outdoor communication industry has a rich history of helping the America people see the outdoors even if they couldn’t get outside themselves.

Kids curled up with flashlights and sporting magazines under their bed covers. Adults read newspapers in leather chairs while smoking a pipe and enjoying a single malt.

Magazine articles, TV shows and outdoor columns in newspapers, transported Americans into the great outdoors.

Today, OWAA members keep that tradition alive while we, as our missions says, “set the highest ethical and communications standards.”

We bring adventure, great storytelling and entertainment into the homes of the public, but even more importantly, outdoor journalists continue to play a critical role in helping the American people see the value in the great outdoors while also calling attention to what threatens it.

The history of outdoor writers calling attention to bad land or wildlife management actions is legendary. Journalist can point out how, without public vigilance, their elected officials will sell that heritage to the highest bidder.

One of the more significant mission tenets of OWAA is “encourage public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources.”

Outdoor journalists show a simple equation; healthy habitat creates recreation opportunities. And recreation drives significant economic activity. That is a message that resonates in the halls of power and is strong medicine in fighting for the protection of our natural resources.

OWAA members are the voices that show the world the grandeur of America’s outdoor resources. They are the voices that share the stories — good and bad — of our waters and woods.

Land, fish and wildlife don’t have human voices, so we must be the voice to reach the American people. My job is making sure our members have the tools and opportunities to be a loud and effective voice.

OWAA is comprised of more than 800 individual outdoor communicators covering a broad spectrum of outdoor beats, from shooting to camping, fishing to kayaking and wildlife watching to backpacking. From these diverse backgrounds and disciplines, members gather beneath the OWAA banner to hone skills, share philosophies, develop profitable business strategies and network with peers, conservation policymakers and industry trendsetters.

Eighty-seven years ago the men who started OWAA thought the work they were doing as chroniclers of the great outdoors was important enough to found an organization to perpetuate the craft.

Today, access to public lands is shrinking, habitat loss is increasing and environmental issues complex. The work we do today as outdoor journalists is as important, perhaps even more so, then it was back then.

Early-bird conference registration Ends March 31

March 29, 2014 By Tom Sadler

FROM OWAA NEWS

Register online or download the registration form to send in by mail.

Back in Texas for the first time in 50 years, the McAllen conference is shaping up to an event to remember. Take advantage of outstanding networking opportunities, as well as ways to enhance your skills and build your business.

Networking – In the age of social media, new media, tweets and posts, nothing still beats face-to-face time. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with some of the best in outdoor media and industry and make the connections that really matter.

Editors Meet & Greet – First, in a Q-and-A session, hear what editors are looking for in submissions and get the inside edge. Along with questions, bring your writing samples, photo portfolios and story ideas for a meet-and-greet following the Q-and-A. Editors from local and national magazines will help you sell you conference stories and more.

Test the latest gear and find the right contact for your product questions. Outdoor gear doesn’t belong on a table! At Demo Day we encourage all of our gear manufacturers to get you using the newest technology and products. See how it works and feels – practice your cast or take a quiet paddle around Town Lake.

Pull the trigger – Join our firearms manufacturers at the Lozano Shooting Range on Sunday for a morning of shooting product demos.

Don’t just hear the discussion, be a part of it at our newsmaker luncheon! Find the table most interesting to you and enjoy some lively conversation with your meal.

Experience the unique charm of South Texas – A welcome dinner hosted by the McAllen Convention and Visitors Bureau will be at Quinta Mazatlan, an historical Adobe mansion converted into a World Birding Center facility with trail and interpretive programs.

We are always looking for ways to make conference as affordable as possible and help new communicators break into the biz – OWAA offers a $75 discount on conference registration to first-time member attendees.

Relax after a long day of sessions at the hospitality suites Friday and Saturday night as outdoor groups, agencies and businesses host attendees for some late night fun and informal conversation.

We already have some great sponsors on board to help make the conference a success, including McAllen CVB, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., American Fly Fishing Trade Association, Outdoor Hub, Bushnell, Safari Club International, Hunt’s Photo and Video, and Izaak Walton League of America. More opportunities are still available for companies looking to increase their exposure and help support this important industry event.

Register today!