RMOWP Remains True to its Roots

Formed in 1973 to improve and expand the quality and variety of communication on outdoor recreation and natural resources of the Rocky Mountain region, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers (RMOWP) offers its members:

• opportunities for craft improvement
• information exchange
• avenues of contact with editors, publishers, producers, broadcasters, and others interested in outdoor recreation

A 501 (c) (6) non-profit corporation registered with the Internal Revenue Service, RMOWP was the inspiration of Joe McKenna, a veteran sport-show organizer and outdoor enthusiast, then living in Denver. A member of Outdoor Writers Association of America, McKenna felt there was a need for a regional organization with more opportunity for personal contacts and interactions between writers and photographers in the area. He also knew of the existence of several smaller organizations of outdoor writers and photographers, in particular the New Mexico Outdoor Writers and Photographers, which had been formed in 1969 and had about 40 to 50 members.

Joe McKenna Had The Vision, The Rest is History!

McKenna invited members of those two existing groups plus others involved in outdoor writing and photography to an organizational meeting in Denver in September, 1973. About 20 people from four states - Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Idaho - attended and decided to form RMOWP, electing McKenna president, Fred Patton of New Mexico vice-president, and Aleatha Scholar, also from New Mexico, secretary/treasurer.

By the time of the organization's first annual conference - at Glenwood Springs, Colorado in August of 1974 - RMOWP had about 70 members. More recently, membership has been averaging 100 to 125.

Over the years the annual conferences have been held in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana. The most - ten - have taken place in Colorado, including a return to Glenwood Springs in 1998 to celebrate the organization's 25th anniversary.

The first auction - primarily books and photo prints donated by members - was held in Flagstaff at the 1983 conference, and was a roaring success. The auction has become a much-anticipated annual event, and raises money for a scholarship, begun in 1992, for one or two individuals interested in pursuing careers in outdoor writing and/or photography.

RMOWP's Photo Workshop a Nationally Drawing Event

Begun in Carlsbad, NM in 1994, RMOWP's annual Photo Workshop offers an outstanding opportunity for people wishing to improve their skills in scenic and wildlife photography. It is now held in the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park, at Estes Park, Colorado, where vivid scenery and abundant wildlife provide memorable photographic opportunities. Award-winning pros conduct daily forays into the park where they reveal their secrets for obtaining exciting photos under all conditions.

RMOWP's Conferences Are More Than A Gathering

Reminiscences from those attending early conferences include statements such as "water-oriented workshops on the Colorado River," "a fun lunch in the sun," "spectacular view of Lake Powell, with its shoreline of moonscapes," "Floatin' down the Platte on a sunny afternoon with bald eagles in the trees beside the river," and "a photogenic cougar at Living Desert State Park."

Seeing the sights - or perhaps we should say researching the local area for writing and photography opportunities - has always been an important part of the conferences, and field trips with local experts to little-known areas have often been arranged. There are always workshops of some kind - talks by editors on how to get published, getting the information you need quickly and easily, how to think like an elk to get perfect wildlife photos, and tips on using the latest digital camera or computer software.

From Beginner to Pro, RMOWP is THE Place to Grow!

From its inception, RMOWP has combined professional improvement workshops and field trips with social activities, and the resulting interaction among members has resulted in a great deal of informal mentoring and swapping of how-to tips. Some members have received paying assignments from these contacts, while novices have made the move to jump into the somewhat scary world of freelancing after receiving encouragement from more experienced members. Our bi-monthly newsletter, Rocky Mountain Outdoors, keeps members informed of upcoming events and other items of general interest. RMOWP takes pride in helping beginners gain the skills needed to join the outdoor communications fraternity.