TOWA Port Arthur Conference Makes Stand For “The Next Generation”

TOWA Port Arthur Conference Makes Stand For Next Generation

The Texas Outdoor Writers Association (TOWA) held its annual conference last weekend in Port Arthur.

The theme of the weekend was “The Next Generation” and that indeed was the focus of the event.

Newly elected President Jeff Lichon said inspiring the next generation of TOWA members is the key to the future of the organization.

“We’re excited to work with longtime members, inspire new ones to join us and maintain the membership’s strong history of promoting the North American Model of Conservation in their respective crafts.”

A big part of this is the annual Bob Hood Scholarship.

Hood was a dedicated member of the group whose legacy not only lives on through his writings but also helping wildlife-centric students get their education.

This year’s recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Ashley Marie Ridlon, a graduate student at Texas A&M, seeking a doctorate in veterinary medicine.

Already an active conservationist, she has done everything from research on Eider ducks to working with rehabilitating Texas native tortoises.

Natalie Wolff of Texas Brigades spoke with members about a project that will link the teenage Brigades cadets and their required writing assignments with TOWA.

Several members agreed to make presentations at the nine summer camps.

Site host the Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau, showed attendees why their branded “Visit Port Arthur” slogan is a must-do for outdoors lovers.

A tour of Sea Rim State Park and the Museum of the Gulf Coast gave a taste of recreational opportunities available.

A presentation from the S.A.L.T. Club showed why the area and its crown jewel Sabine Lake offer some of the best inland sport fishing on the Texas Coast.

“Port Arthur has been great to us and we were happy to return for the conference. We had a great time and everyone here treated us wonderfully,” said TOWA’s conference organizer and board member Herman Brune.

Saturday saw media from throughout the state recognized in the annual Excellence in Craft competition with $200 for each first place win sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation along with certificates for second place and honorable mention.

The person winning the most awards, Chester Moore, won a Mossberg 6.5 PRC rifle.

In addition to Lichon’s nomination, Jon Brauchle was elected as secretary and Don Discoe as treasurer at the Sunday member meeting.

Special focus was put on bringing the organization into a place where new and veteran members can work together for the common cause of outdoors communication and wildlife conservation.

TOWA will issue a news release in the coming weeks about special happenings that will strengthen the call to reach “the next generation”.

For more information on the Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association click here.