MISSOULA, Mont.- The Outdoor Writers Association of America, in cooperation with the family of former Executive Director Sylvia Bashline, has established the Sylvia and Jim Bashline Writers Fund. The Fund honors the memory of Sylvia and Jim Bashline and is intended to recognize their great contributions to OWAA and the outdoor communication industry. The Fund will support Sylvia and Jim's commitment to excellence in outdoor communications and OWAA's role in fostering excellence through educational opportunities for members.

The Endowment Trustees can disperse up to 5 percent of the Fund annually. Disbursements may support OWAA workshops and annual conferences, as well as the association's operations and general budget, including publication costs, and staff salaries and training.

"One thing I recall that makes me really like this idea is that I was present when the board endorsed the plan to first establish the Restricted Endowment Fund, pushed hardest by Lonnie Williamson as president and board chairman," said OWAA Legal Counsel Bill Powell during conversations that led to the establishment of the fund.

"Sylvia turned to Lonnie after the vote and said, 'Lonnie, this is going to be your legacy for OWAA.' She said it with obvious personal admiration and personal commitment to the concept. This plan would allow her to have her own name and Jim's associated with that same concept."

Contributions to the Sylvia and Jim Bashline Writers Fund may be made online atwww.owaa.org/store/voluntary-contributions/, or by sending a check or money order, payable to OWAA, 615 Oak St., Suite 201, Missoula, MT 59801.
OWAA is The Voice of the Outdoors®. The Outdoor Writers Association of America is the oldest and largest association of professional outdoor communicators in the United States. It was organized in 1927 by members of the Izaak Walton League of America and includes professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. OWAA's professionals include writers, photographers, outdoors radio- and television-show hosts, book authors, videographers, lecturers and artists. The association is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For more information, contact Robin Giner, executive director, Outdoor Writers Association of America, 615 Oak St., Ste. 201, Missoula, Mont. 59801; 406-728-7434,rginer@owaa.org; www.owaa.org.